Heading into the Euganian Hills of the Veneto region, one might find a charming restaurant, a winery or a quiet bicycle path.
About 12 kilometers from Padova and four kilometers from Abano Terme, set in the town of Teolo, is another breathtaking find: Abbazia di Praglia, or the Praglia Abbey. The abbey is a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the late 11th century. Visitors are welcome to take a tour, attend mass, sit and reflect, peruse the gift shop for a memento -- or all of the above.
According to literature distributed on site, the monastery dates to 1080 but was destroyed and rebuilt several times in the 15th and 16th centuries. Only the bell tower remains as the original medieval structure on the property. The abbey is a remarkable work of art with its late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, but is considered first and foremost "a house of God."
The property is home to "a community of men who share the search of God in the path traced by the rule of Saint Benedict," according to the website, www.praglia.it. The long history of the community includes suppression by Napoleon's military occupation in 1810 and the House of Savoy in 1867. Today, there are about 45 Benedictine monks in the abbey that also houses the National Library. The monks are known for expert book restoration skills, and they cultivate plants to make cosmetics, herbs and wine--not to mention the beehives they keep to make honey products.
Coming from Caserma Ederle, the easiest way to get to the abbey is probably via the A4 (autostrade) Milano-Venezia. Get off at the Grisignano exit, and proceed toward Montegalda, Cervarese and Montemerlo. If you have a GPS, submit the address via Abbazia di Praglia, 16 -- 35037 Teolo, and it should take you directly to the winding road that leads past the vineyard and to the parking lot. Parking is free, and it's an easy walk to where the tour awaits.
Tours are provided with a donation to the monastery, which assists with property maintenance. Pick up a brochure in your preferred language -- Italian, German, French or English -- and deposit your donation into the box. Wait in the lobby and a tour guide will come to pick up those gathered there when it's time for the next tour. Hours for tours are as follows:
Summertime
Weekdays-- 3:30, 4:10, 4:50 and 5:30 p.m.; Sundays and holidays-- 3:30, 4, 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m.
Wintertime
Weekdays--2:30, 3:10, 3:50 and 4:30 p.m.; Sundays and holidays --2:30, 3, 3:30, 4 and 4:30 p.m.
Closed every Monday and certain religious holidays (check the website)
The 40-minute tour begins in the rustic cloister and moves to the vaulted cloister, botanical cloister, monumental refectory, chapter room and 17th century Loggetta Belvedere, a loggia where visitors can admire the landscape and the monastery's rural area that showcases the vineyard, garden and orchard. Be warned, however: tours are only available in Italian. It is still worth it, though, as walking through with the group is the only way you are allowed inside. Read about the abbey ahead of time and follow along with your brochure; you'll still enjoy yourself and have the opportunity to take some beautiful photographs for your photo album or scrapbook.
After the tour, don't forget to linger in the gift shop where you will find products made by the monks such as balsamic or acacia honey, honey candy, hand cream, foot cream, soap, various types of tea, and several selections of red and white wines. On the grounds is also a church, the Basilica dell' Assunta, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. The foundation dates back to 1490, and ancient frescoes and other artistry adorn the inside.
For those who want more than a day trip and are in need of a spiritual retreat, the monastery welcomes people who "intend to spend a period of prayer and meditation with the monastic community," according to the website. The chance to take part of the monastic life in that manner is available with coordination. For more information, email foresteria@praglia.it or call +39 049 999 9300 or +39 049 999 9322.
Sunday Eucharist times are 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m. for the monastic mass; and 5 p.m.
So head for the hills, find the abbey and slow down for a morning or an afternoon. This is one excursion that doesn't need to be rushed, and you may just find yourself in a beautiful state of relaxation as you leave to forage dinner at a local pizzeria.
Praglia Abbey is just one of several medieval abbeys to visit in Padova area. To learn about others, go to www.padovamedievale.it.
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