Overview
Immerse yourself in the elegance and historical grandeur of Castello del Catajo, an ancient residence that will amaze you with its eclectic architectural styles and rich interiors. A few kilometres from the thermal baths of Abano and Montegrotto, at the foot of the Euganean Hills, the majestic presence of the Castello del Catajo dominates the surrounding area. The building, reminiscent of a medieval castle in appearance, was built between 1570 and 1573, at the foot of Montenuovo, at the behest of the leader Pio Enea I Obizzi and based on the ingenious design of the architect Andrea da Valle. Originally conceived as a private residence by the mother of Pio Enea, the castle was transformed into a fortress by the extension commissioned by her son, the leader. The long entrance avenue leads you to the Cortile dei Giganti ("Courtyard of the Giants"), a space once dedicated to theatrical performances, tournaments and naumachiae, where you can admire the Fontana dell'Elefante ("Elephant Fountain"), a masterpiece set in a rocky grotto. An impressive staircase, also designed for access on horseback, leads to the main floor, where the reception rooms open up to the visitor. Here, the frescoes by Giambattista Zelotti, a pupil of Paolo Veronese, narrate the epic deeds of the illustrious members of the Obizzi family, leaders at the service of various Italian states. Castello del Catajo has 350 rooms, some of which are decorated with frescoes by the 16th-century Venetian painter, Giambattista Zelotti. From the large panoramic terrace, you can admire the vast gardens to the south, characterised by centuries-old magnolia trees, a giant American redwood, fishponds and boxwood mazes, which add a touch of naturalistic beauty to the sumptuous scenery. You can visit the castle on your own, by scanning the QR codes with your smartphone and listening to the audio descriptions, or by booking a guided tour, which will take you through the mysteries of the castle and its frescoed rooms: in about an hour you will get to know this wonderful historical residence, satisfying your every curiosity!
