Overview
On the imposing peak of Mount Venda, in a remote and fascinating place to be reached by trekking immersed in nature, stand the striking monumental ruins of the Olivetani monastery. This place not only contains an important historical and architectural heritage, but also offers breathtaking panoramic views that still evoke a mystical and evocative atmosphere. In antiquity, mountains were considered the sacred meeting place between earth and sky, representing the point of convergence between humanity and divinity. The unique conformation of the Euganean Hills has inspired the settlement of religious communities for centuries, who found in the isolated peaks the ideal context for a hermit's life. Of the remains of the imposing monastery complex of San Giovanni Battista del Venda, parts of the church, the bell tower and the crypt are still visible, thanks to recent restoration work that has preserved them from ruin. The history of this place dates back to the 12th century, with a first hermitage founded by the monk Adamo di Torreglia. The monastery reached its zenith in the 14th century, when it was united with the Olivetan monks, a prestigious aristocratic Benedictine congregation. Thanks to their support, the monastery was expanded and became an important spiritual and economic centre. However, its existence came to an end in 1771, when the Republic of Venice decreed its suppression. The buildings, abandoned, became a refuge for shepherds and slowly fell into ruin. In 1818, the famous romantic poet Percy B. Shelley visited the ruins of the Venda monastery. From this extraordinary natural balcony, Shelley was inspired to write verses celebrating the beauty of the Euganean Hills, comparing them to "flowering islands" that bring solace in the "ocean of vast anguish" of the human soul. The ruins of the Olivetan monastery continue to be a place of great charm and fascination, with their combination of history, nature and scenic beauty.
