Baone
Welcome to Baone: a pearl of the Euganean Hills
Welcome to Baone, a small town located in the province of Padua, in Veneto. With a population of just over 3,000 inhabitants, Baone is a hidden gem among the Euganean Hills, one of the most iconic and beautiful areas in Northern Italy. In this article, we will explore the history and points of interest of Baone, so as to make you passionate about this beautiful city and eager to visit it.
Physical geography
Territory
Located on the southern side of the Euganean Hills, Baone is a predominantly hilly area that offers breathtaking views of the Venetian countryside. The city is entirely surrounded by the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills, which offers various opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. In addition, thanks to its privileged location, Baone is the ideal place to discover the beauty of the Venetian region.
History
The first news about Baone date back to 1077, while the city of Calaone, one of the hamlets of Baone, was documented in 1079. The history of the city was marked by the presence of various fortifications on the surrounding mountains, such as Cero, Castello, Murale, and the Mount of Baone.
In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Calaone was of great importance during the stay of the Estensi in Este and before their transfer to Ferrara. The castle of Calaone, which is currently in ruins, hosted the court of the Estensi during the wars against Ezzelino and the Paduans. Minstrels from all over Europe came to the castle to sing poems to the noblewomen of the Estensi.
At that time, and before the final destruction of the castle, Calaone was the ideal place for parties, dances, and entertainment activities of the court.
In September 1904, the pioneer Aldo Corazza made the first Italian aeronautical flight aboard the biplane lifter Corazza I, built by himself, on the hills adjacent to Ca' Barbaro.
The territory of Baone
Significant interventions for the territory were the reclamation of the Baone valley, carried out by the Venetians in the sixteenth century, and the exploitation of natural resources, such as the thermal waters of Val Calaona and mining activities on Mount Buso and on the mountains Cero, Murale, Gula, and in the locality of Piombà.
Monuments and places of interest
If we want to explore the history of Baone and its surroundings, there are several monuments and places of interest to visit.
In the locality of Salarola, a few steps from the center of Calaone, there are the ruins of the first community in which the Blessed Beatrice I d'Este retired. In the hamlet of Valle San Giorgio, there is Villa Beatrice d'Este, the former monastery on Mount Gemola where the blessed spent several years until her death, and where the Blessed Beatrice d'Este, queen of Hungary after the death of King Andrew II of Hungary, took refuge.
Of a later period, some villas and palaces in the area are linked to the Paduan and Venetian families, such as Ca' Venier, on the square of Baone, Ca' Orologio a short distance away, Villa Marco Mantova Benavides in Valle San Giorgio, and Villa Ca' Barbaro in the homonymous locality.
Discover Baone
Baone is one of those places where history and natural beauty come together in a unique way. The visit to the city has become easier thanks to its strategic location between the cities of Padua and Vicenza. With the possibility of hiking, enjoying nature, and discovering monuments and historical sites, Baone offers a memorable experience. The next time you are in Veneto, don't forget to visit Baone, the pearl of the Euganean Hills.
