san-pelagio-castle-flight-museum-roses

Just a 5-minute drive (about 3 km) from Casa Luna, you will find one of the most eclectic and fascinating places in the Euganean territory:

the San Pelagio Castle. From Medieval Roots to "Villa of Delight"

The history of the complex begins in the 14th century, when the structure was a fundamental bastion of the defensive system of the Carraresi, the Lords of Padua.

Later, from 1544, the Sant'Uliana family acquired the castle. From that era, the splendid crenellated tower remains, which served to monitor the territory's borders.

In 1752, the Counts Zaborra obtained ownership, expanded the complex by building the "barchesse" for agricultural use, and modernized the manor wing to adapt it into a noble residence.

In the summer of 1917, the San Pelagio Castle became a strategic point in the context of the Great War. The Zaborra family signed a lease agreement with the Italian army for the creation of an airfield and the occupation of part of the villa. The first-floor apartments, in particular, became the home of Major Gabriele d'Annunzio.

Over the centuries, therefore, the fortress underwent a metamorphosis typical of the Euganean territory: from a military outpost to an elegant noble country residence. This transition reflects that "cultural pilgrimage" toward beauty and nature that, between the 18th and 19th centuries, attracted Grand Tour travelers toward the roots of classical civilization.

The Flight Museum:

Where History Takes Over The San Pelagio Castle is internationally known for hosting the Flight Museum.

• The Exhibition Path: The Flight Museum retraces the entire epic of the conquest of the air. The exhibition path ranges from the pioneering intuitions of Leonardo da Vinci to the hot air balloons of the Montgolfier brothers, up to modern technological achievements and space exploration.
• External Symbolism: The theme of flight also continues in the monumental garden, which hosts, among others, the evocative "Flight Labyrinth".
• The Feat: It was precisely from the San Pelagio airfield that, on August 9, 1918, the squadron took off for the famous "Flight over Vienna," during which thousands of leaflets were dropped over the Austrian capital.
• The D'Annunzio Rooms: Inside the villa, the rooms where the poet-soldier lived and planned the daring mission in every detail can be visited. These environments preserve the original atmosphere of the era.

The Garden of Delight:

The "Rose Garden" and the Labyrinths If the indoor visit stimulates the mind, the castle park is a hymn to sensory regeneration, a fundamental pillar of a stay at Casa Luna.

• The Rose Bloom: Between May and June, the castle hosts one of the most spectacular rose blooms in Italy, with over a thousand varieties flooding the air with ancient scents.
• The Symbolic Path of the Labyrinths: The park hosts three labyrinths (the "Minotaur" labyrinth, the "Italian" one, and the "flight" one). Walking through their hedges is not just a game but an activity that promotes mindfulness, allowing the nervous system to disconnect from digital frenzy.

Why visit it while staying at Casa Luna

The San Pelagio Castle represents the perfect stop for those following our Regeneration Protocol. After a morning dedicated to thermal treatments in the partner SPAs of Montegrotto, a late afternoon walk in the castle's rose garden acts as a natural stimulator of the vagus nerve, promoting that deep relaxation ("parasympathicotonia" phase) necessary for physical recovery.Upon your return, the 130 sqm of Casa Luna will allow you to process the experience in the silence of our residential neighborhood, perhaps sipping a glass of Fior d'Arancio DOCG purchased at one of the local wineries

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAQ 

What is the best period to visit the Castle?

Undoubtedly between May and June, to enjoy the peak bloom of the monumental rose garden.

Is the Castle suitable for families?

Absolutely yes. The large outdoor spaces and the labyrinths make the visit engaging even for children, who can learn the history of flight while having fun in the open air.

How do I reach the Castle from Casa Luna?

The best choice is by car (5 minutes) or bicycle. If you prefer to move like a "local", you can take the cycle path, enjoying the view along the way.

Can the castle be visited even in case of rain?

Yes, the Museum of Flight and the D'Annunzio rooms are entirely indoors and represent an excellent cultural alternative to the thermal pools during grey days.

Is it necessary to book the visit?

It is always advisable to consult the official website or contact the structure, especially on weekends, as the castle often hosts private events and weddings