The Colle di San Daniele is located in the north-eastern area of the Colli Euganei, between the municipalities of Abano Terme, Montegrotto Terme, and Torreglia. Geologically, it is an eruptive body, about 90 meters high, made up of trachyte; among the outcrops on the slopes of the hill, small clear, shiny quartz crystals measuring 1-2 mm can be found within fissures and irregular geodes in the alkaline trachyte. Despite its low elevation, many typical plant species of the Euganean vegetation and pseudomediterranean scrub can be observed along its paths. On the south-western slope, occupied by a thermo-forest of oaks with some elements of scrub, one can enjoy the abundant spring blooming of the Euganean snowdrop (Leucojum vernum). Along with this, some common tree species in the area, such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), hazel, broom, wild rose, and butcher's broom, are very widespread.
In the south-eastern area, the fields that were cultivated until a few decades ago have made way for the non-native Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), brambles (Rubus ulmifolius), Elm (Ulmus), and Mulberry (Morus alba). To the west of the hill, the vegetation changes, giving way at the higher part to Chestnut trees with centuries-old specimens, while below the monastery, a population of Hackberry dominates, and along the path, one can encounter the small and curious Red Morella (Solanum luteum subsp. alatum). On the path to the north, between a huge centuries-old Ash tree (Fraxinus oxycarpa) and a hundred-year-old Oak, we can glimpse Monte Rosso, which rises solitary in the plain. In much of the basal area of this slope, the exotic and flexible Multiflora Rose grows luxuriantly. South of the Monastery of San Daniele, it is possible to visit the remains of an ancient bird-catching structure, used in the past for trapping birds with nets, nestled in a chestnut forest. The paths are accessible to all and the elevation gain is slight. In the chestnut forest, in late spring, an interesting fungus, rare for the Euganean area, can be found, the Russula parazurea. The richness and colors of the flora from spring to autumn make it a unique spectacle.
THE MONASTERY OF SAN DANIELE
At the top of the hill stands the Monastery of San Daniele, built between 1076 and 1078 by the lords of Montagnose (of Lombard origin) for the Benedictine Monks. By the mid-15th century, it passed to the Canons Regular of the Holy Savior of Venice, who restored the complex, until 1771 when the monastery was suppressed due to a decree from the Venetian Republic and put up for sale. Purchased by lawyer Federico Todeschini of Venice, who gave it as a dowry to his daughter in 1832, the monastery was partially transformed into a castle villa. Since 1958, it has been owned by Benedictine nuns, refugees from Fiume, who restored its ancient splendor through conservation restorations and the construction of the Cenacle of the Sacred Heart, where believers can find refuge. Inside, interesting sacred icons are housed, some coming from Poland and Russia.
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