Villa Beatrice d'Este takes its name from Blessed Beatrice, who lived between 1221 and 1226, a member of the Este family. On Monte Gemola, there was an ancient hermit's cenobium, which the saint transformed into a monastery after her move from Salarola. Here she lived a religious life until her death, and her reputation for holiness quickly spread, generating donations and devotion.
In the 16th century, the nuns were transferred to Padua, and the remains of the blessed were moved to the church of Santa Sofia. After a period of abandonment, the complex passed to Venetian private owners in 1657 and was transformed into a villa, although traces of the ancient monastery were preserved. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the area underwent changes, but restorations in the 1970s and 1980s recovered and enhanced the original structure.
Today, Villa Beatrice hosts a natural history museum dedicated to the Euganean Hills and their environmental heritage, with sections on local flora and fauna. The new MUSeuM setup integrates immersive technologies and interactive pathways to enhance the history, landscape, and culture of the area, making the visit an educational and engaging experience.
