The ancient abbey in the Euganean Hills where monks produce wines, honey and liqueurs

Nestled in the greenery of the Euganean Hills, the Abbey of Praglia is a monastery that unfolds around a minor basilica and four Renaissance cloisters. The complex houses a library with over 130,000 volumes, an important cultural heritage alongside a historic book restoration workshop, active for more than half a century. Ancient manuscripts are preserved here using artisanal techniques handed down from generation to generation, confirming the abbey’s role as guardian of knowledge – but not only. Here, efforts are made to obtain the “bonum vinum purum” spoken of in the ancient Praglia papers, along with honey and liqueurs.

From wines to honey

The monks’ daily life, however, is not limited to prayer and cultural preservation. The community cultivates, with a planting density of 4,500 vines per hectare at 500 metres above sea level on volcanic soil, the vineyard where DOC wines such as Garganega, Moscato, Raboso and Merlot are born – the fruit of an agricultural tradition that maintains a direct bond with the surrounding land. The cellar, dating back to the 15th century and preserving historic architectural elements such as cross vaults, has been equipped with modern tools without losing its ancient soul.
Alongside wine production, honey, sweets, liqueurs and traditional bitters are also made, and can be purchased directly in the monastic shop.

Events and tastings

Guided tours of the Abbey allow visitors to discover not only the religious spaces and cloisters, but also the restoration workshop and the cellar. The itineraries are designed to bring visitors closer to a still active and deeply rooted reality, in which respect for tradition combines with sustainable agricultural management. Tastings, often accompanied by simple and genuine preparations, offer the chance to savour first-hand the quality of the abbey’s products.

The events calendar is enriched throughout the year with concerts, conferences and cultural initiatives that highlight art and music in a unique setting. The Abbey of Praglia is also a place of hospitality: it has a guesthouse with twenty beds and spaces for gatherings, intended for groups, schools, or those who wish to experience a pause of tranquillity immersed in nature and spirituality.

Photo credit: official website of the Abbey of Praglia