It is easy to think of heaven on earth, such is the beauty of Ca’ Dogaressa, a romantic location for events located in one of the most panoramic points of the Euganean Hills, near Padua.

The house was born from the union of 2 hospitality excellences, already well known for the art of table decoration and the chicest party planning: Franca Pallaro, its hostess also famous for the award-winning Olio de La Dogaressa, and Donatella Brunello, dea ex machina of Quella casa ad Arquà, a home cooking and events project, and founder of the company True Design.

We wanted to create a place where everyone could feel at home and organize fairytale events with their friends or colleagues, immersed in nature.

(Franca and Donatella)

Franca and Donatella, passionate event designers, have combined their passions and skills here with the collaboration of another dear friend, chef Isabella Guariento, to create unforgettable moments, both for the sight and the palate.

Chef Isabella, known for the TV program Celebrity Chef, works in particular with local raw materials, creating dishes that reflect the authenticity of the Arquà Petrarca area with a contemporary touch and unforgettable convivial moments. From the most romantic lunches to special dinners linked to aromatherapy with courses of different colors and aromas to promote well-being and relaxation.

The house exudes the timeless rustic charm of a country retreat, furnished with antiques from the Pallaro family homes and a Mediterranean soul that can be seen in the many touches that bring us back to the colors and craftsmanship typical of the Amalfi Coast.

Franca has, in fact, lived here for a long time and even today, during her many trips to Campania, she continues to collect splendid objects that she buys or “saves” from local homes. From the wooden doors recovered from a church in Praiano to the colorful Vietri majolica transformed into the top of a coffee table, up to a marine lamp taken in Positano that today decorates the convivial table near the pool.

Ca’ Dogaressa is perfect for private dinners, team buildings & corporate meetings, and any kind of event, whether it’s a candlelit dinner for 2 or a party for 70 people. The location is, in fact, divided into various modular spaces: the large garden with swimming pool, ideal for celebrations and aperitifs/tastings, the olive grove, perfect for merry table of friends under the stars surrounded by the magic of rows of lights, and the large rustic kitchen with professional equipment and adjoining room with fireplace.

This is where Franca organizes her famous cooking classes and workshops with the most diverse focuses: from bread making to homemade pasta, from make-up and etiquette lessons to yoga and meditation courses, up to private dinners in the colder months (just consult the location’s social media to stay updated on upcoming events).

For each event, a special setup is designed and created, always different and inspired by the seasons, creating original table decorations that surprise for their elegance and attention to detail. Here too, Franca’s magical touch could not be missing, as she keeps precious objects that become, when necessary, protagonists of extraordinary sets, such as the picnic vintage set and the many lanterns of every shape and color that come from Franco Zeffirelli’s historic villa on the Amalfi Coast (now turned into an exclusive retreat).

A location that is truly cared for in every detail, even the most practical. In fact, despite being located on top of a small hill, at its feet there is a large and convenient parking space for guests and the outdoor areas are equipped with electrical connections to allow the use of a professional cooking station to serve the outdoor tables.

Certainly one of the most beautiful and elegant places in Italy and, if you are thinking of planning an event, from a birthday to an open-air painting course, Franca and Donatella will know how to transform it into a fairy tale…with a happy ending guaranteed!

The Secret

The secret of such a well-kept garden is Franca’s uncle, Walter, who, passionate about gardening, takes care of the greenery and the 450 olive trees every day. He coordinates harvests and seasonal interventions to always maintain the same very high standard that has made the oil produced here one of the best in Italy.

Useful Info

Ca’ Dogaressa
Via dei Mandorli 9
35032 Arquà Petrarca, Padova
Tel. +39 376 1274732

For info and event quotations: latenutadifranca@gmail.com