Ca’ Dogaressa, a splendid villa in Arquà Petrarca, opens La Segreta, a place with an ancient soul and "secret" beauty, where you can discover the fab olive oil produced in the estate, organize dinners, tastings, and special events, guest of to its owner and set designer Franca Pallaro.
Ca’ Dogaressa, a romantic residence dedicated to the most exclusive hospitality and located in one of the most panoramic spots of the Euganean Hills, near Padua, has opened its home restaurant & bar, La Segreta, and event venue. Located in the villa’s annex, it overlooks the centuries-old olive trees surrounding the property.
This is where the award-winning Olio de La Dogaressa is produced, classified as “the best new olive oil of Arquà,” and also featured in the Gambero Rosso and Slow Food guides.
I wanted to create a place that celebrates the beauty of Arquà Petrarca and its products, to savor them immersed in the nature and history of a centuries-old estate.
(Franca Pallaro)
Already a global ambassador for the “slow” lifestyle of the village of Arquà Petrarca, Franca Pallaro, its owner, created a wing of the villa, La Segreta, where she could host events showcasing the local area, from olive oil to the famous jujube broth.
La Segreta, a treasure trove of memories, hidden beauty, nature, and authenticity, comprises three bookable rooms: one with a magnificent open-plan rustic kitchen, one with a fireplace and bar, and a “secret” cellar offering truly evocative tastings of various products.
The home exudes the timeless charm of a country retreat, furnished with antiques from Pallaro family homes and a Mediterranean soul evident in the many touches that evoke the colors and craftsmanship typical of the Amalfi Coast and Provence.
Franca loves collecting beautiful objects that she purchases or “rescues” from local homes during her travels, such as wooden doors salvaged from a church in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast, colorful Vietri majolica tiles transformed into a coffee table, and a folding screen from a disused theater in Venice.
Franca, a passionate event designer and a table-top decoration expert, has combined her creativity and expertise at La Segreta to create unforgettable moments, both visually and palate-pleasing.
The cuisine offered at La Segreta reflects the origins and traditions of the splendid Euganean Hills, perpetuating the ancient flavors of the farmers who protect the land and the local producers who work with passion.
La Segreta is perfect for private dinners, cooking classes, team building sessions, corporate meetings, and any type of event, from a candlelit dinner to a private party. The venue is divided into several modular spaces: the large garden with pool, ideal for parties and aperitifs/tastings; the olive grove, perfect for long dinners under the stars, bathed in the magic of fairy lights; and the large rustic kitchen with professional equipment and an adjoining room with a fireplace.
For each event, a special setting is designed and created, always different and inspired by the seasons, creating original tables that amaze with their elegance and attention to detail. Franca’s magical touch is also present here, guarding precious objects that become, when needed, the protagonists of extraordinary sets, such as the picnic set and the many lanterns of every shape and color, originating from Franco Zeffirelli’s historic villa on the Amalfi Coast (now an exclusive retreat).
How much “secret” beauty in La Segreta!
The Secret
Franca recently restored the secret cellar to house the most precious bottles of her oil, including the citrusy version made with the renowned Amalfi Coast lemons.
Useful Info
Ca’ Dogaressa – La Tenuta di Franca di Franca Pallaro
Via dei Mandorli 9
35032 Arquà Petrarca, Padova
Tel. +39 376 1274732
For information and quotes on events: latenutadifranca@gmail.com
