Discover Padua and its surroundings.

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Padua and its 

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2647_05_C415_PADOVA_GB 17-05-2006 10:36 Pagina 2 

Discover Padua and its province. 

A land of History, 

Art, Spas and Nature. 

Padua is one of the most charming and dynamic cities 

in Italy. The city centre boasts a wealth of fine medieval, 

renaissance and modern architecture; here a fascinating mix 

of historic and new, of centuries-old traditions combined 

with metropolitan rhythms creates a unique atmosphere. 

The medieval palaces, churches and cobbled streets emanate 

a sense of history and culture, the shops, markets 

and locals, a sparkling vitality and vibrant modern life. 

Palazzo Bo, Old Courtyard 

Below, Prato della Valle and Basilica of St. Giustina 

Old map of Padua 

The province of Padua has a vast cultural and artistic 

heritage and great natural assets. One has only to think 

of the Euganean Hills’ rich flora and history, of the countless 

villas and castles scattered all over the area, of the medieval 

walled towns, of the world famous Euganean spas, of the 

medieval monasteries and abbeys, of the old farm houses 

surrounded by wide expanses of fields, of the network of 

rivers, streams and canals leading to the Venetian lagoon, 

a portion of which belongs to the province of Padua. 

3000 years of history. 

“Antenor, from the midst of Grecian hosts, 

Could pass secure, and pierce th' Illyrian coasts, 

Where, rolling down the steep, Timavus raves 

And thro' nine channels disembogues his waves. 

At length he founded Padua's happy seat, 

And gave his Trojans a secure retreat; 

There fix'd their arms, and there renew'd their name, 

And there in quiet rules, and crown'd with fame.” 

Virgil, Aeneid, I, 242-249 

The Greek poet Virgil celebrates with these verses the legend 

that speaks of Antenor as the mythical founder of Padua. The 

historical Padua was actually founded over 3000 years ago, 

during the Paleoveneti age, when the old Veneti people were 

famous thanks to their excellent breed of horses. In the year 45 

b.C. the town became a Roman Municipium. Thanks to thriving 

commerce, fruitful land and abundance of waterways, Patavium 

was one of the most important and powerful centres of the 

Roman Empire. During the Barbarian invasions the town was 

razed to the ground by command of Langobard king Agilulf 

(601 A.D.) It was only after the year 1000 that Padua registered 

an important growth in wealth and power, and new imposing 

religious and civil buildings, such as the Cathedral, the 

Commune Palaces, towers and defensive walls were built. The 

13th and the 14 th century marked a period of extraordinary 

economic and cultural liveliness and ardour, which left great 

evidences in town: the medioaeval walls, the foundation of the 

University, the Ragione Palace, the Basilica of st. Anthony and 

many others. The Trecento, historically characterized by the 

ruling of the Seigneury of the Da Carrara family, is considered 

Padua Golden Age: the art panorama was dominated by Giotto 

and his followers and the city was the most important centre 

of artistic production in medieval Europe. In 1405 the 

Da Carrara Seigneury terminated and Padua passed under 

Venetian rule. Venice fortified Padua with new walls, increased 

the power of the University, and the venetian nobility invested 

their capitals on the paduan land, where beautiful villas 

were erected. The decadence of the Serenissima (1797) and the 

upcoming of the Napoleonic imperialism put an end to one 

of the most extraordinary historical, artistical and cultural ages 

of Europe. The French and the Austrian dominations, and 

the two World Wars produced a long period of economic and 

cultural standstill, from which Padua, as the rest of Veneto, 

recovered with a new and reinforced conscioussness starting 

from the second half of the 20 th century. Today Padua is one 

of the main economic centres of Veneto and of Italy, 

an important motorway, railway and waterway junction, which 

connects Italy with the rest of Europe, and last but not least 

a beautiful city of art and culture. 

Piazza delle Erbe


The classic itinerary. 

Over three thousand years of history have left a wealth of 

historical buildings and places. Combining the old and the 

modern, great art and beautiful artifacts, the city centre is 

full of surprises. 

The classic itinerary touches three areas, which enclose the 

symbols of Padua history. 

The Museum Complex 

around the Roman Arena. 

1 

The medieval heart. 

The historic centre of Padua is dominated by the imposing 

Palazzo della Ragione, which was built in the year 1218 

to host the court of justice on the upper floor, and various 

shops on the ground floor. The vast hall, called il Salone 

(the great Hall), is one of the largest medieval hanging halls 

of the world and its walls are covered by 15 th c. paintings 

depicting the zodiac and the astrological theories of Pietro 

d’Abano, one of the greatest medieval scientists. The three 

squares surrounding the palace - Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza 

della Frutta and Piazza dei Signori - are the site of Padua’s 

daily market, which has been taking place here for more 

than 800 years. The squares are lined by bars, restaurants, 

shops and historical buildings. 

Piazza dei Signori is a gentle Renaissance square closed 

westwards by the white façade of the Capitanio Palace 

and the beautiful Clock Tower. Closeby is Padua’s Cathedral, 

a 16 th century building which keeps one of the delights 

of the town: a Romanesque baptistery with 14 th century 

frescoes by Giusto de Menabuoi. 

The adjacent Bishop Palace Museum displays precious works 

of art, including paintings, manuscripts, jewellery, sculptures, 

and allows visitors to admire the magnificent Bishops Hall. 

From here, following the suggestive narrow streets of the old 

ghetto, the itinerary leads back to the area of the City Hall 

(16 th c.). The palace faces Palazzo Bo, the historical seat 

of Padua University, and is closed northwards by the Caffè 

Pedrocchi (1831), one of the most famous historical cafès 

in Italy and prestigious venue for cultural events. 

2 

Basilica of St. Anthony 

and Prato della Valle. 

The third great monumental area develops around St. 

Anthony’s Basilica, locally simply called Il Santo, which holds 

the mortal remains of Saint Anthony. The great sanctuary, a 

real shrine of art and devotion, is surrounded by an impressive 

number of monuments: the equestrian statue of Gattamelata 

by Donatello, St. George’s Oratory, the Scuola del Santo with 

Titian frescoes, the Antonian Museum and the Renaissance 

complex of Loggia and Odeo Cornaro. A short distance away 

you can visit the University Botanical Garden, one of oldest 

in the world. A little to the south sprawls the Prato della Valle, 

one of the largest town squares in Europe, surrounded by the 

waters of the Alicorno canal and decorated by a double order 

5 

6 

4 

of statues. The square is lined by ancient palaces and churches. 

On the northern side is Palazzo Angeli which hosts 

the delightful Museum of the Magic Lantern and Pre Cinema. 

On the opposite side is the 16 th century Basilica di Santa 

Giustina, which keeps the mortal remains of saints and martyrs 

of Christianity: St. Giustina, one of the first Christian martyrs, 

St. Luke the Evangelist, St. Mattia, and many others. 

4 Donatello’s monument to Gattamelata 

5 View of Padua, the domes 

of the Basilica of St. Anthony 

6 Prato della Valle, antiques market 

7 Basilica of St. Anthony, 

Donatello’s altar 

Below, view of Padua, 

Palazzo della Ragione 

7 

Around the Roman Arena (1 st c. AD) and the adjacent 

Eremitani Square is a concentrated true museum complex. 

The most outstanding monument is the Scrovegni Chapel, 

which was magnificently decorated by Giotto at the beginning 

of the 14 th century, and is universally considered one of the 

greatest art masterpieces of all time. In the nearby Eremitani 

Museum the history of Padua is narrated through pre-Roman, 

Roman and Etruscan archaeological findings and rich art 

collections, which are housed in the peaceful rooms and 

cloisters of the former Hermits monastery. The adjacent 

Eremitani Church keeps 14 th century frescoes and the famous 

remains of the Ovetari Chapel decorated 

by Mantegna’s frescoes. 

The museum complex 

is completed by the 3 

Museum of Applied 

and Decorative Arts 

and the Bottacin 

Collection at Palazzo 

Zuckermann 

and the University 

Scientific Museums, 

which are housed inside 

Palazzo Cavalli. 

1 Scrovegni Chapel 

2 Caffè Pedrocchi 

3 Basilica of St. Giustina, Madonna and Child 

4


Padua: City of frescoes. 

Padua keeps kilometres of frescoed walls, where light and 

colour give life to extraordinary illustrated stories. 

It was Giotto, in the first years of the Trecento, to give 

impulse to fresco decoration, narrative painting 

and monumental cycles. 

Throughout the century 

all the most important 

monuments of the town 

were decorated with 

beautiful cycles 

of frescoes so vast 

and so numerous as 

to be found in only very 

few other Italian centres. 

The cycle inside the 

Scrovegni Chapel 

(1303-1305) is considered 

the greatest masterpiece 

of forteenth century 

Italian and European 

painting. 

1 2 

3 

Under a blue, starry heaven, panel after panel, it illustrates 

the life of Mary, the life of Jesus and the story of the 

Passion to end with the imposing vision of the Last 

Judgement. The lesson of the Tuscan master was taken 

over by the most eminent painters working in town in the 

second half of the 14 th century, Guariento, Jacopo Avanzi, 

Altichiero da Zevio, Giusto de Menabuoi and Jacopo 

da Verona, who developed and reinterpreted Giotto’s style 

and tecnique. Their style and skill can be admired in all 

the most important civil and religious monuments 

of Padua: fourteenth-century frescoes are in the Basilica 

of St. Anthony, in the Eremitani Church, in the Baptistery 

of the Cathedral, in St George’s Oratory and in St. 

Michele’s Oratory and in the Accademia Galileiana (former 

Carraresi Chapel). The walls of the vast main Hall 

of the Palazzo della Ragione (mt.81x27) are entirely covered 

with a superb astrological cycle. And so is the enchanting 

Bishops’ Hall in the Bishop Palace, which is adorned by 

the portraits of hundreds of Paduan bishops. 

6 

7 

4 

8 

6 Padua Cathedral’s 

Baptistery, Giusto 

de Menabuoi’s frescoes 

7 Scuola del Santo, Titian, 

The jealous husband 

stabs his wife 

8 Basilica of St. Anthony, 

Giusto de’ Menabuoi’s 

frescoes (detail) 

9 Palazzo della Ragione, 

the Salone (detail) 

5 

1 Basilica of St. Anthony, Altichiero 

da Zevio’s frescoes (detail) 

2 Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto’s frescoes; 

Presentation of Mary in the Temple 

3 Scrovegni Chapel 

4 Scrovegni Chapel, 

Meeting of St Anne and Joachim 

5 Diocesan Museum and Bishop’s Palace, 

The Bishops’ Hall 

Mantegna’s frescoes, even though badly damaged during 

World War II can be admired 

in the Ovetari chapel inside 

the Eremitani Church. 

Colourful sixteeenthcentury 

frescoes 

decorate various 

oratories, churches 

and palaces: discover 

Titian’s frescoes in 

the Scuola del Santo, 

Dario Varotari’s cycle 

in the Scuola della Carità, 

16 th century frescoes 

by Girolamo del Santo, 

Domenico Campagnola 

and Stefano dall’Arzere in the Scoletta 

del Carmine and in St. Rocco’s Oratory, 

and the forty-four heroes adorning the Giants’ Hall. 

9 

7


Padua: City of science and culture. 

Padua is the ideal place to trace the history of man’s 

progress and achievements in the field of science, 

technique and creativity. In its ancient and glorious 

University fundamental contributions to the progress 

of science and technology have been made thanks 

to the presence of enlightened and ingenious personalities. 

The University of Padua, which was established in 1222, 

is one of the oldest in the world (the second in Italy after 

Bologna University) and keeps several places of great 

historical value: the anatomy theatre (1594), which 

is the oldest in the world, the 14 th century Medicine 

room, Galilei’s chair, the Aula Magna and the 16 th century 

old cloister, both decorated by students and professors’ coats 

of arms, the statue of Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, 

the world’s first female graduate (1678). The Botanic 

Garden is another scientific treasure. It was founded in 

1545 by Padua University for the study of the ‘simples’, 

i.e. medical plants. It is the oldest university botanical 

garden in the world, which has never moved from 

its original settlement. It keeps about 6000 plants: 

exotic, medicinal, poisonous and insectivorous. 

1 

The oldest tree here is a Palm planted in 1585 

and known as Goethe’s palm, having supposedly played 

a role in the German writer’s work on the Metamorphosis 

of the plants. Since 1997 the garden is part 

of the Unesco World Cultural Heritage. 

Another scientific monument belonging to Padua 

University is the astronomic observatory, called 

La Specola. It was built in the 18 th century on a tower 

belonging to Padua medieval castle to test the astronomic 

theories elaborated at the University. Today it houses 

the University Astronomy Department and a museum, 

where various scientific instruments coming from 

different countries are displayed. Many other University 

museums reveal the continuing influence of this ancient 

institution on world art and culture: the Geological 

and Paleonthological Museum, the Museum of Phisycs, 

the Museum of Mineralogy, and many other institutes of 

research and scientific studies. 

5 

4 

By the year 2006 a new museum dedicated to the History 

of Medicine and Health will be inaugurated inside the 

15 th -century complex of St. Francesco’s Hospital. 

4 Astronomic Observatory, 

La Specola Museum 

5 Padua University, 

Palazzo Bo, Sala dei Quaranta 

and Galilei’s chair 

6 Padua Botanic Garden 

6 

2 

3 


Palazzo Bo, Aula Magna 

2 Museum of the Pre-Cinema 

Minici Zotti Collection 


Palazzo Bo, Anatomy Theatre 

8 

9


Padua: a dynamic city. 

10 

1 

2 

Vital, creative and dynamic: the spirit 

of Padua combines ancient charm, 

millennary traditions and the vibrant 

rhythms and vitality of the modern 

metropolis. The city centre has been 

transformed into a wide pedestrian 

oasis, where streets and picturesque 

squares are lined with historical 

monuments, street cafés and 

historical coffee-houses, music 

bars and venues, bookshops, 

high-fashion boutiques, antiques 

and modern handicraft shops, 

galleries, classy restaurants. 

Historical buildings merge with 

daring contemporary architecture, such 

as Daniel Libeskind’s memorial “Memory 

and light”. The brilliant American architect 

of Polish origins, winner of the competition 

for the reconstruction of Ground Zero 

in New York, has left in Padua an uplifting 

memorial, which contains a dramatic beam salvaged 

from the World Trade Centre attack, given to the city 

of Padua by the USA Department of State in memory 

of the victims of the attack to the Twin Towers. 

The so called Antico Ghetto with its suggestive 

narrow streets lined with porticoed medieval palaces 

and prestigious buildings has been recently transformed 

into a trendy borough which encloses innovative shops 

and locals, refined restaurants and old osterias. 

The medieval squares – Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta 

and dei Signori - are the seat of the daily market 

and have been representing one of the most beloved 

meeting points of the Paduans for the last 800 years. 

1 Palazzo della Ragione, Loggia (detail) 

2 Old Ghetto 

3 Palazzo Moroni (City Hall) and Caffè Pedrocchi 

3 

On Summer nights the colourful tables 

and chair of bars and cafés cover these 

squares, and open air music gently 

accompany the servings of food 

and drinks. The short and narrow 

via St. Fermo and the nearby 

Galleria Borromeo and Piazza 

Insurrezione is an unrivalled 

designer shopping borough, 

where you will find all the most 

famous Italian and foreign 

fashion designers. Along the 

streets leading from the University 

to the Basilica of St. Anthony 

you will find lots of ancient 

and modern bookshops, food 

and drink specialities. Imposing medieval 

and Renaissance buildings face the old 

streets, such as Palazzo Zabarella, one of 

the most culturally vital and prestigious 

venues of the city. Piazza del Santo and 

the surrounding streets are the ideal area to find 

a typical souvenir and take a picture of some of the 

symbols of the city: the huge Basilica, Donatello’s 

equestrian statue, Prato della Valle, the Botanic Garden 

or the Museum of the Pre-Cinema, unique in its genre 

in Italy. After having wandered through monuments, 

attractions and shops take a break and relax at one 

of the numerous restaurants or trattorias. Nowadays 

you can find an exciting variety of flavours and dishes 

in every Padua high street. 

Almost all restaurants serve food based on traditional 

Paduan or Venetian recipes but with a modern and 

international twist. Ethnic-cuisine lovers will be spoilt 

for choice as the city offers good quality foreign cuisine 

from Mexican to Japanese, from Indian to Persian, 

to name but a few. Cultural life is very vital, too. 

This is refelected in the rich events calendar and 

in the wide range of art venues, galleries, exhibition 

halls and high quality collections. 

4 

Special events, celebrations of culture and festivals run 

periodically throughout the year. Open air performances 

take place in summer in all major parks and squares 

of the city. In the last years the Paduans have 

re-discovered the importance of the waterways which 

surround the city, and recently there has been an 

increasing development of boat tours. From March to 

October sightseeing boat tours offer cruises and journeys, 

which give the possibility to enjoy the view of the old 

walls and of peculiar spots of the city at the leisurely 

pace of river and canal boats. Thanks to the presence of 

Padova Fiere (Padua Trade Exhibition Centre) and of the 

University the congressual activity is very vital too. 

6 

Padua is an excellent 

business destination 

as the congress 

system offers the 

diverse range of 

meeting venues 

to ensure success. 

Good infrastructures, 

locations and 

multifunctional 

spaces, from stately 

homes to the most 

modern congress 

halls: Padua has the right meeting-place for any event. 

Culture, art, science, entertainment, shopping, good 

cuisine, nightlife: whether you are wishing to stay one 

day or for a longer holiday Padua will surprise you with 

its oustanding variety of attractions. 

4 Piazza delle Erbe, market 

5 Prato della Valle 

6 Memorial “Memory 

and Light”, D. Libeskind 

5 

11


A land of faith. 

1 

1 Basilica of St. Giustina 

2 Basilica of St. Anthony 

3 Basilica of St. Giustina, 

Martyrs’Corridor 

4 Duomo (Cathedral) and Baptistery 

5 St. Nicolò’s Church 

6 Eremitani Church, B. Ammannati, 

Tomb of M. M. Benavides 

7 Eremitani City Museum, 

Guariento, Angels 

4 

Just few meters from the Basilica of St. Giustina 

is the Basilica of St. Anthony, one of the major places 

of Christian worship in the world, with about 5 million 

pilgrims visiting it every year. An architectural masterpiece 

of the 13 th to 14 th centuries, the Basilica also presents 

a unique pageant of Paduan past history – the shrine 

of St. Anthony, the tombs and memorials of famous people, 

was commissioned by Fina Buzzaccarini, wife of the most 

eminent 14 th c. lord of Padua, Francesco il Vecchio da 

Carrara: the hundreds of saints portraied on the dome 

watched over Fina and Francesco’s tomb, once placed 

exactly at the centre of the baptistery. Many other churches, 

even though often less well-known, keep unexpected treasures: 

the Eremitani Church has fine 14 th century frescoes and the 

famous Mantegna’s cycle in the Ovetari chapel, which was 

badly damaged during WW2; in the Scoletta of the Basilica 

del Carmine you can admire a colourful 16 th century fresco 

cycle; the church of St. Sofia is one of the most ancient 

religious buildings of the town with great medieval architecture 

Religious heritage. 

2 

The early and wide diffusion of Christianity in the Paduan 

territory is testified by the outstanding religious heritage, 

which graces Padua and its province. A strong faith 

combined with a great artistic fervour have left a great 

number of sacred places and monuments all over 

the territory, real and true shrines of faith and art. 

Following the tradition the Basilica of St. Giustina 

was built on the place where, Giustina, one of the first 

martyrs of Christianity, was buried around the year 304. 

The huge 16 th century Basilica -the ninth largest 

Christian church in the world-, contains elements 

of an older church (12-13 th c.), the martyrs’well, 

with bones of varius martyrs, the Sacellum of San 

Prosdocimo, which dates back to the 6 th century, 

thus representing one of the earliest places 

of worship in town. The adjacent Benedictine 

monastery with frescoed cloisters has a rich 

library and a famous restoration book centre. 

3 

5 6 

and works of art realised between the 14 th and the 20 th 

century, the most famous of which are the beautiful 

14 th century frescoes, the Renaissance marble bas-reliefs, 

and Donatello’s bronze statues and reliefs on the main altar. 

The complex of the Basilica comprises four cloisters, 

the Antoniano Museum, St. George Oratory, which is decorated 

by an enchanting 14 th c. fresco cycle, and the Scuola del 

Santo, adorned by various frescoes, three of which by Titian. 

A ten-minute walk leads to the Sanctuary of St. Leopoldo 

Mandic, which keeps the remains and the confessional cell 

of the beloved Dalmatian saint. The historical part of the city 

centre corresponds also to the heart of Christian Padua. 

In Piazza Duomo stands the sixteenth-century Cathedral. 

Its Baptistery represents one of the landmarks of Padua 

history. The oldest part of the building dates back to the 

12 th century; inside, it is lined with beautiful fourteenth-century 

frescoes by Giusto de’ Menabuoi, a follower of Giotto’s. 

The breathtaking representation of the Paradise on the dome 

7 

13


outside and a very spiritual atmosphere inside; in the church 

of St. Francesco 15 th century frescoes and a Renaissance 

bronze funeral monument are kept; the little Romanesque 

church of St. Nicolò stands in one of the most lovely corners 

of the town and keeps works by Jacopo da Montagnana, 

Stefano dall’Arzere and Giandomenico Tiepolo. Few people 

know that the 18 th century composer Giuseppe Tartini, who 

wrote the opera Il trillo del diavolo (Devil’s Trill Sonata) 

is buried in the small church of St. Caterina; an unexpected 

surprise awaits the visitor of the church of St. Massimo: 

three beautiful 

paintings 

by Giovan 

Battista 

Tiepolo (17 th c.), 

the painter 

who 

decorated 

many Italian 

villas, and 

painted 

the ceiling 

frescoes in the 

palace of the 

Archbishop at Würzburg and the palace of Charles III 

of Spain in Madrid. More recent masterpieces are the church 

of St. Gaetano built on a plan of Vincenzo Scamozzi (16 th c.) 

and the church of Santa Maria del Pianto, called Chiesa del 

Torresino, for the central embattled tower. Another ancient 

church is the Oratory of St. Michele in Pozzoveggiani, which 

is the result of the juxtaposition of a Romanesque building 

on an early-medieval one. The church of St. Anthony 

at Arcella is the place where the saint died in 1231. 

1 Monteortone of Abano Terme, Madonna della Salute Sanctuary 

2 Padua, St. Michele’s Church at Pozzoveggiani 

Below, Praglia Abbey 

2 

1 

The province of Padua is rich in religious buildings and 

monuments too. The coenobia of the monastic orders have 

been peaceful retreats for scholars, chief centres of Christian 

piety and learning for centuries. A visit to these religious 

sites is a great experience for those who enjoy the sense 

of somewhere different, very spiritual and peaceful. 

Embedded in the greenery of the Euganean Hills, the 

Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria di Praglia is one of the 

oldest monasteries of the region. It was founded in the 11 th - 

century but almost entirely rebuilt in the 15 th century, when 

the abbey became one of the main centres for land reclamation 

and conversion into farmland of the whole Paduan territory. 

The wide complex includes a fine Renaissance church 

(1448) with frescoes and paintings of Venetian school, 

and a crucifix attributed to the followers of Giotto’s, 

the medieval monastery with ancient refectory and guest 

house, cloisters, the Old Library, and finally the worldwide 

famous book restoration centre. Nestled on the top of the 

hill, the Monastery of Monte Rua, is still a Camaldolite 

hermitage. 

Even though visitors are not allowed in the monastery, 

from the spot where it rises one can enjoy a beautiful view 

on the surrounding hills. The Abbey of Santa Maria 

di Carceri near Este is an ancient former monastery 

(12 th century), which was partially converted into private 

mansion by the Carminati noble family at the end of the 

17 th century. The huge complex includes church and abbey, 

cloisters, guest-rooms, and a library with fine frescoes. 

Not far from Carceri, in Urbana, stands the former monastery 

of San Salvaro with its ancient church dating back to the 11 th c. 

adorned by frescoes (14 th c.) and a collection of old maps, 

papers and finds, which document the history of this part 

of the paduan territory. 

5 

An important example of the romanic style of North-East Italy 

is the church of St. Stefano at Due Carrare. Once part of an 

important abbey, the church survived the terrible earthquake 

of the year 1117, which destroyed almost all the main buildings 

which had been built up to that year. 

St. Stefano’s Church still keeps its original medieval structure 

and belltower, fine 11 th century and 14 th century mosaics 

and the tomb of Marsilio da Carrara, prince of Padua at the 

beginning of the 14 th century. Many churches and sanctuaries 

are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and they often rise where 

a miraculous event took place. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria 

di Monteortone in Abano Terme began its history in 1428 

when a soldier, a certain Pietro Falco, bathing himself in the 

grotto at the side of the present church to heal himself of the 

plague, obtained a cure and, following a divine command, 

exctracted from the healing water a panel representing 

the Madonna, which is still displayed on the altar of the apse. 

On the Monte della Madonna (Teolo) is the fifteenth-century 

Sanctuary of the Madonna, with small Benedictine monastery 

and beautiful view on the surrounding landscape. 

3 

4 

In Este a church dedicated 

to the Madonna delle Grazie 

(our Lady of the Graces) 

keeps a venerated Byzantine 

Madonna on wood realized 

in the 15 th century. Another 

sanctuary dedicated 

to St. Mary is in Ospedaletto 

Euganeo. The so called 

Santuario del Tresto was 

erected in 1468 in order 

to host a miraculous image 

of the Virgin, who had 

appeared to a boatman. 

In Piove di Sacco, the most 

important centre of the south-eastern part of the province, two 

important religious monuments are to be visited: the Cathedral, 

dedicated to St. Martin and the Sanctuary of the Madonna 

delle Grazie (our Lady of the Graces), built in 1484 to hold 

an effigy of Mary, which the people believed to be miraculous. 

In the north of the province, in Camposampiero, stands the 

Santuario del Noce (Walnut-tree Sanctuary), dedicated 

to the most beloved saint of Padua and its province, 

St. Anthony. As the legend goes, this small church was built 

precisely on the spot where St. Anthony delivered a memorable 

sermon while standing at the top of a walnut-tree. 

3 Torreglia, Hermitage 

on the Mount Rua 

4 Camposampiero, Sanctuary 

of the Wallnut-tree 

5 Piove di Sacco, Madonna delle Grazie 

Sanctuary, Giovanni Bellini’s 

Madonna with Child 

Below, Carceri Abbey


A province of waters. 

The first settlement of Padua arose around 

the 12 th century B.C. inside a wide bend of the river 

Medoacus, the actual river Brenta. Since then the history 

of Padua has been marked by waters. Already in the 1 st 

century A.D. the famous Roman historian, Titus Livius 

(or Livy), author of one of the more veritable versions 

of the history of the Roman Republic, narrated of the 

incredible skill of the Paduans in navigation, when in the 

year 302 B.C. they defeated the fleet of the Spartan King 

Cleonimus. During the Roman age Patavium was one of 

the most thriving commerce centres of the Roman Empire. 

3 4 

1-3 Paduan waterways 

4 Canale Battaglia riverbank 

5 Onara Marsh 

6 Canoeing on the Bacchiglione River 

7 Padua, view of the waterway 

which flows around the ancient walls 

16 

2 

8 Riviera del Brenta, tourist navigation 

in front of Villa Giovannelli 

at Noventa Padovana 

9 Padua, Ognissanti Gate 

10 Battaglia Terme, 

Museum of River Navigation 

The great Greek historian and geographer Strabon wrote 

that Patavium was the most important town of the region 

and ancient chronicles report of the great number of wares 

that left its harbour towards Rome thus proving the presence 

of a flourishing and dynamic people and economy. 

The city thrived until the barbarian onslaughts and 

the subsequent Langobard invasion, which took place from 

the fourth to the seventh century. Recovery was slow and 

Padua’s great canal network played again a fundamental 

role, as it had an ever increasing strategic importance 

in the fights for the territorial supremacy. First during 

the Commune government and then during the Da Carrara 

Seigneury and the Venetian domination the excavations 

realized to control and exploit the waters led to the creation 

of a dense network of navigable canals, real and true 

“water motorways”. This network connected Padua with 

the surrounding territory and with all the most important 

towns of the Veneto region. During the four centuries 

of the Venetian domination waterways were used 

to transport an impressive quantity of wares and goods 

from the paduan territory to Venice and Venetian 

noblemen could easily navigate them to reach 

5 

1 

the Euganean Hills and the paduan countryside, where they 

erected their magnificent villas. Until the middle of the 20 th 

century Paduan waterways were sailed by all sort of boats: 

rafts, peote, burci, gondole, sandoli, padovane and burchielli, 

and were populated by fix and floating watermills. 

The Bacchiglione river, which in the past connected Vicenza 

with Padua, represents still today the primary water source 

for the city: its waters enter in Padua from the South and 

flow along the Renaissance walls to the Ezzelino Castle. 

Here the Bacchiglione bifurcates: the link 

wing, called Tronco Maestro, flows 

8 

7 

downwards along 

the medieval walls 

to the old Carmine 

Basilica; the right 

wing, called Naviglio 

Interno, follows the 

internal side of the 

walls, flows through the 

city centre to the Porte 

Contarine, after which the Tronco 

Maestro and the Naviglio interno flow together and form 

the Piovego canal. In the last years a great programme 

of waterways recovering and restoring has given impulse 

to the tourist navigation along Paduan canals and rivers. 

9 10 

6 

The burci (or burchi), i.e. 

the typical Venetian barges, 

could easily moor anywhere 

along the river banks. 

In the Divine Comedy Dante 

reports that “As sometimes 

wherries lie upon the shore, 

That part are in the water, 

part on land...” 

(Hell, canto XVII, 

vv. 19-20). 

The itineraries include the navigation along the internal 

canals with beautiful views on the walls, the Brenta River 

and its imposing villas, the Euganea Riviera with its 

enchanting vegetation and historical sites, the way to the 

Venetian Lagoon. The story of river navigation and the life 

of the ‘barcari’ (boatmen) 

are widely narrated in the 

Museum of River 

Navigation in Battaglia 

Terme, which displays 

about four thousand pieces 

(boats, equipment, historic 

photos, old maps, books and 

documents) housed in an 

historical little palace built 

in beautiful position at the 

confluence of two canals. 

17


Terme Euganee, over 2000 years 

of health and well-being. 

Montegrotto Terme, Butterfly Arc 

2 

Surrounded by the relaxing greenery of the Euganean Hills, 

the Euganean Spas (Terme Euganee), with the two main 

centres of Abano and Montegrotto and the smaller ones 

of Galzignano, Battaglia and Monteortone of Teolo, 

are famous worldwide for the mud and spa treatments. 

They are the ideal site for a healing, uplifting and fun spa 

holiday. The secret is in the spa water, which falls into the 

category of deep underground waters. They are of meteroic 

origin and derive from the uncontaminated basins of the 

Lessini Mountains in the foothills of the Alps, passing 

through calcareous rocks and into the subsoil at a depth 

of approximately 80 kilometer route that takes an average 

of 25/30 years. During this time they take on mineral sals 

and finally reach the Euganean Spas where they spring 

forth at a temperature of 87°C. The abundance 

of the dissolved substances make this water a unique 

thermal resource, one of its kind in the world. 

From the chemical point of view these waters are classified 

as hyperthermal sodiobromidiodic waters. 

The healing virtues of the Terme Euganee waters were 

already appreciated by the Euganean people, who over 

2000 years ago had a sacred lake here for the veneration 

of the God Aponus, the god of thermal waters. 

During the Roman age (1 st -2 nd c. A.D.), the Fons Aponi 

(Aponus’spring) became very important and famous. 

The spas were attended both for healing and religious 

reasons: the legend says that one of the roman Emperors 

went to the Fons Aponi to have the response of the 

Gerione oracle, a mysterious god who said the future 

through the hot waters. The imperial palace, a partly-covered 

amphitheatre also used for shows on water, patrician villas 

and residences, places of cult, reflection walks, and rich 

thermal baths: this is how the Fons Aponi appeared 

in Roman times. The growing interest in the spas led the 

Da Carrara family, rulers of Padua in the 14 th c., 

1 Abano Terme, monumental 

gateway to the Montirone 

2 Montegrotto Terme, 

Villa Draghi 

On the left, Terme Euganee, 

Mud therapy 

3 Thermal pool 

4 Montegrotto Terme, 

International Artistic 

Glass and Spa Museum. 

5 Golf on the Euganean Hills 

1 3 

to promote a deep survey of the waters. The survey 

was led by the University of Padua and it continues still 

today thanks to the studies of the Centro Studi Termali 

Veneto Pietro D’Abano (Spa Study Centre). Through 

in-depth study of the primary components of the thermal 

resources –water, algae, muds- the Study Centre performs 

systematic research into the thermal medicine 

and constantly monitors the effects of fangotherapy 

in order to guarantee the utmost quality. The spa hotels 

are specialized in the various spa treatments: 

fangotherapy, balneotherapy, hydrokinetic therapy 

and inhalation therapy. Besides the astonishing abilities 

to aid and restore, the thermal waters are also used in 

beauty treatments. Thanks to the modern, accomodating 

bath establishments, you can regain your vigour, relax 

and achieve that lost sense of well-being. After the spa 

treatments a wide range of sports and outdoor activities 

can be practised in the area. The Euganean Hills, which 

surround the spas, are most inviting for those who wish 

to keep in shape or enjoy sports. In fact, this context, 

which mixes modern facilities and beautiful natural 

environment, lends itself to numerous activities, 

4 

such as golf, horse riding, cycling, rock-climbing, 

jogging or simply walking along the paths of the hills. 

The historical and artistical heritage is vast, too. 

Among the hills you will find historical monuments, 

villas, castles, museums, ancient abbeys and monasteries. 

And last but not the least, you will be surprised 

to discover the excellent local cuisine, which combines 

wholesome food and genuine wines. Here nature 

has helped create the special flavours of the traditional 

dishes, offering, especially in Spring and in Autumn, 

numerous varieties of wild herbs, mushrooms, produce 

of the undergrowth and vegetables to be used in risottos, 

omelettes and other specialties. 

5 

18


Villas and Castles. 

Imposing strongholds and beautiful villas surrounded 

by luxuriant gardens are scattered throughout the Paduan 

province. These grand buildings along with their historical 

gardens witness the age-long strategic importance 

of this territory and its cultural and economic vitality. 

One of the most interesting 

itineraries among medieval 

towns and castles develops 

in the south western part 

of the province. Three imposing 

castles rise at a short distance 

one from the other. The 14 th c. 

castle of St. Pelagio was 

converted into private mansion 

house by the Zaborra family 

in the 18 th c. After one of the 

greatest fly actions of the past 

century, i.e. Italian poet 

Gabriele D’Annunzio’s 

flight to Vienna, took place 

here in 1918, architect Avesani 

arranged the interior of the 

castle into an interesting air 

museum, which illustrates the 

history of flight. The castle 

is surrounded by extensive 

parkland. The Catajo castle 2 

in Battaglia Terme is actually 

a mansion house. It was erected in the 16 th c. with the imposing 

appearance of a castle by Pio Enea I degli Obizzi, who was 

famous for his military skill and for having invented the howitzer. 

This huge property keeps beautiful frescoes and is enhanced by 

a wide park with architectonical decorations. The wide halls 

of the medieval Monselice castle superbly exemplifies the 

tranformation which defensive buildings underwent during 

the Renaissance age, when the military function ceased and 

castles and strongholds were converted into luxury private 

dwellings. The wide complex includes medieval rooms, beautiful 

halls with original 14 th c. fireplaces later parts added or enlarged 

in the 16 th -17 th c. And important collection of old arms and 

armours, which are still on display. On the Euganean Hills still 

rise two of the most ancient castles of the Paduan Province. 

The ancient St. Martino della Vaneza castle (11 th c.) in Cervarese 

1 

St. Croce has a distinct sense of history and a picturesque rural 

setting along the banks of the Bacchiglione river. It contains 

a museum dedicated to the river Bacchiglione. Set in peacefully 

surroundings at the foot of the Lozzo hill, Valbona Castle is a very 

well preserved 13 th c. building and one of the most interesting 

examples of medieval military fortification. The castle boasts 

a reastaurant and a photographic display about the Paduan castles. 

Venetian villas are amongst the most precious gems of the Paduan 

territory. Enhanced by wide gardens or age-old parks, these 

magnificent dwellings were realised between the 15 th and the 18 th c. 

to satisfy the agricultural and recreational needs of their noble 

owners. Villa Contarini majestically dominates the town of 

Piazzola sul Brenta. Its scenographic mass comprises a 16 th c. 

central body with the famous Sala della Chitarra Rovesciata (Hall 

of the upside-down guitar), long monumental 17 th c. barchesse 

(lean-to), wide semicircular arcades, and 50 hectares of parkland 

with fish ponds, lakes and tree-lined avenues. Not far 

away from Villa Contarini, in Piombino Dese, is Villa 

Cornaro (1551-52), a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio. 

It is a monumental house with loggias and a central hall 

adorned with white statues and columns. In the same town 

stands Villa Marcello, a sixteenth-century building with wide 

barchesse, garden and beautiful halls decorated by frescoes, 

which depict episodes from the life of Charles the Great and 

of the Olympian Gods. A great number of villas crowd into 

the green landscape of the Euganean Hills. Nestled 

at the top of a gentle hill, the elegant Villa Emo Capodilista, 

in Selvazzano represents one of the most original 16 th c. villas 

6 

of the Veneto region. In Luvigliano, one of the preferred 

destination of wine’s lovers, lies Villa dei Vescovi, a 16 th c. villa 

planned by Falconetto. With its open loggias and multicoloured 

external walls it represents one of the first examples of the 

characteristic venetian “pictorial” architectures, which started 

developping in that period. The house of the great Italian poet 

Francesco Petrarca (14 th c.) in Arquà Petrarca, retains original 

ceilings and furniture. From the balcony you can still enjoy the 

superb view on the hills, which enchanted the poet and inspired 

him some of his verses and letters. A fairy-tale atmosphere 

5 Piombino Dese, Villa Cornaro 

6 Arquà Petrarca, Petrarch’s House 

Below, Piazzola sul Brenta, 

Villa Contarini 

5 

surrounds the beautiful Villa Selvatico-Sartori lying in enchanting 

position at the top of St. Elena Hill. Its scenographic park was 

designed by architect Giuseppe Jappelli. An imposing staircase 

leads to the villa, the halls of which are decorated by 17 th c. 

frescoes. Many other mansions are scattered throughout the 

area which includes the medieval walled towns of Monselice, 

Este, and Montagnana, which was one of the favourite inspiring 

lands for generations of artists, poets and writers. The whole 

area can be the ideal destination to discover the places of 

importance to the many artists, writers and craftsmen who have 

drawn inspiration from the hills, among them troubadoric poets, 

Petrarch, Byron, Shelley, Foscolo, Fogazzaro and Bruce Chatwin. 

Fine villas adorn the rural landscape of the Saccisica region. 

In Bagnoli di Sopra Villa Widmann was particularly famous 

in the 18 th -century when Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni 

played in the private theatre of the mansion. Today the noble 

dwelling, which is surrounded by wide park with numerous 

statues, houses a famous wine-cellar and the Stradon del Vin 

Friularo Association. A few kilometres farther on is another 

beautiful mansion, Villa Garzoni Carraretto, which was built 

on a plan by Sansovino (1537-40). Another fine country 

mansion is Villa Roberti in Brugine. The wide halls are decorated 

by sixteenth-century Frescoes attributed to Paolo Veronese. 

The wide park which surrounds the villa hosts the monthly 

antiques market. 


Catajo Castle 

2 Monselice Castle, 

hall with typical 

carrarese fireplace 

3 Lozzo Atestino, 

Valbona Castle 

4 Due Carrare, 

St. Pelagio Castle, 

Hot-air balloons Hall 

20 

3 4


Historical gardens and parks. 

1 

The mild climate of the region and the skill of passionate 

gardeners and garden designers have left in the area 

a host of glorious gardens and centuries old parks. 

The garden of Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio ranges 

among the most important in Europe. It was re-designed 

on a grand scale around the middle Seventeenth century 

by the venetian aristocrat Giovan Francesco Barbarigo. 

Plenty of water enlivens an extraordinary universe of 

fountains, cascades, fishponds and brooks. Classical and 

romantic elements combine harmoniously and constitute a 

precious patrimony of statues, architectonical decorations, 

water games, loggias. A famous labyrinth enhances 

the property. The sheer variety and abundance 

of flowers and shrubs is one of the most amazing 

characteristics of the garden of Villa Emo in Rivella 

di Monselice. During the Spring and the early Summer 

the garden is at its best with fruit trees in blossom, borders 

and lawns are studded with masses of narcissi, roses 

reflect their colourful shapes in the water below, masses 

of brilliant day lilies create extraordinary borders. 

An 8 ha. park surrounds Villa Miari de Cumani in St. 

Elena d’Este. The mansion, characterized by embattled 

towers and walls, is part of a wide complex which includes 

rural houses, greenhouse, the beautiful romantic park 

partially created by the Venetian architect Giuseppe 

Jappelli (19 th c.) and concluded by Osvaldo Paoletti in 1870 

with a lake and grotto. 

2 3 

The luxuriant park, which surrounds Villa Pisani Scalabrin 

in Vescovana, comprises an Italian-style garden and 

romantic English-style park with chapel, theatre, barchesse, 

rural buildings, statues 

and an 18 th c. 

neo-gothic little temple. 

The park was celebrated 

by English writer 

Margaret Symonds in 

her book “Days spent 

on a Doge’s farm”. 

Imposing plane-trees 

and centuries old oaks 

crowd the Frassanelle 

Park, which mixes 

English style garden 

8 

6 

7 

9 

6 Noventa Padovana, 

Villa Valmarana 

7 Noventa Padovana, 

Villa Giovannelli 

8 Vescovana, Villa Pisani 

Scalabrin Park 

9 Rivella di Monselice, 

Villa Emo 


Villa Selvatico Sartori 

features and romantic park elements. Its artificial grottos 

are quite suggestive. The famous Riviera del Brenta with 

its beautiful villas starts at Noventa Padovana. In this 

small town rise some of the most beautiful villas of the 

area: Villa Giovanelli with its imposing façade was erected 

in 1670 in palladian style; Villa Grimani Valmarana 

was built in the 15 th c. on the ruins of an ancient castle 

and keeps 18 th c. frescoes; Villa Giustiniani, a wide rural 

complex built at the end of the 16 th c. and restored 

in the 18 th c. The riviera del Brenta continues following 

the course of the river from Stra to Venice. A charming 

trip among villas and gardens, a superb tour which 

enchanted poets and travellers, such as Lord Byron and 

Goethe, the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, the scientist 

Galileo Galilei, the playwright Carlo Goldoni. 

4 

5 

1 Bagnoli di Sopra, Villa Widmann 

2 Valsanzibio di Galzignano Terme, Villa Barbarigo 

3 St. Elena d’Este, Villa Miari de’ Cumani 

4 Selvazzano, Villa Emo Capodilista La Montecchia 

5 Valsanzibio di Galzignano Terme, Villa Barbarigo 

10 

22 

23


Medieval walled towns. 

The ancient town of Cittadella, with its elliptical and perfectly 

preserved medieval walls, is one of the most interesting 

walled towns in Europe. The settlement started life 

as a military outpost of Padua, which founded it in 1220. 

The town walls are still intact with a circumference of 1461 

m., 12 towers and 12 turrets of various heights, 32 sections 

and 12 Guelf merlons. The four major towers correspond to 

the four gates: Porta Bassano, Porta Treviso, Porta Vicenza 

and Porta Padova (or Porta Nuova, which is decorated by the 

town clock and the coat-of-arms of the Commune of Padova 

and of the Da Carrara family). Porta Padova incorporates 

the Church of St. Maria 

del Torresino and the 

Torre di Malta, which 

was built by Ezzelino 

da Romano in 1251 as 

a gruesome prison for his 

enemies, named also by 

Dante in the verses of the 

Divina Commedia 

(Paradise IX, 54). Besides 

the walls Cittadella offers 

a lot to visit such as the 

works of art inside 

the Duomo (cathedral) 2 

and its Museum, the 

nineteenth-century Teatro Sociale, with a neo-classical 

façade projected by Giuseppe Jappelli, the Town Hall, which 

dates back to the 14 th century, the Palazzo Pretorio 

(Magistrate’s Hall), the Podestà palace and the Archeologic 

Museum housed in the Torre di Malta. 

Monselice has an enchanting historical centre which 

develops around the slopes of the Citadel Hill. The defensive 

function and the setting out of the citadel (Rocca) date back 

to the Roman times, and was later enlarged and completed 

by the Langobards in the fifth century. 

1 Cittadella 

2 Cittadella, Bassano Gate 

3 Cittadella, Teatro Sociale 

4 Cittadella, Cathedral 

4 

Above, Cittadella, Palazzo Pretorio, 

fresco detail 

In the year 1239 the town was further fortified by will of 

Emperor Frederic II, who ordered extensive fortification works 

and the building of the castle. The town was later contended 

by the most important families who dominated the region in 

the fourteenth century, the Estensi, the Carraresi and the 

Scaligeri until in 1338 it was conquered by the Da Carrara 

noble family of Padua. In 1405 following an enervating siege 

lasting a full year it became part of the Serenissima Republic 

of Venice, a domination which lasted until the end of the 

3 

1 

eighteenth century. The beautiful walk from piazza Mazzini to 

the top of the hill reveals the most important historical events 

of the town through its main monuments. The first stop is at 

the Chiesa di S. Paolo (St. Paul’s church), which keeps an early 

medieval crypt with 13 th century frescoes. Taking the Via del 

Santuario you reach the Castello (Castle) a fortress dating 

from the late Middle Ages, re-built by Ezzelino da Romano in 

the 13 th c., enlarged by the Da Carrara family and transformed 

into a residence by the Marcello Venetian noble family. 

In 1942 it was made a museum by Count Vittorio Cini who 

added a rich collection of arms and furniture. Continuing 

the ascent is the 16 th century Villa Nani Moncenigo and after it 

the old Pieve di St. Giustina, which was consecrated in 1256, it 

houses a number of important works or art and a fine 

beamed ceiling (1787). After passing through the doorway 

6 

of the ‘count’s lion’ you reach the wide panorama of the 

rotonda. The Porta Romana (Roman gate) erected in 1651 

marks the entry to the Jubilee Sanctuary of the Seven 

Churches designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi on commission 

from the Duodo Venetian noble family. The mansion of the 

Duodo family, Villa Duodo, and a spectacular exedra mark 

the end of the route. From here a stairway 

and path lead to the top of the hill 

(150 m) dominated by the 

imposing Mastio Federiciano 

5 

(Frederick’s stronghold). 

A short drive away is the 

elegant town of Este. 

Before the year 589 the 

river Adige flew through 

the town and along its 

banks important religious 

and cultural Paleovenetian 

settlements developed 

in pre-roman age. 

5 Monselice, Villa Duodo 

6 Monselice, Castle 

7 Monselice, Antica Pieve 

of St. Giustina (old cathedral) 

8 Monselice, the City Hall 

Below, Monselice, 

Sanctuary of the Seven 

Churches 

7 

8 

24


The town became one of the most important Italian centres 

after the year 1000 thanks to the presence of the Estensi 

family, who erected their castle and fortified the town. 

The circle of walls was later enlarged by the Da Carrara family 

and by the Venetians. The fine rooms of the Atestino National 

Museum house a great number of items from Paleovenetian 

and Roman times, and a beautiful collection of ceramics. 

The imposing remains of the castle, which scenographically 

descend from the top of the hill downwards for about one 

kilometer, are one of the main attractions of the town. 

In the 13 th century the castle became one of the most 

important centres of troubadoric poetry as many Italian 

1 

7 

2 3 4 

and foreign troubadours and ministrels met at the court 

of Azzo VI of Este. The religious heritage of the town 

is very rich, too. The Cathedral keeps a beautiful painting 

by Giambattista Tiepolo (1759) and the tomb of Blessed 

Beatrice d’Este, the daughter of the Marquis of Este, who died 

in 1226 when she was only 26 years old. Her beauty and 

virtue had enchanted many poets, who dedicated their lyrics 

to her. The charme of this town attracted poets and artists 

1 Este, Castle 

2 Este, Situla Benvenuti 

3 Este, Castle 

4 Este, ceramics 

5 Este, Ca’ Pesaro 

6 Este, Atestino 

National Museum, 

Paleoveneti bronzes 

even in more recent times: in the 16 th century a great 

numbers of artists gathered at the dwelling of Alvise Cornaro 

a rich and generous patron of art and culture of Venetian 

origins; in the 19 th century the great romantic English poets 

Byron and Shelley spent a long and intense holiday at Villa 

Kunkler; the 20 th century registered the presence of Bruce 

Chatwin and Emma Tennant at Villa Albrizzi. 

Este is worldwide famous for the production of artistic 

ceramics. The last walled town in the south-western part 

of the province of Padua is Montagnana. The fortified city 

centre remains one of the best preserved and most charming 

examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls have 

a circumference of about two kilometers with two gates 

and 24 towers. St. Zeno Castle, one of the two gates, was 

erected in 1242 and now hosts the Town Museum. The other 

gate, Rocca degli Alberi, is a real jewel of military architecture. 

It was erected in 1360 by the will of Francesco I the Elder 

of the Da Carrara family. The narrow porticoed streets of the 

town lead to the wide Vittorio Emanuele Square, dominated 

by the Cathedral (works of art by Sansovino and Paolo 

Veronese inside). Close to Porta Padova is Villa Pisani a work 

by Andrea Palladio (1553-1555). Montagnana is situated 

at the centre of the Veneto Berico Euganeo Sweet Ham 

7 Montagnana, 

Palio of the 10 Communes 

8 Montagnana, 

medieval walls 

9 Montagnana, 

medieval walls 

8 

production area. The glorious past of these beautiful medieval 

towns is recreated in spectacular historical re-enactments 

and medieval festivals, during which costumed performers, 

musicians, flag-wavers, invade the streets, play games from 

the middle ages, compete the palio (horse-race) to win the 

prize, and recreate the typical medieval atmosphere in 

vigorous and colourful tournaments, picturesque markets 

and medieval fayres. The most important medieval events 

are: Palio of Trambaque at Cervarese St. Croce Castle (May), 

Estensi’s Days in Este (June), Palio of Montagnana (1 st Sunday 

in September), Rocca’s Joust in Monselice (3 rd Sunday 

in Semptember) and Voices from the Middle 

Ages in Cittadella (end September-early 

October). The year ends with the 

Medieval New Year in Montagnana 

(last Sunday in December). 

9 

5 6 

26


The Euganean Hills and other natural oases. 

The gentle landscapes of the Euganean Hills are one of the 

main attractions and tourist destinations of the Paduan 

territory. Their peculiar skyline created by the sequence 

of about 100 hills of varying heights and shapes immediately 

catches the traveller’s eye. The hills arose during the 

volcanic activity in the Tertiary Era (between 30 and 40 

million year ago) and are characterized by a special 

ecosystem, where different varieties of vegetation - from 

the typical Mediterranean shrublands to chestnut groves 

and mixed oak woods - unfold around the slopes of the 

hills. The Mount Venda (601 mt.) is the highest mountain 

and marks the centre of the hills. Protected since 1989 

by the Colli Euganei Regional Park, the Euganean Hills 

cover nearly 20,000 hectares. 

The climate is particularly mild and allows extensive wine 

and oil-growing with excellent results: there are a full 13 

D.O.C. (Denomination of Controlled Origin) wines including 

the well-known Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, 

Chardonnay, Serprino and Moscato Fior 

d’Arancio. Other typical products 

of the hills are honey, cheese and 

seasonal fruits (chestnuts, cherries, 

peas, and jujubes). Local feasts 

and village festivals celebrate 

these products, among 

them the Grape Festival, 

which takes place every 

year in September 

in Vo’ Euganeo. The Park 

counts 15 towns and 

villages with great natural 

and historical heritage. 

The gem of the hills is the medieval village of Arquà 

Petrarca, where time seems to stand still, keeping the magic 

of the Middle Ages intact. Its peaceful atmosphere attracted 

the great Italian poet Francesco Petrarca, who spent here 

the last years of his life. The enchanting landscape of the 

hills has attracted and inspired generations of poets, writers 

and artists: from the provençal troubadours, who gathered 

at the Estensi court in the 12 th century to the most 

important Italian and foreign writers of the past centuries 

such as Byron, Shelley, Foscolo, Fogazzaro and Bruce 

Chatwin. Following one of the numerous signposted 

pathways of the Parco Colli is an excellent way to discover 

the magic of this unique natural oasis. Either by bicycle 

or on foot or even on horseback you will admire 

the Hills’rich flora, the wide extents of vineyards, meadows, 

olive-yards and woods and visit historical monuments 

and museums. Some places are ideal to observe the little 

inhabitants of the wood, in particular slow-worms, spotted 

salamanders, cuckoos, sparrow-hawks, badgers, foxes and 

stonemartens. Leaving the Euganean Hills and going 

eastwards, you meet the green Saccisica, which together 

with the Conselvano form a fertile countryside, 

1 Torreglia, 

Villa Tolomei estate 

2 Portrait of Francesco 

Petrarca 

Below, The Euganean Hills, 

view of Teolo Church 

1 2 

5 

rich in multi-coloured fields and orchards, crossed by 

an extraordinary network of waterways. This territory 

has always been the Paduan countryside and the beloved 

hinterland and “endless granary” of the Venetian nobility. 

The rural landscape is characterized by the presence 

of numerous country-houses, villas and mansions, old 

Benedictine courts. It was thanks to the presence 

of the monks that vast areas of marshy land were reclaimed 

and destined to agricultural purposes with the introduction 

of new cultivation systems. The Correzzola Benedictine 

Court, now partially transformed into hotel, and the 

Legnaro Court, now meeting centre, are among the best 

preserved medieval courts. 

Travelling through this part of 

the paduan province, it is easy 

to see the casoni, the typical 7 

rural houses of the area, which 

were originally built with very 

simple materials such as clay, 

reeds, straw and wood. 

Some casoni have been 

recently restored and are now 

part of the cultural heritage 

of the province of Padua. 

3 

Other distinctive buildings of this area are the idrovora 

(water-scooping machines), works of hydraulics especially 

built in the 19 th century to avoid floods and now 

considered noteworthy examples of industrial archaeology. 

At the far south-eastern borders of the Saccisica 

the territory includes a portion of lagoon, the Valle 

Millecampi: 1,581 hectares of typical lagoon environment 

with canals of fresh water, stretches of brackish water, 

typical lagoon islets submerged at regular interval, 

which create an environment of great naturalistic 

and anthropological interest. The inhabitants of this part 

of the province are very proud of their ancient traditions 

6 

4 

and rural origins, which they often celebrate during 

popular feasts and ‘sagre’ (village festivals) dedicated 

to the agricultural produce such as the famous sweet 

potato of Anguillara, the radicchio of Maserà, the grappa 

of Conselve and the DOC wines. 

3 The Euganean Hills at sunset 

4 Valle Millecampi 

5 Orchard on the Euganean Hills 

6 Saccisica, view of the countryside 

7 Cinto Euganeo, former Cava Bomba kiln, now Museum 

29


On the table the flavours of a generous land. 

“Going for food and wine 

in the Paduan territory 

means going for surprises 

and nostalgia such as one 

would never find elsewhere” 

Orio Vergani, 

Writer and journalist 

The Paduan cuisine combines high quality 

ingredients with a traditional simple way 

of cooking. A great variety of seasonal products 

feeds it in its diversity of lagoons, valleys, hills, 

fluvial and on the plain. Tasteful examples 

of the typical Paduan cuisine are the numerous minestre 

maridae (soups with rice and pasta), pasta e fasoi 

(pasta and beans), risi e bisi (rice and peas), rice 

with chiken livers, rice with pumpkin, vegetable soup, 

sausages and luganeghe with polenta, quails and game 

of the plain and of the Po Delta, tripe and baccalà (stockfish) 

with white or yellow polenta. In spring and in autumn nature 

helps create special flavours, offering numerous varieties 

of wild herbs and undergrowth products which are used 

in risottos, omelettes, stuffings and traditional cakes. 

The Euganean Hills are a real and true mine of wild herbs, 

excellent wines and oils. The area boasts thirteen D.O.C. wines, 

the quality carefully controlled and certified by the Consorzio 

Vini Colli Euganei. The area also has a long tradition of oil 

production. Documents report of the existence of an oil-mill 

already in the 14 th century, and the still existing and working 

oil-mill in Valnogaredo dates back to the 18 th century. 

The oil has a particularly fruity flavour and an after taste 

that hints of sweet almonds. 

30 

1 2 

Honey is produced both in the Millefiori (obtained from 

different types of flowers) and in the one-flower variety, 

in particular acacia and chestnut honey. 

Among the starters, the famous bigoli, especially 

those seasoned with duck ragout, deserve 

a mention. A specialty of Torreglia are 

the torresani (tower doves). 

The oenogastronomic tradition of the 

Euganean Hills can be discovered through 

the itineraries and suggestions of the Strada 

del Vino Colli Euganei (Euganean Hills 

Wine Route Association). The cooking 

of the Montagnana and Este districts are 

influenced by the near Polesine area. 

Tasteful and simple it is based on genuine local 

products: rice, truffle, game and pig. Actually this 

is the area of the rites connected with the butchering 

of the pig and from it come forth the most unthought-of 

creations, such as codesini (tails), bondiola col lengual 

(sausage with tongue), soppresse, luganeghe, etc, but the most 

famous of all, is the Prosciutto Veneto Berico Euganeo better 

known as Montagnana 

sweet raw ham. One of the 

most ancient recipes of this 

district is the oca in onto 

(goose), a dish which is 

rarely served today and 

based on the conservation 

of goose cuts in their fat. 

3 4 

1 Typical products 

2 Schissotto bread 

3 Bondiola sausage 

4 Typical Wine-cellar 

of the Euganean Hills 

5 Jujubes specialities 

6 Polverara hen 

7 Padovana hen 

8 Veneto Berico Euganeo 

Raw Sweet Ham 

9 Old crafts, besoms 

10 Grape-gathering time 

6 

5 

7 

8 

The traditional list 

of desserts includes 

the zaleti (biscuits made 

with maize porridge flour) 

and the Pazientini, biscuits 

made with almonds 

and hazel-nuts. 

The south-eastern area 

of the Paduan Province, 

the so called Saccisica, 

a green land characterised 

by wide expanses of fields 

and a huge number 

of farms, is the reign 

of the Friularo Wine and 

of poultry. Ducks, geese, 

wild ducks, but above all the famous Polverara hen, which, 

together with the Paduan hen are considered the best Italian 

chickens. The closeness to the lagoon influences the cuisine 

of the area. It is not rare to find restaurants which include in 

their menus fish specialties (both sea and river fish, but also 

frogs), together with game or roasts. Dishes made with horse 

or pony meat are a peculiar culinary tradition of this territory. 

The typical dishes of the Alta Padovana (northern part 

of the Province) are strictly linked to the local tradition 

and based on seasonal products. Here the polenta is truly 

queen, also in its sweet version (polentina). Even though 

in this part of the province there is a great fervour 

of gastronomic initiative, there survives a widespread 

respect to tradition and it is still possible to find polenta 

e osei (polenta with small quail birds cooked on a spit), 

arna rosta (roasted duck), marsoni fritti (fried fish), 

and the luccio (pike) of the Brenta river. 

Dishes of game, baccalà and radicchio (lettuce-type 

vegetable but purplish red in colour) are also frequently 

served in this area. The abundance of water and the wide 

extent of permanent meadows encourage the production 

of excellent cheese, such as Asiago, Montasio 

and Grana Padano. 

Arts and Crafts. 

9 10 

Padua and its province boast a rich tradition of handicrafts - it 

can truly be considered an “artisan province”. 

The origins of all the main handicraft sectors, such 

as ironwork, copperwork (wrought and embossed), casting 

copper (the Situla Benvenuti displayed at the Atestino 

National Museum is a pre-Roman masterpiece of copper 

working). Other distinctive crafts of the area are the enamel 

painting of home accessories, the ceramics production 

(of great value the Estensi’s ones), the production 

of wooden furniture, the restoration 

of antique furniture (this activity is very 

diffused in the Montagnana area). 

A great importance has also the jewellery 

sector. The textile craft, which was 

the main source of Paduan 

medieval economy, continues 

in a springing up of knitwear 

and textile factories, needle-work 

and tanning. 

Typical handicrafts can be admired 

on the occasion of the numerous 

arts&crafts exhibitions and fairs 

or during local feasts and festivals, 

when great attention is often dedicated 

to this sector.

Discover Padua and its surroundings.

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