The Veneto: Este, Monselice, Montagnana & Arcqua Petrarca

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Monselice, is a charming little town with wonderful ruins of its castle which sits on the hill (and there are still walls surrounding the town). I usually start at Piazza Mazzini and walk up Via del Santuario to see the 13^th century Castello di Monselice/Cini (it’s fabulous!) and the Santuario delle Sette Chiese (Sanctuary of the 7 churches), a 17^th century building. Don’t miss the lovely duomo. Check out the gardens of the Villa Balbi/Duodo (great views).

Este is a sweet town with ancient Roman origins. The duomo/Cattedrale di Santa Tecla is an 18^th century cathedral with a beautiful painting by Tiepolo. The Museo Nazionale Atestino (in Roman times the town was named Ateste — thus the name) is located in the Palazzo Moncenigo (16^th century) and has a fine archaeological collection (local finds) and some fine Roman pieces as well. The Castello dei Carrarese (14^th century) is surrounded by ancient walls — gorgeous and immense (12 crenellated towers).

Montagnana is a beautiful city with 13^th century ramparts/walls and towers (turrets). The town dates back to the year 1000 BC. You enter through one of four gates to reach the sights here. You’ll love this town — it’s beautiful. The duomo/cathedral (15^th century) has some fine paintings including Veronese’s Transfiguration (at the altar). There are beautiful frescoes and choir stalls too. In the center of town is the Castello di San Zeno. The Chiesa di San Francesco has a tower connected to the ramparts. Palazzo Pisani is a palace by Palladio built in the 16^th century with some beautiful stuccoes. The villa/palazzo is located outside of the town.

Arqua Petrarca is a lovely medieval hill town. The poet, Francesco Petrarch chose this town be his final home. The Casa Di Petrarca (13^th century) is a museum. Inside you’ll find frescoes that illustrate Petrarch’s most famous works (Il Canzoniere and L’Africa), as well as his study and his manuscripts and mementos….I should mention that Petrarch had a stuffed cat called Laura — it’s here too! In a red marble tomb in the main square of town (in front of the church) lie Petrarch’s remains. Make sure you stop in at the Oratorio Della Santissima Trinita and the Chiesa Di Santa Maria (fine frescoes from the 14^th century).