Este

The name probably derives from the Latin Athesis, as the river Adige was once called, a distributary of which passed through the region until the VI century. Its origins date back to the ancient Iron Age Veneto dwellers. Itinerary: National Museum Atestino (vestiges of the Roman era, but mostly from of the Paleoveneto period, with lots of exhibits, some of which are unique). Cathedral of Santa Tecla (precious alter-piece The Miracle of St. Tecla, by Giambattista Tiepolo). The Basilica-Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Icon of the Virgin from the XV century). Carrarese castle. The town hall and the Scaligeri building. The civic tower of the Porta Vecchia (Old Gate). Fortress of Ponte della Torre (Tower Bridge) and the remains of the ancient city walls. For excursion lovers, there is a cycling itinerary “Ring around the walled city” a hundred meters from the Villa. Nearby: Carceri (XI century abbey, Museum of Country Living) and Vighizzolo (hydraulic work: pumping system from the vat of Vighizzolo).

Monselice

Founded, according to legend by the Trojan Ossicella, it probably takes its name from the quarry, where once the ancient town lay, which was later destroyed due to the extraction of stone, which was used by the Serenissima Republic to pave the Venetian piazzas. Itinerary: The Fortress (remains of the ancient castle on the summit; panoramic itinerary of the Jubilee Shrine of the Seven Small Churches, with a wide view of the plain and the Seven Small Churches, where remarkable altarpieces by Palma the Young and, inside the seventh small church, several relics can be seen). Old Cathedral (XIII century). Villa Pisani (XVI century, attributed first to Palladio and later to Andrea da Valle, it houses the Roman Lapidarium of Monselice). The Cini Museum (furniture, utensils, paintings and armour from the past).

Montagnana

Probably dating back to the Roman era, it holds important historic attractions and is known for its typical produce, in particular the cured ham of Montagnana. It is a completely walled city, and is member of the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Itinerary: Medieval walls, with the keep, the Fortress Rocca degli Alberi and the Castle of San Zeno (in September, in the exterior green trench, a medieval Palio takes place, in which the ten municipal districts dressed in historic costumes parade). Cathedral (The Transfiguration by Paolo Veronese, alter pieces by Giovanni Buonconsiglio, a votive canvas depicting the battle of Lepanto, frescos, one of which is attributed to Giorgione). Outside the walls, coming from Padua, Villa Pisani by Palladio.

The Euganean Hills

The Euganean Hills are of ancient volcanic origin and are found in the Regional Park bearing the same name. They offer noteworthy footpaths and cycle routes. Typical local culinary specialities can be enjoyed in the taverns and restaurants, accompanied by excellent local certified D.O.C. wines. Itinerary: Teolo (medieval Abbey of Praglia, with its library and book restoration activity). Arquà Petrarca, of prehistoric origin. It takes its name from the poet Francesco Petrarca, who on return from his long stay in Provence, spent the last years of his life here (Petrarch’s House, Petrarch’s Tomb, which once contained the poet’s remains). Cinto Euganeo (Geopalaeontological Museum of Cava Bomba, example of industrial archaeology). Nearby, on the east side of the hills: Battaglia Terme (Monumental Castle of Catajo); Due Carrare (Air and Space Museum San Pelagio: numerous aircrafts and memorabilia. It was from here that Gabrielle d’Annunzio began his flight to Vienna in 1918).

Terme Euganee

Popular since ancient Roman times, the Euganean thermal Spas are an excellent treatment centre, known throughout the world. The main Spa centres, many of which accept external guests for therapeutic mud treatments, are in the follow cities. Abano Terme: in the past famous celebrities stayed here, amongst them the poet Ugo Foscolo. A must see is the sanctuary of Monteortone (frescos by Jacopo Monragnana, The Crucifixion by Palma the Young, the Tamburini organ, one of the biggest in the Veneto Region). Montegrotto Terme, of probable Neolithic and Bronze Age origin. From documents, it emerges that the utilization of the thermal waters began at the beginning of the Iron Age, but in was in Roman times that they were fully exploited. The archaeological site “Gli Scavi” is clearly visible. Galzignano Terme, of Neolithic origin. To visit: the Monastery on Mount Venda, Villa Barbarigo, with its historic Italian style garden (statues, fountains, labyrinth).