Arquà Petrarca, the village of the “poet laureate”

Arquà Petrarca, one of The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, lies at the foot of two hills and stretches across gentle slopes shaped like an arch, from which its Latin name Arquatum derives, later evolving into Arquà. In 1868, “Petrarca” was added in honor of the poet. The area was already inhabited around 1000 BC by the Veneti, allies of Rome and later integrated into the tenth Italian region. In 985, a Carolingian castle is documented, later governed by Normans, local counts, and the Este marquises. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the village, with its trachyte houses, became the seat of a podestà and vicariate under Padua and the Carraresi. In 1374, Francesco Petrarca died here. From 1405, Arquà came under Venice, then Austria, and finally, from 1866, became part of the Kingdom of Italy, preserving its unique historical and architectural charm.

What to see in the village

The village of Arquà Petrarca resonates with silence and melancholy, evoking the moods of the poet who spent his final years here. The light-colored stone houses, churches, and small palaces enriched by the Petrarchist style give the town a luminous appearance, a testament to the presence of Venetian families. The winding ramps connecting the lower and upper village lead to rural and picturesque views, among old washhouses, troughs, and Petrarch’s fountain, up to the churchyard of the archpriestal church of Santa Maria Assunta, where the poet’s tomb stands. The church preserves Veneto-Byzantine frescoes, a 14th-century polyptych, and works by Palma il Giovane.

In Piazza Petrarca stand Palazzo Contarini in Venetian Gothic style and the ancient Osteria del Guerriero. Along Via Roma, Romanesque houses, medieval residences, and Villa Alessi (restored in 1789) emerge. Climbing toward the Oratory of the Holy Trinity and the Loggia dei Vicari, restored with a copper and glass roof, visitors can admire polyptychs and historical frescoes.

Finally, Petrarch’s house, surrounded by gardens and donated to the poet in 1369, preserves loggias and 16th-century frescoes. Immersed in greenery, it still offers an evocative view of the hills, similar to the one contemplated by the poet, making the village a place of deep historical and poetic atmosphere.

Traditions and events of the village

Arquà Petrarca celebrates traditions and culture with the Festa delle Giuggiole in October, Per le vie del Borgo from April to November with crafts and antiques, the Festa dell’Olio Novello in November, Summer Evenings and Sipari al Borgo between June and August, and classical music concerts in the villas of the hills thanks to the Masiero and Centanin Musical Foundation.

What to see around Arquà Petrarca

The surroundings of Arquà Petrarca reveal the Euganean Hills, ideal for trekking and walks among vineyards, olive groves, and woods, as well as the thermal baths of Abano and Montegrotto, famous for their healing waters and wellness centers. Not to be missed are Este, with the Carrarese Castle, archaeological museums, and medieval center, and Monselice, with Cini Castle and the Sanctuary of the Rocca. A few kilometers away, Padua offers the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Prato della Valle, and the Scrovegni Chapel. Nearby villages such as Vò, Galzignano Terme, and Battaglia Terme offer charming views, historic villas, and nature walks. Completing the experience are the food and wine itineraries of the Euganean Hills, with wineries and olive groves offering tastings of local wines and typical products.

photo credits underworld