Montagnana, the Venetian village with 24 hexagonal towers

The village of Montagnana is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” and is located in Veneto.

The name Montagnana derives from the medieval Latin motta (“small hill” with a castle) and from Aeniana, linked to the mansio Anneianum mentioned in the Itinerarium Antonini and to the fundus Enianus. The area was inhabited in Roman times, as evidenced by the necropolis of the Gens Vassidia and numerous rural villas. After the disastrous flood of 589, the river changed its course, reshaping the territory. Already fortified against the Hungarians, Montagnana in 1239 resisted Ezzelino III da Romano, who nevertheless conquered it in 1242 and built the keep of Castel San Zeno. In 1290 it passed to Padua; in 1362 the Carraresi completed the city walls with the Rocca degli Alberi. From 1405, under Venice, it experienced agricultural and commercial prosperity. Between 1431 and 1502 the main church was erected. After the fall of the Serenissima (1797), it followed the events of Lombardy-Venetia until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.

What to see in Montagnana

The walls of Montagnana, reinforced by 24 hexagonal towers and four gates, offer their most striking view from the northeast side, immortalized by Giorgione. Here one can distinguish the 13th-century section from the 14th-century Carrarese one, alternating trachyte and brick. Next to it stands Villa Pisani, built by Palladio in the mid-16th century for Francesco Pisani, an early example of the Renaissance cube model. Nearby are other patrician residences: Palazzo Giusti Sammartini, the Gatteschi, Palazzo Giusti Chinaglia, and the Loggetta del Veneziano.

In front of the villa rises the Castle of San Zeno with its 38-meter keep, built by Ezzelino in 1242. Returning to the center, one encounters Palazzo Sammicheli (1538), now the town hall, with a council chamber decorated by Vanin. The heart of the city is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, with its trachyte listón, Palazzo Zanella, the Monte di Pietà (1497), the Loggia, and the medieval-style Cassa di Risparmio.

Also remarkable is the Cathedral (1431–1502), with frescoes attributed to Giorgione, works by Buonconsiglio, and Veronese’s Transfiguration. Other highlights include the Church of San Francesco, Palazzo Magnavin-Foratti, the Hospital of the Nativity, the Carrarese Rocca degli Alberi, the Church of San Benedetto, and the 19th-century houses along the walls. Outside the center, the small Church of Sant’Antonio Abate testifies to the Templar presence.

Events and traditions in Montagnana

Montagnana is enlivened by a rich calendar of events that combine tradition, music, and gastronomy. In May, the Festa del Prosciutto Veneto Berico-Euganeo DOP is held, dedicated to the famous “Crudo dolce di Montagnana,” with tastings and local specialties. In June, the Giovanni Martinelli – Aureliano Pertile International Opera Competition celebrates the two great tenors from Montagnana with concerts and musical events. On August 15, during the Sagra dell’Assunta, the town comes alive with popular attractions and a funfair. On the first Sunday of September, the evocative Palio dei Dieci Comuni del Montagnanese takes place, a medieval reenactment with historical parades, musicians, and flag-throwers. In October, the Montagnanese in Fiera fair promotes agricultural, food and wine, and artisanal economy. Added to these are the antiques and collectors’ market every third Sunday of the month (except July and August) and the weekly Thursday morning market.

The true star is the sweet cured ham of Montagnana, with its soft and delicate flavor, obtained with a skillful balance of salt and particularly appreciated when paired with local melon. Its production involves 15 municipalities between the Euganean Hills and the Berici Hills. In 1996 it obtained the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP), safeguarding its unique bond with the Veneto territory.

What to see around Montagnana

The surroundings of Montagnana are rich in charming villages and sites. In Este, one can admire the Carrarese Castle and the Atestino Museum, while in Monselice the Rocca and Castello Cini stand out. Arquà Petrarca, among the Euganean Hills, preserves the poet’s house. Not to be missed are Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio, with its Baroque gardens and labyrinth, and the Castle of Bevilacqua. The Euganean Hills complete the itinerary, with vineyards, nature, and historic villages to explore.

Cover photo credits: Andrea Contrini