This itinerary is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Montagnana, which you can do on your own thanks to some panels showing QR codes you can scan!
The visit will begin at the suggestive complex of Castel San Zeno, the oldest part of the town's majestic fortifications, whose construction began in the 13th century on pre-existing defensive structures. Here you will have the opportunity to discover the roots of Montagnana by reading a short historical introduction, available via the dedicated QR code located in Piazza Trieste.
We then recommend a climb to the Mastio di Ezzelino, the highest of the town's towers. From its top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view that embraces the village and the surrounding countryside, and the Renaissance heart of Montagnana with its splendid palaces enclosed by the majestic defensive walls. You can also visit the "A. Giacomelli" Civic Museum: scan the QR code for the starting times of the guided tours.
Continue by exploring the green moat surrounding the city, which once served as a strategic ditch. During this part of the route you will discover the ability of the Da Carrara domain in making the walls a reliable defence for the military garrison and a safe refuge for the inhabitants of Montagnana. You will find the QR code just inside Porta XX Settembre.
The walk will continue through the picturesque town streets (Via Dei Montagnana, Via Scaligera), reaching the beautiful Church of San Francesco (QR code at the entrance to Vicolo San Francesco).
Proceed towards Via Cesare Battisti: there you will find the majestic sight of Montagnana's Town Hall, a Sanmichelian-style building towering above all the other surrounding buildings (QR code under the arcades on the other side of Via Carrarese).
Next head to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the main square, where you will find the dedicated QRcode on the south side arcades. Notice how the long Venetian domination has left its mark on these fine buildings!
You will then have the opportunity to visit the majestic Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, an extraordinary example of skilful stylistic play due to its apparent simplicity on the outside which hides a richly decorated interior (QR code on the panel outside the main entrance).
The final stop on the route and the highlight of this fascinating experience will be the imposing Rocca degli Alberi, today considered to be one of the symbols of the town.
If you would like to extend your walk even further, you will also find a QR code at the so-called 'Piazzola del Giorgione', a space outside the walls (north-east corner, along Via Circonvallazione) showing the evocative view that the famous painter drew in one of his sanguine paintings.
