Castel San Zeno - Mastio di Ezzelino

The Castle of San Zeno, located in the eastern part of the walled village of Montagnana, represents the oldest part of the city, dating back to the thirteenth century. Consisting of an articulated main building with a rectangular plan, an imposing keep and an evocative internal courtyard protected by two corner lookout towers, this admirable architectural complex, in Venetian times, was used as a housing for the troops as well as a warehouse for hemp.

Restored between 1994 and 1996, today its large rooms house the Tourist Office, the "A. Giacomelli" Civic Museum, the Study Center on Castles, the Library and the Municipal Historical Archive.

Ezzelino’s Tower represents the defensive heart of the Castle of San Zeno. After completely setting the city on fire, the infamous Ezzelino III da Romano, imperial vicar of Frederick II of Swabia, commissioned its construction in 1242.

Today as then, from its 38 meters high, this imposing tower dominates the whole village, offering a suggestive panorama that embraces the surrounding countryside and allows the eye to reach not only the Berici and Euganean Hills, but also the Alps and the farthest heights.