Cittadella and its fortifications: a dive into the Middle Ages

You are invited to visit Cittadella, a beautiful walled city of medieval origin that is located a few kilometres from important centres of art such as Padua, Vicenza, Treviso, in the broader historic context of other fortified towns in Veneto. The foundation of the town dates back to 1220, when the township of Padua decided to create from scratch a fortified place in the central part of the Venetian plain. The walls of Cittadella are one of the few examples of a defensive system with a walkway along the parapet of the ramparts that is still perfectly preserved and intact. It is therefore one of the finest defensive systems in Europe. The surrounding area is rich in culinary traditions, history and culture, which this route intends to make the most of.

(Special thanks to Giancarlo Bigolin and Libreria Vettori for pictures provided)

Morning

The first part of the day is dedicated to the history and monuments of Cittadella. The tour begins with the Captain's House (Casa del Capitano) and a visit to the walkway along the walls (Camminamento di Ronda). It begins at Porta Bassano, at the Captain's House, where the headquarters of the Cittadella Tourist Office (IAT) are located. Here you can buy your ticket to visit the walkway on the ramparts. Along the walkway you will reach Porta Padova, where you can visit the famous Tower of Malta (Torre di Malta), the prison of the tyrant Ezzelino III da Romano. Today inside the tower you will find the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Siege and the panoramic terrace at the top of the tower. You can then continue along the walkway and complete the tour at the tower of Porta Bassano, where the exit is. Afterwards, a walk in the town centre to visit the Cathedral (Duomo) and its Art Gallery (Pinacoteca), which houses paintings of the Renaissance, is suggested. From there you will see from outside the Teatro Sociale and the Palazzo Pretorio. Finally, a walk through the public gardens between the walls and the moat is recommended.

Lunch

Lunch will be held at the restaurant Taverna degli Artisti, located within the walls, in Via Mura Rotta n. 9. The restaurant now occupies the premises that in the past hosted a frame workshop, which was very popular among local artists. Even before the contribution of Elisabetta and Roger, dynamic and enterprising managers of the restaurant, this place has been a witness of the love for art within the medieval walls of Cittadella. Nowadays artists' canvases hanging on the walls take the centre stage along with the good food, making people aware that the complicity of elements such as quality and innovation cannot be disregarded. It is in this spirit that, by drawing from the many excellences and refinements of local agricultural production, tasty and unique dishes are prepared.

Afternoon

During the second part of the day we invite you to visit two historic and typical shops of the territory of Cittadella: La Bottega del Borgo, in Via Borgo Bassano n. 99 and Le Delizie del Grano, in Via Andrea Palladio n. 48/C. Both businesses are headed by the renowned company Casa Trentin, that for over 40 years has been producing good food, using only high quality ingredients, according to the best Italian gastronomical tradition. Bread and cakes become masterpieces, no longer side dishes, but the real protagonists of the table, at the centre of attention and care for the customer. By selecting and using the simplest and freshest ingredients, Casa Trentin has always been "listening to" taste in all its nuances, in order to combine it in a harmonious but always distinguishable way. The second generation of the family, brothers Nicola and Davide, carry on their parents' activity with passion and delight, giving their customers products that taste of the purest craftsmanship. The high quality ingredients are treated with respect, to make the most of their properties and the right leavening and resting time, just as it was in the past, but with the help of today's technology, in order to always put quality and health above all. From bread to pastries, from coffee to all kinds of other food, including many sauces and preserves, everything is produced in a strictly natural way, without preservatives and food dyes.

 

Points of interest

Inside the Captain's House (Casa del Capitano) there are two rooms of medieval re-enactment, with models of soldier weapons and armours, as well as setting...

The imposing construction built inside the Padua gate (Porta Padova) is the so called Tower of Malta (Torre di Malta), built in 1251 by Ezzelino III da Rom...

This large palace is located on the street near the gate Porta Treviso and was the home of the podestà sent by the township of Padua and then by the...

The Cathedral (Duomo) was built between 1774 and 1826 by three architects including Domenico Cerato, who designed, among other things, Prato della Valle in...

The Social Theatre is located along the road to Porta Vicenza gate, in via Indipendenza. Designed by Giacomo Bauto in 1817, it was completed by Francesco C...

In a restaurant without feeling like you’re in a restaurant. This is the fascinating philosophy of the Taverna degli Artisti (The Artists' Tavern), t...

Located close to the historic center, in a large commercial area with convenient store front parking, Le Delizie del Grano (The Delights of Wheat) is a war...

La Bottega del Borgo (The Village Shop) is a historic shop in Borgo Bassano, opened in the mid-twentieth century. Located just outside the historic center,...