Castel and Fortress
SAN ZENO CASTLE
The Keep of San Zeno Castle, which is about 38m high after being raised in a later period, is attributed to the medieval era and the Ezzelino da Romano. It represents the oldest part of the city wall and you should climb the tower not only to feel as if you are entering the past but also to delight in a breathtaking view of Montagnana. Climbing the stairs you observe the internal structure of the building with, which in the past was divided into 7 wooden floors which could be reached by using ladders and trap doors.
The Castle has undergone various phases of construction and even today we recognize the Venetian section (XVIII century) which is characterized by 2 rooms which are still used for conferences and the medieval area which includes the library and the museum. Inside the castle we find a courtyard with a covered wooden gallery which has been restored using mainly original materials. The civic museum "A. Giacomelli" is divided into an archaeological section which goes up to the Roman age, a medieval section and a hall; called Martinelli and Pertile, named after two famous tenors from Montagnana, which is dedi- cated to music.
ROCCA DEGLI ALBERI
The "Rocca degli Alberi" is a military fortress which was used to defend one of the entrances into the city. At one time it was completely surrounded by moats, even the internal gardens and "piazza Martiri della libertà" were large moats which isolated the "Rocca" even further just as if it was a small island. The architect was Franceschino De Schici and its construction (between 1360 and 1362) was commissioned by Francesco I Da Carrara.
From the entrance hall you can observe the slits in the wall, a structure which at one time supported the drawbridge and the props of the wooden balcony. Also relevant are the coats of arms on the façade of the entrance hall, the symbol of the Free City of Padua (the cross) and symbol of the Da Carrara family (the cart and crest with horned moor).
The Keep of San Zeno Castle, which is about 38m high after being raised in a later period, is attributed to the medieval era and the Ezzelino da Romano. It represents the oldest part of the city wall and you should climb the tower not only to feel as if you are entering the past but also to delight in a breathtaking view of Montagnana. Climbing the stairs you observe the internal structure of the building with, which in the past was divided into 7 wooden floors which could be reached by using ladders and trap doors.
The Castle has undergone various phases of construction and even today we recognize the Venetian section (XVIII century) which is characterized by 2 rooms which are still used for conferences and the medieval area which includes the library and the museum. Inside the castle we find a courtyard with a covered wooden gallery which has been restored using mainly original materials. The civic museum "A. Giacomelli" is divided into an archaeological section which goes up to the Roman age, a medieval section and a hall; called Martinelli and Pertile, named after two famous tenors from Montagnana, which is dedi- cated to music.
ROCCA DEGLI ALBERI
The "Rocca degli Alberi" is a military fortress which was used to defend one of the entrances into the city. At one time it was completely surrounded by moats, even the internal gardens and "piazza Martiri della libertà" were large moats which isolated the "Rocca" even further just as if it was a small island. The architect was Franceschino De Schici and its construction (between 1360 and 1362) was commissioned by Francesco I Da Carrara.
From the entrance hall you can observe the slits in the wall, a structure which at one time supported the drawbridge and the props of the wooden balcony. Also relevant are the coats of arms on the façade of the entrance hall, the symbol of the Free City of Padua (the cross) and symbol of the Da Carrara family (the cart and crest with horned moor).