Discover Este: Culture, History and Trails

Este combines a strong historical focus with a trail that conveys the transition from the Euganean Hills to the surrounding Venetian plain. When looking for a hotel in Este, you can consider whether Castello Carrarese, archaeological collections and churches, or the landscape along the Sentiero del Principe should be the main focus of your stay.

History and archaeological sites

Ubertino da Carrara had Este’s defensive complex built and, in 1339, oversaw the transformation of Castello Carrarese into its present form. Two medieval archaeological areas in the Castello grounds are currently open for visits: one in the basement of the museum, accessible only with permission, and one on the hilltop, where the core of the first Este castle stood.

Museums, churches and art

The Museo Nazionale Atestino displays finds from the Euganean Hills. They document human life and activity from the Middle Palaeolithic through the Bronze Age. Work on rearranging the displays may temporarily change the exhibition route. The finds in the collection and the medieval areas at the Castello highlight different periods: the Museo takes you back to the Bronze Age, while the archaeological areas are associated with the history of the medieval castle.

The Chiesa di San Martino is the oldest religious building in the town of Este. Its medieval structure has been preserved, with Romanesque-Gothic elements visible mainly in the apse and bell tower. The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie was founded in the 15th century at the behest of Marquis Taddeo d’Este. It houses a Byzantine icon of the Madonna delle Grazie, enthroned in 1479.

The painting Santa Tecla by Giambattista Tiepolo depicts the plague that struck the Este area in 1630. It was installed in Este Cathedral on 24 December 1759. The event depicted and the painting’s later installation are therefore connected in time, but they do not refer to the same historical date.

Trails and getting there

The Sentiero del Principe starts in Este, on Via dei Cappuccini next to the Arco del Falconetto in the historic centre. It showcases the landscape transition between the Euganean Hills and the surrounding Venetian plain. If you plan to walk the trail, check trail conditions before setting out; they may change.

Este has a railway station on the Padova–Mantova line. Local buses stop at an equipped stop on Via Martiri della Libertà; from there, it is only a short walk to Castello Carrarese. Check the timetables for your travel date if you plan to travel by train or bus.

Weekly market and regional cuisine

The weekly market takes place in the historic centre every Wednesday and Saturday. If you plan to visit the market during your stay, check the market days against your travel date in advance. Culinary references also reflect Venetian cuisine: Schizzotto is a typical baked good associated with Este. Featured traditional dishes include polenta-based dishes and stracotto d’asino.

Discover more destinations: Montagnana, Levada, Monselice, Carmignano Di Brenta, Pontelongo, Noventa Padovana, Ospedaletto Euganeo, Busiago.

For the broader travel overview: Padua.