ESTE, ITALIA

August 23, 2015
Located in the Province of Padova, in the Veneto region situated at the foot of the Euganei Hills, is Este. The name of the town comes from the river Adige [Athesis in latin]. The river flowed through the town until 589 AC when earthquakes and flooding moved the rivers path south. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Este was constantly attacked by the Barbarians and the town grew dim. 

Este rose again in the 10th century when Azzo, later called Azzo II d'Este, built a castle there. The Lords of Este then moved their capital to Ferrara when they received the title of marquis [1239]. After the noble family left, the town was conquered by Ezzelino da Romano who tore the castle down. Later, in the 14th century, Este was disputed between the Carraresi, the Scaligeri and the Visconti Houses until it surrendered to Venice in 1405. 

Side note: Este was visited by Mussolini during the Fascist period and hosted German troops during WWII. 

There are tourist maps located on information boards throughout the city. The tourist info center was closed while I was there and I can't seem to find a map online, but maps do exist. People were sitting at the outdoor tables and walking around. Most of the must-sees are the villas and churches but sadly they all seemed to be closed on this particular Sunday, although it is also August so…Anyway, I would recommend visiting on a Saturday or during the week if possible

Este has a large city wall which culminates at the castle built on top of a small hill [Castello Carrarese built circa 1339]. The wall is one kilometer long and are composed of 12 towers. The area within the wall is now a public garden which borders a palace built in the 1500s by the Mocenigo family [now a museum]. 

Piazza Maggiore, the main square, was the core of the town during the Renaissance period. Today it is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. Palazzetto deli Scaligeri, a 1300s gothic palace, is located along the piazza which is also home to the Town Hall, which has a portico built during the 17th century. 

Another sight to see is the clock tower, called Porta Vecchia, which is the symbol of Este. It dates to the late 17th century and the clock still works today. 

There are many other buildings to check out while walking around the town, such as:
Villa Kunkler, Villa Albrizzi, Villa Vigna Contarena, Villa Contarini, the Complex of San Francesco, Palazzetto of the Scaligeri, Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, etc.

Me with the Town Hall in the background

Piazza Maggiore

Torre Civica di Porta Vecchia 

Torre Civica di Porta Vecchia

Torre Civica di Porta Vecchia

Torre Civica di Porta Vecchia

St. Martino

St. Martino

St. Martino - leaning tower

The Cathedral of Santa Tecla [Below] is famous for the interior painting by Gianbattista Tiepolo [1789], which is considered a masterpiece. The cathedral also houses the remains of Beatrice d'Este. Unfortunately it was Sunday and apparently that means the church is closed? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Este is known for their production of ceramics, which dates back to the birth of the city. The production has achieved a high level of technique and style and many of the shops and manufacturers are open to the public.