A SHORT HISTORY OF CITTADELLA

The town of Cittadella with its wonderful circle of walls was built in 1220 out of the will of the city-state of Padua.
Since then, the most typical peculiarities of the town have been the exceptional circle of walls and its strategic position within the Paduan territory.

For a short period Cittadella was ruled by Ezzelino da Romano, and in the second part of the XIII century it had greatly developed and had a strategic role towards the surrounding territory. In 1236, Padua granted Cittadella the right to have its own statutes. During the XIV century Cittadella's role increased and the Podesteria (tenue of a Podestà) enlarged.

After many violent happenings, Cittadella knew three centuries of peace, interrupted in 1797, when Napoleon's troops took possession of the whole territory belonging to the Venetian Republic. From 1814, Cittadella suffered also of the Austrian occupation, which ended in 1866, the year when it was finally annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.

TOWN WALLS

The old walls was founded in 1220 b. C.. Their insider is separeted y two main side-roads wich links thw 4 gates wih the centre. The Town Walls are joint with the exterior by 4 gates built on bridges in corrispondence of the 4 cardinal points and turned to the near cities of Padua, Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa and Treviso from whom their names are taken.

OLD WALLS WALK

One of the entrances leading to the "parapet walk" on the medieval walls of Cittadella, starts from the West Gate (Porta Vicentina).. Visitors can walk from the West Gate (Porta Vicentina) to the Torre di Malta, situated next to the South Gate (Porta Padova), and thereby gain a fuller understanding of the defensive role that the medieval walls once played. The second entrance is planned in the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria del Torresino, while the third has been built in the famous Torre di Malta. On the latter tower's roof a belvedere is under construction to add beauty and charm to the historic tower, where visitors can enjoy a spectacular vista over the town and the surrounding area.

TORRE DI MALTA

The robust building is constructed within the south gate (Porta Padovana). Ezzelino da Romano had the tower built in 1251 as a gruesome prison for his enemies. Chroniclers of the time painted a black picture of the events that made it famous. In 1256, when Ezzelino was banished from Padua, Cittadella's inhabitants opened the gates so that Tiso from the nearby settlement of Camposampiero could free a few hundred prisoners, including women, reduced to a pitiful state. Two stone tablets were placed on the Tower's wall with an engraved passage of the "Chronicle of Rolandino", and the verses of Dante who recounts the tragedy with his poetic authority. The Torre di Malta has been the subject of much research by Cittadella historians. They believe that Dante's reference to a Torre di Malta is just to Cittadell's tower.

ESAGONO
Six towns, a delightful experience of Treasures in the heart of Veneto

The Hexagon Project (or Progetto Esagono) brings together six historic towns situated in an enchanting natural environment. United by their histories and traditions, these towns offer visitors enjoyable experiences all year round.
The region's vast cultural heritage, its museums and the testimonies of great artists are but a few compelling reasons to discover the Esagono. The delightful history of this disputed land, replete with castles and fortresses, owes much to its topography.

ASOLO
Architectural jewel of Veneto, the mediaval centre of Asolo has an enchanting panoramic view. The Rocca dominates the old town hosting the castle, the Cathedral and the fifteenth century Palazzo della Ragione (House of Justice). The captivating walk along the narrow streets and porticoes of the old town have inspired artists from all over the world.

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA
The town of Bassano del Grappa has gained international fame for three characteristic symbols: the Ponte degli Alpini (Alpine Soldier Bridge) designed by Andrea Palladio, Iacopo da Ponte and its fine pottery. The medieval testimonies blend with Venetian architecture within the three city walls, marking the urban growth of the Roman town. Basson del Grappa's cultural life is replete with events, shows and exhibitions.

CASTELFRANCO VENETO
Giorgione's town, Castelfranco Veneto, conserves the prestige of a historic centre of art within its medieval walls. Frescoed buildings overlook the spectacular piazza lining the castle walls, built by the inhabitants of Treviso in the 12th century to defend their borders. The municipal tower rises above the corner towers and the city walls, with an entrances on three sides to the austere fort. Around the castle lies a pleasant garden, surrounded by a moat and a magnificent walk lined by statues.

MAROSTICA
With a sublimely theatrical effect, the surrounding walls descend from the hill overlooking the town to the old centre, joining the upper and lower castles. From the highest hill the upper castle dominates the old town of Marostica and extends with its solid walls down to the lower castle overlooking the main square where the famous human chess game is played. The panoramic path linking the two forts lets visitors fully appreciate the architectural and topographical wonders that the town offers.

POSSAGNO
The imposing neo-classical temple rising above the panorama of hills around Possagno is known for its most famous citizen, Antonio Canova, who designed it as a church for his hometown. The Temple is home to the artist's grave and hosts some of Canova's works: a marble self-portrait