Piazzola sul Brenta: Villa Contarini, Brenta Landscape and Market Tradition

Piazzola sul Brenta can be explored through specific places and routes: Villa Contarini represents architectural history, the Area naturalistica Brenta represents the river landscape and nature trails, and the Treviso–Ostiglia cycle path combines exercise with a historic railway route.

Villa Contarini: Andrea Palladio and its building history

The central building of Villa Contarini was constructed in 1546 based on a design by Andrea Palladio. The landscaped park surrounding the villa covers approximately 45 hectares. At Villa Contarini, the central building and the landscaped park therefore form two distinct parts of the visit on site.

A compulsory guided visit, included in the admission price, is provided for visiting Villa Contarini.

Loco delle Vergini and Oratorio di San Benigno

Loco delle Vergini is a monastery-like complex from the 17th century that was designed as an orphanage. Singing, instrumental music and embroidery were taught there. Its former use combined social, musical and craft-related functions. The Oratorio di San Benigno is a neoclassical central-plan building by the architect Tommaso Temanza and is currently owned by the parish of Piazzola.

Brenta landscape, the Natura 2000 site and nature trails

The natural side of Piazzola sul Brenta can be seen both in the villa’s landscaped park and along the river. The Natura 2000 SCI/SPA IT3260018 “Grave e Zone Umide della Brenta” also includes the municipality of Piazzola sul Brenta. In the Area naturalistica Brenta, nature trails lead through a largely untouched river landscape with rich flora and fauna.

Cycle route, railway station, Green Tour and gondola ride

The Treviso–Ostiglia cycle path is a prominent reference point when planning a cycling tour. It follows the route of the disused railway line of the same name and is part of Veneto’s regional cycling project “Green Tour – Verde in movimento”. Villa Contarini can be reached from Grisignano di Zocco railway station on the Padua–Vicenza railway line via a section of this cycle path. The connection from Grisignano di Zocco railway station to Villa Contarini can be specifically planned as a combined train-and-bike journey.

A gondola ride is available at Villa Contarini by prior reservation.

Mercatino dell’Antiquariato: Monthly market

The Mercatino dell’Antiquariato in Piazzola sul Brenta takes place on the last Sunday of every month and has been held for more than forty years. The monthly schedule and the event tradition spanning more than forty years make the market in Piazzola sul Brenta a recurring event in the local annual calendar, and have done so for more than four decades. The market extends across the square in front of the villa, the surrounding streets and the former Jutificio Camerini.

Further places for orientation

Cadoneghe, Vo', San Martino Di Lupari, Treponti, Fontaniva, Legnaro, Due Carrare, San Salvaro

Padua