Montagnana – Medieval Walled City with Towers, Palio and Prosciutto Veneto

Region: Veneto

Province / Nearest City: Province of Padua / nearest city Padua (40 km away)

Attraction Name: Montagnana – Medieval Walled City

Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 35044 Montagnana (PD)

Distance from Major City: ~45 km from Padua (about 50 minutes by car)

How to Get There:

• By car: From Padua, take SS16 south toward Este, then follow signs for Montagnana. From Verona, SS10 leads directly.

• By public transport: Regular trains connect Padua and Verona to Montagnana station (about 1 hour).

What Makes It Unique in the World: Montagnana boasts one of the best-preserved medieval walls in Europe: 2 km of fortifications with 24 towers and 4 gates. Entering through Porta Padova feels like stepping into the 14th century, with cobbled streets, noble palaces, and a timeless atmosphere.

Local Story / Fun Fact: Montagnana isn’t only about stone walls—it’s also the birthplace of the Prosciutto Veneto DOP, sweet and delicate, celebrated each May with a festival under the walls. In September, the Palio dei 10 Comuni brings costumed parades, flag-throwers, and horse races, reviving medieval traditions.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn for the festivals and pleasant weather. Summer evenings are also lively with cultural events along the walls.

Nearby Food & Stay: Taste Prosciutto Veneto DOP paired with local wines like Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio. Montagnana has charming B&Bs inside the old town, while nearby Este and Padua offer broader accommodation choices.