Lendinara, Italian comune
Lendinara is a small town in the province of Rovigo with buildings and streets that reveal its medieval origins. The town centers around Piazza Risorgimento, where you find the Palazzo Pretorio and city hall, while two major churches, the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Pilastrello and the Duomo di Santa Sofia with its tall bell tower, anchor the community's religious and cultural life.
Lendinara was first recorded in 870 when the Cattaneo family from Verona ruled the area for over 400 years. The town changed hands multiple times through various rulers before becoming part of the Venetian Republic in the late 1400s, a period that brought significant development and cultural growth.
Lendinara earned the nickname 'Athens of Polesine' in the 1700s due to its strong artistic and craft traditions, particularly in woodworking. The town still reflects this heritage today through its preserved buildings and the way locals gather in the main square.
Lendinara is easy to explore on foot since the main square and historic buildings are within walking distance in a compact layout. Start at Piazza Risorgimento and wander through the narrow streets to visit churches and old palaces, keeping in mind that some sites like Parco di Cà Dolfin have limited access and are open only on specific days.
Local legend claims that Lendinara was founded by Antenor, a hero from Troy, before he moved on to establish Padua. This connection to ancient mythology sets the town apart from typical medieval settlements and adds a layer of mystery to its origins.
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