Montagnana, Medieval fortified town in Padua Province, Italy
Montagnana is a fortified town in Padua Province in northeastern Italy, surrounded by medieval walls that run for two kilometers. The brick and stone ring encloses the entire historic settlement and is reinforced by 24 hexagonal towers with battlements rising about ten meters high.
The Carraresi family reinforced the defenses in the 14th century against the Scaligeri of Verona, adding layers of brick and stone. This construction work turned the town into an important defensive point in the power struggles between ruling houses of northern Italy.
The Palio dei 10 Comuni takes place every September and brings together surrounding communities with horse races that mark the end of Ezzelino III da Romano's rule. The event draws visitors from nearby towns and keeps the memory of medieval struggles alive through public celebration.
Visitors can explore the Castle of San Zeno, which houses a civic museum with Bronze Age and Roman finds from the area. The walls are walkable on foot and offer a circuit around the entire old town with views over the plain.
Two celebrated opera tenors, Giovanni Martinelli and Aureliano Pertile, were born here in 1885 and connected the town to the world of classical music. Both achieved international recognition and performed in major opera houses across Europe and America.
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