Legnaro
Exploring Legnaro: History, Culture, and Monuments
Hello friends, today I am taking you on a journey to discover Legnaro, a municipality of approximately 9,353 inhabitants in the province of Padua in Veneto. This destination is considered an important center for research and university education thanks to the University of Padua and the Legnaro National Laboratories, which are part of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics.
## Origins of the name
The name Legnaro comes from "Lignarium". According to some hypotheses, this toponym is linked to the large quantities of wood cut outside the center and to the forests that once covered the territory.
## History
Ancient origins
Legnaro is located in the Saccisico territory, an area of Paleovenetian settlements, Roman centuriation, Longobardic arimannia, and imperial property. The first time Legnaro is mentioned is in a document from 828 that confirms the possession of goods in that area to the Monastery of San Giustina. Over the centuries, the territory of Legnaro has undergone numerous reclamation works, particularly thanks to the Benedictine monks who organized a real agricultural business.
Symbols
The municipal coat of arms and gonfalon were granted by royal decree on April 17, 1930. The coat of arms features a fox in the upper part, a symbol of the Volparo fraction, located on the border with Polverara and the ancient local fauna. In the lower part, there is the trunk of a tree that recalls the large amount of timber preserved in this area. The gonfalon is a happy light blue cloth.
## Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious architecture
Church of San Biagio
The Church of San Biagio was built between 1779 and 1786 to the design of architect Giorgio Massari, blessed on July 25, 1786, and inaugurated in 1803, even though the works on the façade continued until 1821. This sacred building became archpriestly in 1907.
Legnaro also hosts the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1662 by the Benedictine monks, and the Church of San Giorgio alla Montagnana, dating back to 1739.
Civil architecture
Villa Correr Agazzi
The Villa is an important example of Venetian architecture of the eighteenth century and was named after the Agazzi family, which acquired it in 1878. The structure consists of a central body with three floors and two corner barchesse.
The Benedictine Court
The Benedictine Court of Legnaro is a magnificent example of rural architecture in Veneto and dates back to the twelfth century. This building was built at the request of the Benedictine monks and hosted an advanced agricultural business and a mill.
Parks and Nature
Legnaro is surrounded by a marvelous natural landscape. The Regional Park of the Euganean Hills is a protected area that extends for about 180 km². Here you can admire splendid panoramas and many animal species.
## Events
The patronal feast of Legnaro is celebrated on February 3 in honor of San Biagio. The main event is the Sagra dei Bozzi, an ancient tradition that involves the sale of bread in the shape of Bozzi and other local gastronomic products. In August, the Feast of Santa Maria della Salute takes place, a religious event that involves a solemn procession and a mass in honor of the Virgin Mary.
And with this, you have discovered the beautiful town of Legnaro. I have taken you to see the monuments, religious structures, civil architecture, and natural beauty that this municipality offers. There are also many interesting events not to be missed, so if you have the opportunity to visit Legnaro, take advantage of it!
