Maserà di Padova
Welcome to Maserà di Padova!
If you are looking for a peaceful village to spend a few days, Maserà di Padova may be the perfect solution for you. Located within the second urban ring of Padua, this charming hamlet is a town of 9,194 inhabitants in the province of Padua, in Veneto.
Origin of the name and curiosities
The name Maserà di Padova was added in 1866 following the Plebiscite of Veneto in 1866 to the Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946). Instead, Bertipaglia derives from the ancient name Braida de Palea, a settlement built with straw roofs. Bràida is Lombard and means field or meadow.
Maserà di Padova is home to the Mortalisatis polyphonic choir, directed by Maestro Ignazio Vazzoler, whose main goal is to spread musical culture in the community.
History of Maserà di Padova
Ancient age
The municipal territory was already densely populated by the Paleoveneti in the 2nd century BC. The subsequent arrival of the Romans brought a reorganization of the land based on the well-known centuriation system, which improved agricultural yields by promoting marsh reclamation and the containment of watercourses.
Middle Ages
When the Western Roman Empire fell, the town's lands were abandoned. In 874, the Rosio Diocese of Padua decided to send the monks of Santa Giustina (not yet Benedictines) to Maserà in one of its properties. It included the Maserà Court and a church dedicated to San Martino in Ronchi, which, not having a baptismal font, depended on the cathedral of Padua.
The lands were abandoned again in 899 due to the invasions of the Hungarians. In 970, the bishop of Padua, Gozzelino, again conferred the lands of Maserà on the Benedictine monks of Santa Giustina. It was thanks to them that the marshy lands of Maserà were reclaimed and the conditions of the farmers improved.
In 1190, the new church of S. Maria Vergine was born, which became the archpriestal and Pieve seat. It depended on the chapels of San Mariano in Bertipaglia, Santa Maria in Casalserugo, San Martino in Ronchi del Volo, Santo Stefano in Ca' Murà, San Biagio in Cornegliana, Santo Stefano in Carpanedo, Sant'Andrea in Lion, San Tommaso in Albignasego, and San Giorgio delle Chiusure.
Maserà became a free municipality in 1234, but legally dependent on Padua, in fact, it was governed by a podestà who received an annual salary of 50 lire. The free municipality also included the districts of Bertipaglia, Bolzani, Cà Murà, Pratiarcati, and Villa Albarella.
What to visit in Maserà di Padova
If you are visiting Maserà di Padova, you cannot miss the Church of Santa Maria Vergine, a Pieve that stands in the city's historic center. The church was built twice: the first time in the 9th century, the second in 1190.
Another gem of Maserà is Villa Corner in the hamlet of Bertipaglia, dating back to the 17th century. It represents one of the most elegant and large residential complexes in the whole territory, with beautiful gardens and a tower.
In addition, Villa Cassoli-Vassoler, built around 1735-40 to replace a pre-existing villa from the 16th century in the central part of the town, preserves its appearance intact and, inside, the precious pictorial decoration of the halls that testify to the great opulence of the owners.
Food and Drinks
Regarding gastronomy, Maserà di Padova offers several typical Veneto specialties. The pilot risotto and pumpkin risotto are must-try dishes that will make you fall in love with local cuisine. Also, don't forget to try the savoiardi biscuits, typical of the area.
As for drinks, don't miss the opportunity to taste the red wineforte, produced in the area adjacent to Maserà.
Events
If you want to visit Maserà di Padova for some events that animate the town during the year, here are some dates to keep in mind:
Feast of San Martino (November 11): a festival in honor of the saint, patron of Maserà, during which you can taste typical dishes (pumpkin risotto first) and new wine.
San Martino Fair (third weekend of November): a traditional fair of local and artisanal products.
Strawberry Festival (end of May): a festival dedicated to this exquisite fruit and seasonal fruits, which also includes a cooking competition.
Feast of Santa Maria Assunta (August 15): an ancient religious festival, during which the patroness of Bertipaglia is celebrated.
Conclusion
Maserà di Padova is a small village that guards historical and landscape treasures. With its millennia-old history and numerous tourist attractions, it is the ideal place for a weekend of relaxation immersed in the nature of Veneto and to taste the delicacies of local cuisine. We are certain that you won't be able to resist falling in love with Maserà!
