Piazzola sul Brenta
Piazzola sul Brenta: a small city full of history
If you're looking for a place to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Veneto, we recommend visiting Piazzola sul Brenta. With just over 11,000 inhabitants, this small city located north of Padua embodies centuries of history and monuments of great beauty.
Origins of the name
The original name of the town was "Placiola" or "Plazola" or "Plateola," as attested by some historical documents from the 13th and 14th centuries.
History
Until 1268, Piazzola belonged to the city of Vicenza, but over time it passed into the hands of various noble families, including the Dente, Belludi, and Da Carrara families. It was only thanks to the inheritance left by the prince of the family, Jacopo, to his daughter Maria who married the Venetian nobleman Nicolò Contarini in 1413, that the town took on its current name. The villa, which has gone through various vicissitudes in history, was then restored by the Camerini family, who brought the structure back to its former splendor. Paolo Camerini, in particular, was the protagonist of the industrial transformations of the town, which transformed it from a mainly agricultural area to one of the most industrialized realities in Veneto.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the places of interest in Piazzola, the parish church stands out, erected between 1914 and 1926 and consecrated in 1955. Inside, there are frescoes by Giuseppe Andreoli and Girolamo Castagna, a valuable wooden pulpit by Luigi Strazzabosco, and a wooden sculpture of the crucifixion.
Another building of great beauty is Villa Contarini, dating back to the Renaissance and later expanded in the following centuries. The central body of the villa was probably built according to the design of the architect Andrea Palladio. Also linked to the famous architect is Villa Paccagnella, the work of Tomaso Temanza. Don't miss the industrial area of the former textile factory, built by Count Paolo Camerini at the beginning of the 20th century.
For nature lovers, Piazzola is the starting point for the Brenta Natural Area. It is an itinerary to be done by bike or on horseback, which runs along the Brenta river through a suggestive and varied landscape.
Conclusions
In general, Piazzola sul Brenta is an ideal place for those who want to combine the beauty of art and architecture with the tranquility of nature. Thanks to its millennial history and the beauty of its monuments, the city is a must-see for those in the area. If you are visiting Veneto, don't miss the opportunity to discover the beauty of Piazzola sul Brenta!
