Veneto is a spectacular region, fabulous for those who love unique experiences, such as visiting the village where Petrarch lived. Arquà Petrarca is a small village in the province of Padua , famous for being the last refuge of the great poet Francesco Petrarca.
The history of this place is closely tied to the poet, but its historical and cultural importance goes even further. Arquà Petrarca is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered through a visit to its ancient streets, churches, and homes that retain the charm of a bygone era.
What to see in Arquà Petrarca: a detailed summary
Let's find out what to see in this small village nestled in the Euganean Hills . This way, everyone who reads will have a comprehensive overview of the area's beauty and can plan a complete, stress-free itinerary.
Petrarch's house
Petrarca's house is undoubtedly the village's most iconic landmark. This residence originally dates back to the 13th century and was donated to the poet in 1369 by Francesco il Vecchio da Carrara, Lord of Padua. Francesco Petrarca , captivated by the tranquility and beauty of the place, decided to settle here to spend the last years of his life. He himself oversaw the restoration and transformation of the house, which he adapted to his needs and taste.
This place, therefore, becomes an essential stop for anyone wishing to delve into history and discover a place where a poet like Petrarch, so important to Italian and world culture, once lived.
The house is composed of two distinct sections , each three and a half meters tall. Petrarch had some windows opened on the façade and combined the two living units into a single apartment. The upper floor, on the left side of the building, was reserved for himself and his family, while the right side, which included the main entrance, was used for servants and services.
In the 16th century, the house passed into the hands of the Paduan nobleman Pietro Paolo Valdezocco, who made further modifications, including the construction of a Renaissance loggia and an external staircase. The interior walls were decorated with tempera paintings depicting scenes from Petrarch's works, and scenes from:
- Songbook;
- Triumphs;
- Africa.
Today, the house still preserves the study where the poet died, with a chair and bookcase believed to be original. A curious and macabre detail is the niche housing the mummy of the cat that, according to legend, belonged to the poet.
The Oratory of the Holy Trinity and the Vicars' Lodge
The Oratory of the Holy Trinity , located near Petrarch's house, is a church of ancient origins, with reliable records dating back to 1181. This Romanesque church, dear to the poet who often went there to pray, has a simple structure with a single nave and exposed beams. Over the following centuries, the oratory underwent several modifications and expansions, including the addition of the apse in the 15th century. Inside, you can admire a 17th-century wooden altar, an altarpiece depicting the Trinity by Palma il Giovane, and a series of statues and frescoes of great historical and artistic value.
Adjacent to the oratory is the Loggia dei Vicari , dating back to the 13th century, which was the meeting place for heads of families and vicars. In 1828, the loggia lost its roof, remaining uncovered until 2003, when it was restored by the Municipality of Arquà Petrarca. Today, the loggia is covered by a glass and copper structure, lending an evocative, modern feel to this ancient building. The interior is decorated with the coats of arms of the vicars who represented Arquà in the Most Serene Republic of Venice.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the oldest religious buildings in the village, with documents attesting to its existence as early as 1026. Petrarch's funeral was held here, and he was buried nearby, according to his wishes. The church has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries, with significant expansions in 1677 and the 19th century, which gave it its current appearance.
Inside the church, you can find a central altar, the work of the sculptor Francesco Rizzi, with a statue of the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel. Also worth seeing are the two 16th-century carved wooden side altars and the altarpiece on the right, depicting the Baptism of Jesus , by Pietro Damini. Behind the main altar, you can admire a large altarpiece of the Assumption, created by Palma il Giovane. During 20th-century restoration, frescoes from the Venetian-Byzantine and post-Giotto schools were discovered, including a Madonna and Child and a triptych depicting Saint Martha, Saint Mary Magdalene, and Saint Lucy .
The fountain and tomb of Francesco Petrarca
The fountain dedicated to Petrarch , located not far from his home, is an ancient structure that existed before the poet's arrival in Arquà. Petrarch regularly drew water from this spring and may have commissioned restoration work. On the front arch of the fountain is engraved a Latin couplet, perhaps attributed to the poet Quarenghi, which extols the importance of the spring's water, the same water that is said to have inspired Petrarch's verses.
Petrarch's funerary sarcophagus , made of red Verona marble, was erected six years after his death by his son-in-law, Francescuolo da Brossano. The tomb, inspired by ancient Roman sarcophagi, bears the epitaph dictated by the poet himself, a touching invitation to the Virgin and her Son to care for the poet's soul, weary of earthly vicissitudes.
What to see near the village: Costa Lake and the Valsanzibio Garden
L aghetto della Costa , located near Arquà, is an archaeological site of great importance, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. This peri-lake settlement dates back to the Bronze Age and has yielded a large number of finds that testify to the long duration and complexity of life in this area. The pile-dwelling dwellings, built on reclaimed wood and stone, were located along the banks of the lake and demonstrate the great engineering skill of their builders.
The garden of Valsanzibio
Not far from Arquà Petrarca is the Valsanzibio Garden , one of the most important examples of a Baroque garden in Italy. Created between 1665 and 1696, the garden is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, featuring over 60 Istrian stone statues, fountains, waterfalls, and an elaborate system of water features. This symbolic garden is a place of extraordinary beauty and spirituality, having won first prize as "The Most Beautiful Garden in Italy" in 2003 and ranked third in Europe in 2007.
The garden is divided into several thematic areas, including the boxwood labyrinth, the Hermit's Cave, and Rabbit Island, each representing a stage in the symbolic path of salvation conceived by its founder.
Arquà Petrarca: How to Experience It to the Fullest
For those who want to visit this village and nearby Padua, it's important to book an apartment online . Thanks to a dedicated short-term rental, you can:
- Save on your accommodation budget;
- Really discover the territory;
- Have full freedom of movement;
- Enjoy the benefits of an apartment.
