Este Attractions

Southwest of Padua, under Monte Calaone (415m/1,370ft), is the little town of Este (15m/50ft; pop. 18,000), the Roman Ateste, which was held from c. 1050 to 1275 by the princely family of Este. The Museo Nazionale Ateastino, in the former Palazzo del Castello or Palazzo Mocenigo (16th century), has rich prehistoric and Roman collections. Adjacent is the 14th century Castello Carrarese, surrounded, particularly on the east side, by massive walls. Also of interest is the 18th century Cathedral of Santa Tecla, which has a picture of the saint by Tiepolo in the choir; it shows St Tecla praying for the town to be saved from the plague (1630).