The Veneto: Cittadella

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Brick walls, gates, towers and turrets (still intact) surround Cittadella (a fortress town). It is a beautiful ancient town built by the Paduans in the 13^th century (although recent finds within the walls indicate the town has been around since the bronze age). It is located on the Brenta River. The town is often used as an example of perfectly defined urban planning - as the town is layed out in a square "grid plan" and the town walls encircle the grid. The piazzas are perfectly shaped by the old buildings that surround them —and, in fact add to the reputation of perfection. You’ll find 32 towers and turrets (16 of each) and 4 gates encircling the town. The main entrance to town is through the gate named Porta Padovana. Within the walls you’ll find a lovely cathedral/Il Duomo (18^th century) with frescoes and fabulous altarpieces. Next door is the cathedral museum with a good collection of religious shrines, furnishings etc. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Torresino is a pretty church. Stop in at the 14^th century town hall, the 15^th century Palazzo Pretoria, the Teatro Sociale, the Podesteria and Casa di Podesta. Outside the town walls is the oldest church in Cittadella, the Chiesa di San Donato. It’s a Romanesque church with lovely frescoes.