The medieval town of Noale
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the fortified center of Noale was a military outpost to control the land between Padua and Treviso.
What stands today is important evidence of the history of defensive systems and medieval military town planning.
Of all the fortified sites in Veneto in the Middle Ages, Noale is the only remaining example of a water-based defensive system.
Two imposing masonry towers guarded over the two gates to the town, one on the road to Camposanpiero and the other in the direction of Mestre.
The Palio
The Palio is an annual event held in June.
This relay race is a competition between the town’s contrade (districts), preceded by the contrade parade, complete with flag-wavers and performances by jesters, jugglers and fire-eaters.
But the most spectacular event is the burning of the tower.
This grand finale is held at midnight, re-enacting the time when the tower was set ablaze by the Landsknechts of the League of Cambrai in 1509.
