Discover what to do in Barbona in the Province of Padua: the church of San Michele Arcangelo, the barchessa of Barbona, a bike ride in Barbona. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Barbona located?
The municipality of Barbona borders east and northeast with Vescovana, west and northwest with Sant’Urbano, south with Lusia, and southwest with Rovigo.
The church of San Michele Arcangelo
Located in Piazza Aldo Moro, the church of San Michele Arcangelo rises in the heart of the charming rural village at the southern edge of the Bassa Padovana, on the border with Rovigo.
This 17th-century place of worship stands out for its white gabled façade, simple and austere, vertically marked by four pilasters topped by the entablature. Completing the vertical development of the structure is the moulded triangular pediment crowned by the statues of three female figures.
Flanked by two single-lancet windows with round arches, the portal is finished with a triangular pediment highlighted by projecting mouldings and supported by brackets, between which the inscription S.MICHELE.ARCANGELO can be read.
Lit by the side lunettes and the two single-lancet windows opening onto the front, the church’s single nave features side niches with round arches containing altars in polychrome marble. The hall is further enhanced by a refined pulpit and splendid paintings that decorate the barrel ceiling and the presbytery.
Enriched by a fresco of the Crucifixion, the apse houses the high altar, decorated with two sculptures flanking the ciborium.
Standing beside the church is the brick bell tower in exposed brick. Resting on a sturdy truncated-pyramid base, the bell tower ends with swallowtail battlements and features two single-lancet openings on each side at the bell chamber.
The barchessa
Immersed in the countryside of Barbona, the imposing barchessa stands east of the church of San Michele Arcangelo in Piazza Aldo Moro.
This impressive rustic building, with a rectangular floor plan, is lightened by an elegant portico marked by wide round arches. Above the keystone of each arch opens a small oval window to ventilate the interior of the structure.
Framed by a low wall of red bricks, the barchessa is surrounded by lush plants including cedars, birches and farnie oaks. From the perimeter wall emerges the dense vegetation of a flourishing bamboo grove.
If you are wondering what to do in Barbona, this fascinating example of rural architecture is accessible through an elaborate wrought-iron gate and faces a striking row of lime trees, cedars and Constantinople acacias that stretch along the grassy embankment of the Adige.
Bike ride in Barbona and Sant’Urbano: the Rotta Sabbadina
Located in Via Rotella, 5, Foscarina, the Rotta Sabbatina is an ancient work of hydraulic engineering built in the 16th century to regulate the flow of the waters of the Adige. During the War of the League of Cambrai, the Republic of Venice decided to breach the banks of the Adige River to flood the plain and hinder the advance of the armies allied against Venice.
How do you reach the Rotta Sabbatina?
Starting from the town hall of Barbona, head south toward the embankment, then turn right onto Via Rialto. After about 50 metres, take the dirt road on your right. After 600 metres, keep left and continue to the intersection. Cross the road and continue along Provincial Road 81 for 100 metres, then continue along Via Foscarina in the shade of walnut, acacia and elder trees for about 450 metres.
At this point, keep right onto Via Ghiaia, continue for about 300 metres and merge onto Provincial Road 1. After 300 metres, turn onto Via Coronella, then immediately right onto Via Rotella and continue for about 230 metres until you find the Rotta Sabbatina on your left. If you are wondering what to do in Barbona, Rotta Sabbatina is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to admire the enchanting and silent river and archaeological landscape of the municipality of Barbona.
