Discover what to do in Ospedaletto Euganeo in Province of Padua: Antica fiera del Tresto, Parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista, Santuario Madonna del Tresto. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Ospedaletto Euganeo located?
The municipality of Ospedaletto Euganeo borders to the north with Noventa Vicentina, to the southeast with Carceri, to the southwest with Ponso, to the east with Lozzo Atestino and Este, and to the west with Borgo Veneto.
Antica fiera del Tresto
In 2023, the 555th edition of the Antica fiera del Tresto took place from Friday, September 22 to Sunday, October 1 at the parish of the Santuario della Madonna del Tresto in Via Tresto Sud, 1.
Every last Sunday in September, this traditional village festival commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the boatman Giovanni da Ponso, which took place on September 21, 1468. The Madonna is said to have shown the man the spot where a crystal-clear spring once rose; its waters still flow today from an ancient well built after that miraculous event.
The festival program includes historical reenactments with performances by musicians and flag-wavers in vivid uniforms and medieval costumes, displays of vintage tractors, craft market exhibitions, and a funfair with adrenaline-filled rides, as well as spacious dining areas where you can choose between delicious dishes, both home-style and gourmet.
One of the most captivating events at the fair is the speed pulling competitions, during which participants challenge one another in thrilling trailer-pulling speed races.
If you’re wondering what to do in Ospedaletto Euganeo and want to take part in one of the oldest and most fascinating traditions in the Province of Padua, the Tresto fair unfolds with live music, amusement parks, dance evenings, top-quality food and wine specialties, and much more!
For more information about this historic event, we recommend visiting the Facebook pages Antica Fiera del Tresto and Pro Loco Ospedaletto Euganeo.
Parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista: the façade
Nestled in the urban heart of Ospedaletto Euganeo in Via Roma Est, 1, the church of San Giovanni Battista stands out for its monumental double-pitched façade softened by a rich decorative ensemble.
Four Tuscan pilasters, resting on tall bases, separate the massive wooden portal from the two side niches crowned by broken curved pediments. In the left niche stands the sculpture of Sant’Antonio, recognizable by his monastic robe, the Book in his left hand, and the lily in his right.
The entrance portal is flanked by pilasters and Corinthian columns, above which rises the curved pediment decorated with volutes. The sinuous architectural frame is ennobled by statues of the Theological Virtues. Above the door, the large cartouche is topped by the anthropomorphic representation of Faith with the cross in her left hand and the chalice in her right. On either side of the statue are two stone vases with fruit and flowers.
Lower down, on the volutes at the ends of the pediment, stand the statues of Hope, recognizable by the anchor she holds in her right hand, and Charity, with two children in her arms.
The upper register is divided into three sections by four Ionic modillions. In the central section, aligned with the entrance door, opens a large arched window. The side sections are decorated with painted depictions of two Saints.
Completing the vertical development of the structure is a dentilled triangular pediment, at the center of which stands an opening with an eight-pointed star.
The pediment is topped by three statues, the central one depicting San Giovanni Battista with the long cross at his side.
Santuario Madonna del Tresto
Built in less than a year, from 1468 to 1469, the architectural complex features an enchanting portico, marked by round arches, which defines the perimeter of the central garden.
The place of worship stands out for a trilobed gabled façade in exposed brick, framed by two massive pillars and crowned by three spires.
Topped by a large rose window, the entrance portal is flanked by two slender single-light windows ending in a pair of trilobed little arches.
If you’re wondering what to do in Ospedaletto Euganeo, the Santuario della Madonna di Tresto is one of the most important architectural, spiritual and cultural monuments in the Lower Padua area.
