Discover what to do in Riese Pio X: the birthplace of Saint Pius X, the Church of Saint Matthew the Apostle, Villa Eger and the Poetry Park, but first…
Where is Riese Pio X?
The municipality of Riese Pio X in the province of Treviso borders to the north with San Zenone degli Ezzelini, Fonte, Asolo and Altivole, to the south with Castello di Godego and Castelfranco Veneto, to the east with Altivole and Vedelago, to the west with Loria and Castello di Godego.
Immersed in the tranquil rural landscape of the Po Valley, the municipality of Riese Pio X is rich in art and architecture monuments that, in addition to attesting to the cultural, historical and spiritual wealth of the area, attract visitors every year from all over the region, fascinated by the beauty of the territory and eager to learn about the history of the illustrious figures who lived in these places.
Birthplace of Saint Pius X
Located at Via Giuseppe Sarto, 31 31039 Riese Pio X (TV), the birthplace of Giuseppe M. Sarto, Pope from 1903 to 1914, is a precious testimony not only of the history of the Catholic Church and of one of its greatest spiritual leaders, but also of the culture and traditions of the small village where the pontiff was born.
The interior rooms of the house-museum are in excellent condition thanks to the unchanged arrangement of furniture and various household utensils, which allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the everyday atmosphere of the small and welcoming rural home where the pontiff spent his childhood.
Church of Saint Matthew the Apostle
The parish of Riese dedicated to Saint Matthew is a true gem of 18th-century architecture conceived by the great Paduan architect Andrea Zorzi.
The splendid and bright nave of the church houses the solemn ark of Saint Pius X, a magnificent marble sepulcher that held the remains of the pontiff before they were transferred to Rome.
In addition to the invaluable altarpiece “Glory of Pius X“, kept at the end of the white nave, two side chapels allow the visitor to contemplate various perfectly preserved religious artifacts and relics, including cassocks, valuable paintings and a rich series of historical documents.
The parish, where Giuseppe M. Sarto received his first sacraments, is located at Via Monico, 1. 31039 in Riese Pio X.
Villa Eger and Poetry Park
Located at Via Giuseppe Sarto, 31, the municipal seat stands on the site originally occupied by the bishop’s castle, a majestic example of medieval architecture that unfortunately was destroyed in the 17th century.
The current building consists of the majestic central body, the noble manor house, flanked by the barchessa, a rural service building used as a warehouse and to facilitate agricultural activities.
On the first floor, the serliana is visible, a structural element consisting of a round arch flanked by two trabeated lateral openings.
The west facade has a tripartite division marked by arched windows, above which stands a classical tympanum.
The stately building is still surrounded by a vast lush garden meticulously maintained and equipped with an artificial pond.
In addition to children’s attractions and exercise equipment, the park is equipped with various lecterns for reading poetry.
