Este

A town in the plain, of ancient origin, whose economy is characterized by agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities. The residents, who have an above-average aging index, are distributed across numerous inhabited nuclei; a significant portion of the population lives in scattered houses throughout the area. Urban expansion has led to its proximity to the municipalities of Villa Estense, Monselice, and Ospedaletto Euganeo. The territory, with an irregular geometric profile, is traversed by the course of several canals and is characterized by relatively gentle variations in elevation. The town has a flat-altimetric layout. On the golden background of the municipal coat of arms, granted by Decree of the Head of Government, a red, turreted castle is depicted, whose gate, surmounted by the golden lion of Saint Mark, bears a red Latin cross.

The significant archaeological findings collected demonstrate that the area was inhabited from ancient times; in particular, the presence of the Paleovenetian and Roman civilizations is well-documented. During the medieval period, it endured invasions and devastation by barbarian peoples, and it was only around the year 1000 that it began to experience some tranquility. From this point on, it became the property of a family that took its name from the place, and after 1213, it came under the rule of the municipality of Padua. There was then the lordship of the Carraresi, followed by the long governance of the Venetian Republic.
Among the sacred buildings to be mentioned are: the Cathedral, which houses interesting sculptural works and fine paintings, including a canvas by G.B. Tiepolo; the church of San Martino, which preserves 14th-century frescoes inside, and the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie.