Cittadella Things to Do

The Community Theatre, designed by Giacomo Bauto, was built in 1811 and completed by F. Cibele. The building, with its simple and incomplete neo-classical facade, attributed to Giuseppe Iapelli (designer of Pedrocchi caffe in Padova), is based on nineteenth century theatrical design.
The splendid fresco decorations of its interiors were crafted by Francesco Bagnara, stage designer and painter from Vicenza, who painted the famous La Fenice theatre of Venezia too.

The cathedral was built between 1774 and 1826 by three eminent architects, Domenico Cerato designed the building's layout, Ottavio Scamozzi gave the temple its characteristic neo-classical style, while Carlo Barera oversaw the building's completion.
Worth of note is the sacristy of the cathedral with "Supper of Emmanus" by Jacopo de Ponte and "La Deposizione" by Lazzaro Bastiani who was the member of Bellini's circle.

The North Gate, Porta Bassanese, was defended with five rows of arches closed by porticullises, two drawbridges and a moat linked to the main moat encircling the walls. The keep adjacent to the Porta Bassanesewas recntly made acessible by an interior stairway rising to the top where visitors can enjoy a magnificient panorama.

Named after the adjoining tower (Torresino) and situated near the South Gate (Porta Padovana), according to tradition the church was built by soldiers at the same time as the castle.
The foundations of an earlier bulding, probably the original structure, have been discovered in resent excavations. The paintings on the altars my not attain the highest artistic standards, but are nevertheless interesting portrayals of local history.
The stone receptacle in the nave comes from the village of Colombara di Cittadella. It is widely held to be the font of the nearby medieval church of San Nicolo di Mejaniga.
Today is hosted important art exibitions and concerts.

The South Gate, known as Porta Padovana, formed the main entrance to the town and an inscription, now abraded, welcomed travellers.
A lateral gate in the middle of the gateway leads to the public gardens and then on to the West Gate (Porta Vicentina).

Palazzo Pretorio (Magistrates Hall) was recently reconstructe as the decentralised seat of the council offices. It represent the power of the Paduan State first and later of Venetian Republic.
The interior reveals a remarkable wealth of recently discovered frescoes, while the exterior is best noted for the pink marble portal dating from 1500, with two medallions bearing the effigy of Pandolfo Malatesta.
Today it hosted important national exibitions.

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The top of the walls is made with a lot of red-fired brick. Some areas are open and others have arches. The brick and arches form very strong visual lines and can almost make you dizzy.

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The walls are very high and the views are not at all obstructed. You can look down into the old twon area and also at some of the beautiful buildings that surround the wall and moat area.