Monselice

Today I would like to talk to you about Monselice, my hometown.

Monselice is a small village of about 18000 residents in the province of Padova.

I don't even know where to start because there are so many and so few things to say.

Let's start with WHY IS IT CALLED THIS?

They say that Monselice is derived from the Latin name 'Mons Silicis', or flint mountain.

This village, although quite unknown, was previously very well known and above all, it's history is very peculiar.

CULTURAL PLACES

The Sanctuary of the 7 Churches was designed by Scamozzi, commissioned by Venetian nobles. During this period 6 chapels were built to which Papa Paul V granted the same leniency to the pilgrims who came to visit the 7 roman basilicas.

This story struck me a lot since I learned the story of each chapel: inside each one of them a saint is depicted, represented by his martyrdom and in the background it is possible to see the Roman Church to which we refer. There are 6 chapels but it is named the 7 since the last one is a depiction of both Saint Peter and Paolo together. However, above all, the most striking thing is how a village, like Monselice, is so important from a religious point of view. I had never thought about all of this before discovering it.

At the end of the chapels, it is possible to see the Villa Duodo and Saint George's Church, where, on the inside, it is possible to see the bodies of three martyrs and numerous relics. Amongst the most known martyrs, it is possible to see Saint Valentine. In fact, in this church, on the 14th of February, the priest gives his blessing to thousands of visitors and gives them a 'golden key'.

Another place to visit is Monselice Castle built between the 11th and 16th century, it is possible to see it every day during the opening hours and the guided tours. The guide will take you inside the castle and will tell you all its history step by step, accurately describing all the places and rooms that you will see.

EVENTS

Monselice is also well known for a very important event, the carousel of the fortress. A raffle is organized every year during the second week of September, where the various districts compete in various competitions such as a relay race, a quintain, archery, and music competitions.

It is an event that is expected every year with great joy, even though, I must admit, it has lost a lot over the years. People aren't motivated anymore, they no longer have the spirit they once had. I still remember when I was a child I used to wake up early because I could not wait to help out with the parade of people dressed up in medieval clothes. Now, instead, I have become part of this show as a drummer for my district. Three days before the parade, musicians and flag-throwers come across a competition named 'Tenzone' where each parade presents a choreography and rhythm, the result of year-long hard work presented to the public and a jury that, at the end of the show, will have to judge and declare the winner.

It is nice to see young people that still believe in these things, who like to compete and stay together.

Gradually, on Sunday, after the parade, people go to a different place to watch the Quintain or the jockeys at the horse races. In this race, the jockey, riding his horse, will have to compete with another jockey from another parade and retrieve 3 rings of different sizes.

I have to say that as an event, it deserves a lot because for a day you feel part of this medieval environment.

Since 2002 Monselice has hosted an event called EUGANEA FILM FESTIVAL, which lasts 15 days and every night presents short films, documentaries, and animations.

Every year, there is also the White Night, where the whole town is able to see shows, entertainment: people dancing, singing, fire shows, and water shows. During the whole evening, all the shops remain open until midnight.

WHERE TO EAT?

BREAKFAST-AFTERNOON

Pasticceria Lazzarin, for oats for breakfast.

Le Stazione del gusto, for bigusto Brioche, delicious.

Pasticceria siciliana, if you want to eat lovely cannoli.

Crema e Cioccolato, 40 types of chocolate, hot tea, and bubble waffle.

LUNCH-DINNER

La Tasquita, If you want to eat well, but at the same time not too over the top, I recommend this piadineria which will not disappoint.

Stuzzico 19. 26, Restaurant-pizzeria that will delight you with its own dishes and pizzas. You will not know which pizza to choose as there are so many and they all taste great. For any allergy problems, Stuzzico 19. 26 will offer you any dough for your pizza.

Taverna da Laura, if you want to indulge yourself in phenomenal dishes. Great value for money, you won't regret it.

APERITIF

Caveau

Maleva

Sikaru

Bar Chignon

FINAL CONCLUSION: Monselice is a small village but if you ever happen to come across it, I suggest you stop and enjoy everything. It can be visited in a short amount of time and you will certainly not be disappointed.

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