The splendid route that winds along the slopes of the hill hosting the Rocca is characterised by a succession of extraordinary places capturing the essence of the city’s history. Poet Gian Antonio Cibotto described it as ‘the most beautiful walk in Veneto’. Starting from Piazza Mazzini (lit. Mazzini Square), home to the 13th-century Torre Civica (the Civic Tower), take Via del Santuario to immediately encounter two precious buildings: the San Paolo (St. Paul) City Museum, housed in the 10th-century homonymous church, and the 15th-century Palazzo della Loggetta (the Loggetta Palace), which is now home to the information tourist office and which also hosts prestigious weddings and cultural events.

Further on, you will reach the Castle, an early medieval fortress that was renovated by Ezzelino III da Romano in the 13th century and enlarged by the Da Carrara family during the following century. At the end of the 15th century, the noble Venetian Marcello family transformed it into their residence. In 1942, it became a museum thanks to its owner at the time, Count Vittorio Cini, who enriched it with valuable collections of weapons, furniture and decorations.

Continuing uphill, you will encounter Villa Nani-Mocenigo, a splendid late Renaissance building constructed at the end of the 16th century and embellished with a magnificent monumental staircase.

Not far away are the ancient horse stables, followed by the Antica Pieve di Santa Giustina (the ancient Parish Church of St. Justina) — also known as the Duomo Vecchio —, a late Romanesque building with Gothic decorative elements that was consecrated in 1256. Among the parish church’s illustrious canons was the great poet Francesco Petrarca.

Access the large Belvedere della Rotonda (a panoramic viewpoint) through Porta dei Leoni Comitali (Lions’ Gate). Built in 1651, Porta Romana (Roman Gate), also known as Porta Santa (Holy Gate), marks the entrance to the sacred area of the Santuario Giubilare delle Sette Chiese (the Jubilee Sanctuary of the Seven Churches). This was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and commissioned by the Venetian noble Duodo family, who were ambassadors of the Serenissima to the Holy See. In 1605, Pope Paul V issued a bull granting the sanctuary the same indulgence privileges as the seven major basilicas in Rome. Monselice is the only example of this particular form of Roman devotion, as recalled by the inscription on Porta Santa: Romanis basilicis pares. The chapels house altarpieces from Palma il Giovane’s studio. At the end of the route stands the elegant, monumental Villa Duodo. Adjacent to the villa is the Oratorio di San Giorgio (the Oratory of St. George), which contains the relics of 27 Christian martyrs who were exhumed from Rome’s catacombs. It is believed that among them is St. Valentine, who is celebrated on the 14th of February with the popular ceremony of blessing golden keys, which are given to children for protection against epilepsy. To the left of the exedra, a staircase and then a path lead to the top of the150-metre hill, which is dominated by the imposing Mastio Federiciano (lit. Frederick’s Keep) — also known as the Torrione. This was indeed commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, who named the city ‘Camera Speciale dell’Impero’ (lit. Special Chamber of the Empire) while visiting Monselice in 1239. Returning to Piazza Mazzini, a short walk takes you to Villa Pisani. Built overlooking the canal, its walls are entirely covered with frescoes attributed to the circle of Benedetto Caliari (mid-16th century).

Along the canal, you can also admire Villa Contarini, Villa Emo and the Castello di Lispida (lit. Lispida Castle), also known as Villa Italia after King Victor Emmanuel III stayed there in 1918.