The city’s structure, which is an extraordinary example of a well-preserved walled town, can be appreciated from the outside with a short anti-clockwise tour. The approximately two-kilometre-long, irregularly rectangular walls, which are crowned with Guelph-style merlons and interspersed with 24 semi-hexagonal towers, are surrounded by an embankment with a moat. There are two original entrances, one opening to the east towards Padua and the other to the west towards Legnago. The walking tour should start on the south-western side of the walls, near Porta XX Settembre (lit. September 20th Gate), which was opened in 1885 by Camillo Boito. The route then continues along the dirt road inside the walls and leads to Porta Legnago (lit. Legnago Gate), which is dominated by the Carrarese complex of the Rocca degli Alberi. Built between 1360 and 1362, it is one of the most important and best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture. It consists of a 35-metre-high donjon, a tower and a three-section gate, preceded by two ravelins: one facing the city (now partially buried) and one overlooking the moat. Crossing it on the way out, it is possible to appreciate the complex access system consisting of two portcullises, two gates and four once-existing drawbridges. Back in the city, take the porticoed Via Matteotti (formerly Via Granda), the town’s main street. A short detour to the left on Via N. Sauro leads to the 18th-century Chiesa di San Benedetto (lit. the Church of St. Benedict), while further onwards and still on the main street, a right turn onto Via dei Montagnana will lead to Via Mure Sud, where it is possible to walk along the walls’ archivolts and to reach the rear of the medieval Chiesa di San Francesco (lit. the Church of St. Francis). Heading away from the walls, proceed along Vicolo S. Francesco to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II (lit. Vittorio Emanuele II Square). From there, take Via Carrarese, which offers a stunning view of the imposing Castel San Zeno and Porta Padova (lit. Padua Gate). The complex is divided into three parts: the Mastio di Ezzelino (lit. Ezzelino’s Tower), the gate with two ravelins and Ezzelino’s fort, which is equipped with two diagonal corner towers and which marks the beginning of the first section of the wall to be built in the mid-13th century using only bricks. As you leave the gate, take note of Palazzo Pisani (lit. Pisani Palace), which was designed by architect Andrea Palladio. After crossing the moat, re-enter through a lateral postern gate, which leads to Piazza Trieste (lit. Trieste Square). From there, take Via Marconi to go back to the main square, where you will find the impressive cathedral with its significant paintings. Via Roma, instead, leads to Porta Vicenza (lit. Vicenza Gate), which was opened in 1504 to connect the city to the Frassine river and the province of Vicenza. We recommend ending your visit by continuing along the inner road to the right and walking along the picturesque houses, mainly built at the end of the 19th century, which are adjacent to the walls. This will take you back to Castel San Zeno.