Mestrino
Mestrino is a municipality on the western edge of Padua, stretched along State Road 11, the Mestrina, which follows the ancient Ro...
Updated 11 July 2026
The story
The story of Mestrino
History and origins
Mestrino's origins date back to Roman times, when the settlement lay along the road connecting Patavium (Padua) to Vicetia (Vicenza), continuing on towards Altino and Aquileia. A violent earthquake at the end of the fourth century destroyed the original settlement, and in the following centuries the area was also struck by the flooding of the Cucca river, which profoundly altered the landscape. When Padua came under the rule of the Republic of Venice, numerous noble Venetian families chose this countryside to build their country villas, beginning a new season of agricultural and aristocratic development.
What to see
Among the religious buildings, the parish church of San Bartolomeo, the church of San Giovanni Battista and that of San Michele Arcangelo stand out, along with the older church of San Martino, dating to the twelfth century. On the historic residences front, Villa Contarini and Villa Sagredo remain evidence of the era of the Venetian villas, when noble Venetian families chose the Paduan countryside for their residences. The nineteenth-century Corinthian-style parish church also holds a fine high altar.
Nature and surroundings
Mestrino's territory is typically agricultural, with cultivated fields and small waterways woven through a network of country lanes. Its position between Padua and the Euganean Hills makes it a convenient starting point for excursions to the nearby hills, while the local landscape lends itself to walks and cycling trips among the villas and the countryside.
Getting there and location
Mestrino lies a few kilometres west of Padua, along State Road 11, with direct connections to the city by bus and provincial roads. Its proximity to the A4 motorway toll and Padua's ring road makes it easily reachable from both Padua and Vicenza, making it a convenient base for visiting the city of Saint Anthony without staying within it.
Local life and economy
Mestrino's economy is divided between agriculture, small and medium craft businesses and a commercial sector linked to its proximity to Padua. In recent decades the municipality has seen its residential component grow, with new neighbourhoods housing families who work in the city, while still retaining a character tied to the surrounding countryside.
Experiences not to miss
- Visitare Villa Contarini e Villa Sagredo, testimonianze della villeggiatura veneziana
- Visit Villa Contarini and Villa Sagredo, evidence of Venetian country living
To see
What to see in Mestrino
Routes · Trovido Route
Routes in Mestrino
Jobs · JobFlow
