Perhaps it was the same atmosphere of serene romanticism that made Petrarch fall in love with this well-preserved medieval village, where you can breathe the sentimental quiet of the Euganean Hills amidst elegant palaces and villas.
It was 1370 when Petrarca arrived in this small town and was so starstruck by the beauty of this environment that he decided to take up residence in a house surrounded by greenery, tradition says it was given to him by Francesco da Carrara, lord of Padua.
However, Arquà has a much older history. In the homonymous lake, which is located not far from the town, dwelling remains have been found, documenting the existence of a settlement in prehistoric times, perhaps one of the oldest in the whole Euganean territory. A site of exceptional value which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Today this little 14th century jewel is still a place where to stroll in silence on the paved streets, under the airy arcades, admiring the fine architecture including numerous small buildings with a typical Venetian imprint.
An enormous historical heritage that has been recovered and enhanced in recent decades, so much so that today Arquà Petrarca is part of the "most beautiful villages in Italy".