The necropolis of via Santo Stefano, in Este, is the most important archaeological site dedicated to the civilization of the ancient Veneti, who had one of their main settlements right here. The burial area, active continuously from the 8th to the 2nd century B.C., documents over a thousand years of history through more than 150 discovered graves.
The oldest burials (8th–mid 7th century B.C.) consisted of small mounds marked by circles of trachyte stone, with cremated remains deposited in urns or boxes made of scaglia from the Euganean Hills, often belonging to family units. In the subsequent phase (mid 7th–mid 6th century B.C.), the necropolis expanded with more monumental structures, marked by large slabs and new delimitation systems.
From the 6th century B.C., a greater organizational complexity emerged, with fenced mounds and a clear monumental intent. In the 5th century B.C., burials became concentrated in nuclei ordered by orientation, while the last phase is represented by the famous tomb of Nerka Trostiaia (3rd century B.C.), which reflects the high status of the deceased and the wealth of the community.
The artifacts from the necropolis are now preserved and exhibited at the National Atestino Museum, where they tell the oldest story of the civilization of the Veneti.
