The Church of San Martino is the oldest religious building in Este and one of the most evocative places in the historic center, just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. Documented as early as the 11th century and perhaps of even older origin, it retains a medieval imprint that tells the roots of the city.
The gable facade and the cylindrical apse with a hemispherical dome recall the Romanesque style, while the leaning bell tower, about 23 meters tall and already inclined in the 15th century, represents one of the most characteristic and recognizable elements of the complex.
Inside, important artistic testimonies are preserved: an 18th-century altar with sculptures by Antonio Bonazza, a 14th-century fresco of Giottesque school, fragments of medieval votive paintings, and a 16th-century altar in polychrome marble by the Rota family, which recount centuries of devotion and local commissions.
For a long time a parish church, San Martino is now a precious historical and cultural asset. Although currently only visitable from the outside, awaiting restoration, it remains a fundamental stop for understanding the medieval origins of Este and its oldest and most authentic face.
