At the southern end of the ancient urban axis of Este lies the complex of the Church and Convent of the Zoccolanti, built outside the city gate along the road that crosses the historic center and connects the Cathedral to the Arch of Falconetto. Founded in the early 16th century at the initiative of the Magnificent Community, it was entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor and suppressed in 1769 by the Venetian Senate.
Subsequently transformed into a hospital, the complex was enlarged thanks to the surrounding agricultural lands, which ensured the self-sufficiency of the religious community. The Renaissance cloister, with its arcaded loggias featuring full arches, still represents the heart of the building today and retains an atmosphere of great harmony and simplicity.
For centuries used as a healthcare facility, the former convent maintains a strong connection with the territory and with the ancient orchard that surrounded it until the 20th century. Recent interventions for repurposing, sober and respectful, have enhanced its spaces without altering its historical identity.
Today, the complex retains significant flexibility of use, thanks to the solidity of the architectural layout and the spacious areas overlooking the cloister, offering new opportunities for cultural enjoyment while respecting its centuries-old history.
