In the heart of Este, enclosed within the walls of the Carrarese Castle, Palazzo Mocenigo is now home to the National Atestino Museum and one of the symbolic places of the city. Its history reflects the transformation of Este from a medieval stronghold to a center of Venetian culture.
In 1570, the Mocenigo family, one of the most influential families of the Venetian nobility, purchased the area of the now-disused castle and built an elegant residence consisting of two "L"-shaped wings, facing the walls and the new entrance to the park. The ancient defensive system was thus integrated into the palace and transformed into a scenic and identity element.
Over time, the building has suffered damage and transformations, particularly due to a fire in the late 18th century that compromised part of the complex. A turning point occurred in 1887 when the Municipality of Este purchased the area of the castle, restoring the palace and the park to public life.
In 1906, with the erection of the monument to Felice Cavallotti in front of the entrance, the building took on a new civic and symbolic value. The interior spaces still preserve 17th-century frescoes that testify to the refined taste of the Venetian patrons.
Since 1902, Palazzo Mocenigo has housed the National Atestino Museum, one of the most important national archaeological museums, dedicated to the ancient Veneti. Here, the history of the territory intertwines with that of the building, in a continuous dialogue between archaeology, architecture, and urban memory.
