In the heart of Arquà Petrarca, nestled in the green Euganean Hills, lies the Home of Petrarch, the home where the famous poet lived the last years of his life. This evocative place still retains the charm and atmosphere of yesteryear, offering visitors a journey into the life and passions of one of Italy's greatest men of letters.
History of the House
The residence was given to the poet in 1369 by Francesco I da Carrara, lord of Padua. Francesco Petrarca settled there with his daughter Francesca, son-in-law and granddaughter Eletta, devoting himself to his studies and tending the garden, in a context of peace and inspiration. Here he died on July 19, 1374, leaving a timeless cultural legacy.
After his death, the house became a pilgrimage destination for intellectuals and admirers, undergoing several alterations over the centuries that have preserved its historical value without altering its identity.
Architecture and Interiors
The house still retains elements typical of the medieval period, such as the Gothic-style windows and arched doors.
During his stay, Petrarch added two balconies and three fireplaces, adapting the house to his needs.
Most notable owners include Pietro Valdezocco, who added the external staircase and the loggia that today allows one to ascend to the rooms on the second floor.
The Main Rooms
- The Hall of Representation: the largest room in the house, decorated with sixteenth-century frescoes inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses and canzoniere song 23, lit by large windows overlooking the garden.
- The Venus Room: probably the poet's bedroom, named for the fresco on the fireplace depicting the goddess of love.
- The Studiolo: the most intimate place, where Petrarch read, wrote and kept his books. Here, on July 19, 1374, the poet died.
- The Room of Visions: decorated with a portrait of Petrarch and frescoes inspired by his poetry Standomi un giorno solo a la fenestra.
- The Cleopatra Room: once the bedroom of her daughter Francesca, with frescoes depicting Cleopatra, Lucretia and Sappho.
- On the ground floor one room allows visitors to watch a video of about 15 minutes that tells the life of Francesco Petrarch, while in another is a display case containing the famous stuffed cat, which according to tradition is supposed to have belonged to Petrarch.
The Garden
Francis Petrarch had a great passion for nature and botany. The house was surrounded by a large green space divided between a front garden and a rear garden, where he grew fruits and herbs. Today the garden can be visited, with gravel paths and old trees that recall the poet's love of the tranquility of nature. The brolo will soon be home to a new theater in the green.
Before leaving, you can leave your signature or a sentence in the guest book, the tradition of which was restored in 2025 thanks to the gift of two books by the Francesco Petrarch and Euganean Hills Literary Park.
Visiting the House of Petrarch
The House of Petrarch is a must-see for those visiting Arquà Petrarca. This place, suspended in time, allows you to get in touch with the poet's daily life, admire his rooms, his frescoes and breathe in the atmosphere that inspired him in the last years of his existence.
Visit Information
Address: Via Valleselle, 4 - 35032 Arquà Petrarca (PD)
Contact:
Tel: 0429 718294
Email: info.casadelpetrarca@gmail.com
Web: https://padovamusei.en/en/sedi-monumentali/casa-petrarca/casa-petrarca
Other information
The House of Petrarch is a museum owned by the Municipality of Padua, so please refer to its official channels for information regardingtimetables, openings and admission fees, discounts, etc.: https://padovamusei.it/it/biglietti-orari-musei
For documentary filming and photography, television reports:
https://padovamusei.it/it/autorizzazioni-riproduzioni-riprese
