Discover Lissaro: Church, Palio and Local History

Lissaro combines a documented history dating back to an early period with a distinctive collection of ecclesiastical art and the Palio dell'Asino. The name of the place derives from the Latin term “ilex” for holm oak; Lissaro was first mentioned on March 14, 1077. The documented history therefore reaches back to the 11th century and gives the place a clear historical focus.

Church and Dated Works of Art

An important reference point is the Pieve di San Giovanni Battista in Lissaro, which was mentioned on April 3, 1288. This should be distinguished from the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista di Lissaro. The present single-nave church was designed by the architect Antonio Diedo. Its surviving works of art bring together several clearly dated milestones in the history of regional art.

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista di Lissaro houses a panel by Gerolamo Tessari, known as “del Santo,” from 1532. It depicts the Baptism of Jesus. There is also an altarpiece executed in 1545 showing the Madonna enthroned between Santa Giustina, San Pietro, San Paolo and Sant'Elena. The work is attributed to Stefano dell'Arzere. For understanding Lissaro's cultural significance, not only the religious motifs are relevant, but also the different dates of creation and the artists recorded by name.

The Palio dell'Asino di Lissaro

The Palio dell'Asino di Lissaro is a traditional race featuring female donkeys from Lissaro's eight Contrade. It takes place during the village festival in honor of the patron saint San Giovanni Battista. At the same time, the Palio is registered under number 25 in the Regional Register of Veneto as a historical reenactment. These two classifications describe the Palio both as part of the local festival and as an event with a historical connection.

The historical story behind the Palio recalls an event from around the 11th century. People from Padua are said to have captured a Vicentine banner with a donkey and displayed it in the square until a lavish feast was paid for. The tradition is therefore directly connected to the competition's distinctive history. At the 2024 Palio dell'Asino di Lissaro, it was possible to eat at the Taverna della Corte in the evening. This information expressly refers to the 2024 edition and does not describe a general or current opening policy.

“L'Asino che vola” also refers to the development of the Palio: The event celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Palio dell'Asino di Lissaro as well as the recognition of the event as a local historical event at regional level.

Lissaro in the Regional Context

In the regional context, the Palio dell'Asino di Lissaro is one of three medieval events in the joint project “Terre Patavine 2025.” The three events take place in Este, Camposampiero and Lissaro. This makes it possible to classify the Palio not only as part of a local festival, but also as part of a named project with several event locations.

For geographical orientation, a project to improve traffic safety and widen the road between Arlesega and Lissaro is also part of the documented context. This project also included the construction of a new cycling path.

Further destinations for your search on the portal: Este, Santa Margherita, Stanghella, Rovolon, Cittadella, Brugine, Piazzola Sul Brenta, Conselve.

For the overarching travel overview: Padua.