There are various historical monuments to visit in Camposampiero, but the most important are those linked with the period spent here by St. Anthony of Padua. The St. Anthony Walk, in fact, links the town with the city of Padua.
The Sanctuary del Noce (Walnut Tree Sanctuary) and the Sanctuary della Visione (Sanctuary of the Saint’s Vision) stand on sites sanctified by the presence of St. Anthony in Camposampiero during the last month of his life on this earth. During that month, the patron saint of Padua would be the guest of Count Tiso IV of Camposampiero, spending this time of meditation and repose in a small dormitory near the castle, on the site now occupied by the sanctuaries dedicated to him.
The Sanctuary of the Saint’s Vision is so-named because the church contains the monastic cell where St. Anthony lived during this time, and where he had his famous vision of the Child Jesus. The panel of wooden planks in the cell is traditionally said to have served the saint as a bed; in the late fifteenth century, Andrea da Murano would paint an image of St. Anthony on it.
The Sanctuary of the Walnut Tree is a small but important treasure-chest of art and religious history; it was built in 1432 on the site of a walnut tree under which St. Anthony used to preach. In the first half of the sixteenth century, the brick structure was adorned with frescoes depicting miracles the saint had performed – the work is attributed to Paduan artists – and an altarpiece by Bonifacio de’ Pitati, which depicts St. Anthony preaching beneath the Walnut Tree.
Every year these St. Anthony sanctuaries attract thousands of pilgrims and are the starting-point for the St. Anthony Walk that follows the route of last journey of earth undertaken by the saint. Within the sanctuaries one can also apply for a Pilgrim Certification, which is awarded to all those who follow the course of the journey from Camposampiero to Padua on foot, by bike or on horseback.
The area of the Antonian Sanctuaries is close to the Camposampiero train station and can be easily reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. There is a bookshop and a self-service refreshment area, toilets and a water fountain are available
