This extraordinary necropolis, rich in traces of the ancient Veneti civilization, is located on Via Santo Stefano, in one of the historic districts of the city. It is the most important archaeological site related to the ancient Veneti civilization, who established their first permanent settlement right here in Este.
The necropolis dates back to the Bronze Age (8th-7th century BC) and its funerary purpose was active for many centuries.
Excavations have uncovered over 150 graves, which demonstrate how this burial area was in use from the 8th to the 2nd century BC without interruption. The burials show overlaps that have long engaged archaeologists in reconstructing the chronology of the interments. During the earliest phase (8th – mid 7th century BC), the funerary structures were characterized by small earthen mounds bordered by circles of trachyte boulders. Each mound contains one or two graves: the cremated remains of the deceased were placed inside perishable containers or pink tuff caskets from the Euganean Hills, and often the burials hosted multiple individuals, forming true "family" tombs.
During the subsequent phase (mid 7th – mid 6th century BC), the necropolis was expanded, with structures bordered by large slabs of pink tuff. Around the mid 6th century BC, there was a radical change in the organization of the burial area: a large mound enclosed by tuff slabs and trachytic pillars was placed in the northern sector, revealing a new sense of monumentality and complexity.
Around the mid 5th century BC, graves became concentrated in the southwestern sector in clusters characterized by the same orientation.
The most famous burial of the Ricovero necropolis belongs to the last phase of the ancient Veneti civilization: it is the tomb of Nerka Trostiaia, dating to the early 3rd century BC. External visit in a self-guided format.
