Thiene Castle: events and Capra archive between history and cultural enhancement
A journey into history with the origins of the Capra Family
On June 6, 2025, Thiene Castle opened its elegant halls to host the seminar "Origins and Rise of the Capra Family between the 13th and 16th Centuries", a precious opportunity to discover historical treasures preserved for centuries in the Veneto region.
An academic conference
Organized by the Department of Historical, Geographical and Antiquity Sciences at the University of Padua, in collaboration with Thiene Castle and under the patronage of the Italian Historic Houses Association (ADSI), the seminar welcomed historians and archival experts.
The event was moderated by Edoardo Demo, professor at the University of Verona, who guided the dialogue between the speakers and the audience.
In his opening remarks, Giacomo di Thiene, past president of ADSI, reaffirmed the importance of historical memory as a shared asset to be preserved and shared, following the commitment carried on by his family for generations.
The program featured presentations by Francesco Bianchi (eCampus University) on the Capra family's social rise, Andrea Savio (University of Padua) on the political networks of the 16th century, and Sofia Stefani, the archivist in charge of cataloging, who illustrated the methodology and results of the project.
The Capra Family archive: a heritage of eight centuries
The heart of the initiative is the project for cataloging and digitizing the Capra family's private archive (11th–19th centuries), a collection that is part of the Porto Colleoni Thiene archive. It includes over 8,000 documents parchments, maps, letters, account books, and drawings stored across about 30 linear meters of shelving.
The digitization of land registers was carried out by MIDA Informatica (Bergamo), and the project was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture – Directorate General of Archives, Biblioteca Bertoliana, the Archival Superintendency of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, and the Castello di Thiene ETS Association.
The materials are now accessible online through the Biblioteca Bertoliana Archives Portal, equipped with advanced search tools. Scholars can explore names, places, notarial acts, genealogies, and even connections to key figures in Venetian architecture such as Palladio and Scamozzi.
From the past to the public: visits and discoveries
With a growing identity as a hub of culture and memory, Thiene Castle stands out for its ability to turn historical heritage into shared experience.
A significant example was the initiative on Sunday, May 18: a guided tour led by archivist Sofia Stefani allowed visitors to access a selection of documents from the Capra Archive, followed by a self-guided tour through the noble rooms and the park.
A rare opportunity to experience the monument in its dual role as a noble residence and a repository of memory.
A heritage for the territory
Through its initiatives, Thiene Castle demonstrates its ability to combine artistic beauty, territorial enhancement, and scientific rigor.
The June 6 event was more than just a conference it was a meaningful chapter in the historical narrative of the Veneto region, offering visitors and scholars a privileged insight into the rise of medieval elites and the region’s geo-history.
Vision and stewardship: the role of Francesca di Thiene
Among the key figures enabling the ongoing enhancement of the Castle is Francesca di Thiene, co-owner and manager, who has long been at the forefront of preserving and promoting the estate.
“Our family sees itself as a custodian of this heritage, with the responsibility to keep it alive, accessible, and connected to the present”, she stated in a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of an open dialogue between past and future.
Under her leadership, the Castle has invested in innovative projects, including multisensory experiences, digitization of historical collections, and institutional collaborations, helping to strengthen the region’s cultural identity.
Visiting Thiene Castle: an opportunity open to all
The Capra Archive project is just one of many initiatives that show how Thiene Castle has become a key center for the promotion of Veneto's cultural heritage.
Beyond academic events and conferences, the estate remains a living, accessible place, open to citizens, schools, tourists, and scholars alike.
Visitors can tour the Castle every weekend or by reservation, discovering its magnificent frescoed halls, centuries-old park, and on special occasions exclusive access to the archive with documents telling the story not only of families but also of the territory they helped shape.