The family of the Da Carrara (Carrara or) had great importance for the history of Padua, contributing decisively to the events which take place in the Middle Ages and then taking the power in the city until the advent of the Serenissima.

Like many other prominent families of Lombard origin and age are staying in the area at the foot of the Euganean Hills, south of the city, where they have a castle and other possessions. After looting the Lombards and the complete destruction of Padua by the Hungarians in 899. Towards the middle of the twelfth century, when Padua became repopulated, returns to a bishopric, and was equipped with a new boundary wall, on the ruins of the Roman. When it explodes the first contest between the Papacy and the Empire, the Carrara side with the bishop against the Emperor and openly Verona. This position will remain Guelph during the age of Ezzelino Da Romano and the Carrara will increase its power thanks to the contribution that the banishing of Ezzelino III gave the Terrible in 1256. But the seizure of power that marked the end of a free city of Padua and the advent of the Signoria is almost 60 years later in 1318 when James I From Carrara was appointed Captain of the People to lead the army against Padua Cangrande della Scala, of Verona , look for the westward expansion in the territories of Vicenza and Padua.