The Brenta is an Italian river that runs from Trentino to the Adriatic Sea just south of the Venetian lagoon in the Veneto region, in the north-east of Italy.

The river changed its course in the early Middle Ages, and its former bed through Padua was occupied by the Bacchiglione.

It runs through Stra, Fiesso d'Artico, Dolo, Mira, Oriago and Malcontenta to Fusina (which is part of the comune of Venice).

Northwest of Padua, near the village of Piazzola sul Brenta, not far from the river, Villa Contarini is open.

The Venetian aristocracy used to cruise along the canal on a type of boat known as a burchiello, while cargo was carried on traditional barges known as burci.