The Top Things To Do and See in Padua

Basilica of St. Anthony, Padova, Italy
Basilica of St. Anthony, Padova, Italy | Photo by Stefano Segato on Unsplash
Evangelos Tsirmpas

Padua is one of the largest and most beautiful cities of northern Italy. which is also an economic centre of the broader area. This picturesque city is full of public piazze, old bridges and rivers, great museums and excellent food, while it hosts the famous University of Padua with a history of more than eight centuries. Join us as we discover what makes Padua a great Italian destination, and find about some of the city’s hot-spots.

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Scrovegni Chapel

Scrovegni Chapel, Padova, Italy

The Scrovegni Chapel, which is also known as the Arena Chapel, contains a fresco cycle by Giotto that was completed around 1305. When you enter the church you instantly get a unique feeling that was unexpected based on the first impression. We are talking about one of the most important masterpieces of Western art that you should definitely visit during your stay in Padua.

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in Padua, northern Italy, locally known as ‘il Santo’. Although the Basilica is visited as a place of pilgrimage by people from all over the world, it is not the titular cathedral of the city, a title belonging to the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Mary of Padua. It is one of the eight international shrines recognized by the Holy See.

Palazzo della Ragione

Palazzo della Ragione, Padova, Italy

The Palazzo della Ragione is a medieval town hall building locate in Padua. The building’s construction began in 1172 and finished in 1219. After many historic changes but also severe damages caused by natural phenomena, Palazzo is a wonderful statue of the city’s past and a remnant of the classic atmosphere.

Orto Botanico di Padova

Founded in 1545, the botanical garden of Padua is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden that remains in its original location. The garden covers about 22.000 square meters and hosts six thousand types of plants. It was designed by Andrea Moroni, who also created some of the most important public monuments in the city.

Chiesa degli Eremitani

The Church of Eremitani is an Augustinian church located in Padua, dated back to the 13th century. It was built in 1276 in order to honor the saints Philip and James. The church includes wonderful illustrations by famous artists like Guariento and Ansuino da Forli, as well as the tombs of local lords.

Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle, Padova, Italy

Prato della Valle is an impressive 90,000 square meter elliptical square in Padua, the largest square in Italy, and one of the largest squares in Europe. Today, the square is a large space with a green island at the center, l’Isola Memmia, surrounded by a small canal bordered by two rings of statues. A wonderful setting to enjoy a relaxed walk.

Ponte Molino

Ponte Molino is a beautiful Roman segmental arch bridge across the Bacchiglione in Padua. You should visit it to enjoy the view from there, as well as take some amazing pictures.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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