Discover Padua: A City of Artistic and Historical Riches
Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a city that boasts a rich tapestry of history, art, and culture within its compact and diverse landscape. From the narrow alleys of its historic center to the expansive Prato della Valle, Padua is a city of visual contrasts and a treasure trove for tourists.
Home to one of the world's oldest universities, Padua has a prestigious botanical garden and an anatomy theater. Artistic masterpieces by Giotto and Donatello, among others, adorn the city, making it a haven for art enthusiasts.
Visitors can easily rent a car to explore the city and its surroundings. For accommodation options, see: Where to Stay in Padua.
1. Basilica di Sant'Antonio
The Basilica di Sant'Antonio, where St. Antony is buried, is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture. Inside, visitors can admire the high altar by Donatello and the Cappella di Sant'Antonio with its high reliefs and marble inlay.
Address: Piazza del Santo 11, Padua
Official site: http://www.santantonio.org/en/basilica
2. Cappella degli Scrovegni
The Cappella degli Scrovegni houses Giotto's frescoes, a masterpiece of Italian art. Visitors must book in advance to see the chapel due to its delicate preservation.
Address: Piazza Eremitani 8, Padua
Guided tours in Padua
3. Piazza dei Signori and Palazzo della Ragione
The heart of Padua's old city features the Palazzo della Ragione, Europe's largest medieval hall, adorned with frescoes and an astronomical clock.
4. Musei Civici and Eremitani Church
The Musei Civici showcases Venetian art and archaeological finds, while the Eremitani Church displays frescoes by Mantegna and Guarieto.
Official site: http://padovacultura.padovanet.it/en/musei/city-museums
5. Villa Pisani
The 18th-century Villa Pisani in Stra features a grand ballroom with a Tiepolo ceiling and a challenging garden maze.
Official site: https://www.villapisani.beniculturali.it/?lng=en
6. Cruise or Bicycle along the Brenta Canal
Enjoy a scenic bike ride or a cruise along the Brenta Canal, visiting historic villas like Villa Widmann-Foscari-Rezzonico and Villa Foscari.
7. Prato della Valle
Il Prato, Italy's largest square, is a beloved public space surrounded by statues and notable buildings, including the Abbey of Santa Giustina.
8. Cathedral and Baptistery
The cathedral's sacristy features paintings by Tiepolo, while the baptistery is adorned with frescoes by Giusto de' Menabuoi.
9. MUSME - Museum of the History of Medicine
MUSME offers interactive exhibits on medical history, appealing to all ages.
Official site: https://www.musme.it/en
10. Orto Botanico
The world's oldest academic botanical garden, Orto Botanico, continues to be a center for plant study and conservation.
11. Piazza del Santo
Piazza del Santo features the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Donatello's equestrian statue, and the Museo Antoniano.
12. University of Padua and Anatomical Theater
The University of Padua, a center of humanism and science, houses the world's first anatomical theater and the Astronomical Observatory.
13. Day Trip to Euganean Hills and Thermal Spas
Explore the Euganean Hills and relax in the thermal spas of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme.
14. Visit the nearby Town of Este
Este, home to the Museo Nazionale Atestino and the Castello Carrarese, is steeped in history.
15. Drive to Montagnana
Montagnana is encircled by well-preserved medieval walls and features a Gothic Romanesque cathedral.
Where to Stay in Padua for Sightseeing
For a comfortable stay, consider these Padua hotels near top attractions:
- Padova Suites C20: Luxurious suites with contemporary décor.
- NH Padova: Affordable rooms with a complimentary breakfast buffet.
- B&B Scrovegni: Spacious rooms in a 17th-century building.
- B&B al Santo: Budget-friendly with a homely atmosphere.
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Explore nearby attractions in Venice, Vicenza, and Verona, or venture further to Lake Garda, Brescia, and Lake Como for more Italian wonders. Visit tripates.com for more travel ideas in Italy.
