The 9 things to do in Padua

Visit Padua: what are the best things to do and see in this fascinating and enchanting little town of Veneto?

Small town in the Veneto region located about forty kilometers from Venice, Padua ( Padova in Italian) has a rich history and has always been an important city since the Middle Ages. It was during this period and during the Renaissance that the city became increasingly important, with its university recognized throughout Italy where Galilee taught.

Traversed by the pretty small river Bacchiglione, Padua is known for its beauty, the charm of its architecture, its magnificent canals and bridges, as well as its vibrant local culture. If you ask that to do in Padua, here is our list of things to see:

1. Basilica di Sant’Antonio

Located in the heart of the historic centre, this dome basilica is the most sumptuous and emblematic building in Padua. It was built in the 13th century to accommodate the holy relics of the Portuguese priest Saint-Antoine de Padua, who lived and died in Padua.

The Basilica is composed of a myriad of different architectural styles. Thus, its exterior presents both a Romanesque façade, eight Byzantine domes and Gothic campanaires. The whole form a sumptuous and impressive set. The interior is just as beautiful, with colorful frescoes, marble sculptures and golden works of art.

After the visit to the Basilica, you can also visit several Renaissance-style cloisters and chapels, as well as a museum dedicated to the saint.

2. Piazza dei Signori

It is one of the main squares of the historic Padua. The Piazza dei Signori was created in the 14th century around the famous clock tower of Padua, the Torre Dell’Orologio. On the other side of the square is the Chiesa di San Clemente – a magnificent little church.

Around the square there are many restaurants, shops and cafes, where to relax and shopping. The square hosts many events and markets, allowing you to discover local life and authentic Italian culture.

3. Dome of Padua

Padua Duomo is the main church of the city. It has a sublime interior, to see absolutely! Inside the Duomo, the white walls create a powerful contrast with the blue and red marble patterns of the ground. The many arches and columns reinforce the beauty of the place, as well as the beautiful and very detailed fresco, painted by Giusto de Menabuoi.

4. Prato della Valle

The Patro Della Valle is the largest square in all Italy and Europe: it is 90,000 square meters! This place is taken from the premises, which appreciate its design and the large space in the middle of town.

A circular channel is on the square, surrounded by dozens of statues of illustrious characters: philosophers, writers, scholars or doctors. At night, the colossal statues are reflected on the water of the canal – a magnificent scene!

5. Giardini dell’Arena

In the northern part of the old town of Padua lies Giardini dell’Arena Park, a pleasant garden to relax and explore new monuments. Around the park is the Capella degli Scrovegni and the Musei Civici, which we recommend visiting. Take a walk and rest in the shade offered by the trees: a good way to take a break before taking back the visits!

6. Cappella degli Scrovegni

Located in the pleasant Giardini dell’Arena Park, the Cappella degli Scrovegni is a monumental church renowned for its sublime interior frescoes – which contrasts with its ordinary exterior. Don’t stop at this, you would miss Giotto’s fabulous paintings: the fresco represents stories of the Bible, the life of Christ, and the vices and virtues of man.

It is considered a real masterpiece as the details and colors are fantastic: visiting Padua and missing this work is inconceivable.

7. Musei Civici

Close to Giardini dell’Arena Park is this museum and its historic buildings. You can discover sublime paintings and masterpieces of Renaissance artists such as Titia, Giotto, Bellini or Veronese, as well as a collection of pre-Roman historical objects.

8. Channels and rivers of Padua

Padua has many canals and rivers, such as the Brenta canal: walking along the canals is an essential thing to do in Padua, because it is a good way to discover the city and its charm.

From Via Goito, follow the path along the river to the Museo dell Astronomico. From there you can continue along the Riviera Tiso da Camposampiero to the city centre, or take the north direction to Giardini dell’Arena. Your walk will allow you to see magnificent and ancient buildings, as well as natural landscapes created by the river: a wonderful way to visit Padua under another day.

9. Cittadella, medieval jewels of Veneto

If you visit Padua, not far from there is the "cità murata" Cittadella. Cittadella, who played the role of an advanced post of defense of the city of Padua in the face of the attacks from the north, is an exceptional figure in Europe, with its walls of enclosure eight centuries old but almost intact, with 32 turrets defending the town. The walls around Cittadella take the form of an irregular ellipse and have a real historical interest, not only for the studies on the architecture of the castles but also on urban planning. A place to do absolutely in the vicinity of Padua.

How to get to Padua?

To visit Padua, it is still necessary to go there. The best way to do this is to come from Venice. We recommend that you use the train: from the train station Santa Lucia, trains leave every hour. Tickets cost between €4.10 and €15 (high-speed hours). The journey can last between 25 and 50 minutes. To get to Venice, the plane is the most convenient way: you can search the website of our partner Ulysses .

Where to stay in Padua?

Padua is a small town, it is easy to move without public transport. Log in historic city centre is more comfortable and pleasant, but it is not necessary to visit Padua. You can find a cheap hotel in Padua by searching for this Compare hotels .