Padua — detailed information about the city. A guide to Padua: popular attractions with photos and descriptions.
The City of Padua (Italy)
Padua (Italian: Padova, Venetian: Pàdova) is a city in the Italian Veneto province, located in the Po River valley, 20 km from the Venetian Lagoon. It is a beautiful ancient city where you will find many attractions, unique and interesting places, and delicious cuisine. It is very convenient to stay here when traveling through northeastern Italy, as Padua is advantageously located near tourist meccas — Venice and Verona, and hotel and food prices here are significantly lower.
History of Padua
The founding of Padua dates back to the period between the thirteenth and eleventh centuries BC and is associated with the civilization of the ancient Greeks.
There is a legend that after the mythical Trojan War, one of the Trojan leaders, Antenor, fleeing from the Greeks, sailed down the Po River and founded the village of Padus (from Greek – swamp) in a swampy area.
During the Roman Empire, Padus, later renamed Patavium, became an ally of the Romans and grew wealthy due to its favorable location at the crossroads of trade routes. Padua became one of the largest cities in the empire.
In 601, Padua was completely destroyed by King Agilulf, and then again in 800 by the Huns. After this, the city was almost abandoned — its inhabitants scattered to the surrounding areas, many moving to Venice.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory came under the rule of the Lombards. They completely changed the social structure and introduced feudalism.
At the same time, Catholicism began to gain strength. Churches began to be built in the city, and Padua began to revive and prosper. At the beginning of the 11th century, defensive structures were erected in the city, and public and religious buildings were constructed.
At the beginning of the 13th century, a university was established in Padua. In the 14th century, Padua became one of the cultural capitals of Europe — Giotto created his works here, and Averroes and Avicenna taught here.
At the beginning of the 15th century, Padua came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. For almost two centuries, the city became one of the cultural centers of the entire region.
After the Napoleonic Wars, the city and region fell under the influence of the Habsburgs and remained so until the unification of Italy.
How to get to Padua
Padua is located almost in the center of the Veneto region, between the cities of Treviso and Venice. If you are traveling to Padua by plane, there are three options — airports in Venice, Rimini, and Milan. The closest is Marco Polo Airport in Venice.
If traveling by train, all trains on the Milan — Venice and Bologna routes go to Padua. Timetables and ticket prices can be found on this website – www.trenitalia.it.
If traveling by car, from Milan and Venice, it is the A4 motorway; from southern Italy – A13 (Bologna).
Tourist Tax
As in many cities, Padua has a tourist tax, which may or may not be included in the accommodation price (you need to clarify this when booking). In 2016, the following tourist tax was established:
- Four stars and above €2.85
- Three stars €1.90
- Two stars €1.40
- One star €0.95
City Transport
Padua’s city transport consists of buses, trams, and taxis. Tickets can be bought at numerous kiosks.
Hotels and Hostels
In Padua, you can find hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses for every taste and budget. There are many charming hotels in the city and its surroundings. We recommend booking accommodation in the historic center or in the surrounding villages.
Cuisine
Padua’s cuisine is represented by ancient culinary traditions. Besides pizza, which is traditionally associated with Italy and found everywhere, we recommend trying horse meat dishes, cheeses, bigoli, Paduan chicken, focaccia, “false prosciutto”, pazientini and zaleti sweets. For alcohol — local wines.
Attractions of Padua
As in most ancient cities, the main attractions of Padua are located in the historic center. This is especially typical for most Italian cities, as they often developed around ancient Roman or medieval defensive walls.
Despite its considerable size, all of Padua’s main attractions are within walking distance. Although, if necessary, you can use buses that will take you to all the sights. But we recommend walking, because the city is pleasant to stroll through. There isn’t an overabundance of tourists like in Rome, Venice, Verona, or Milan, so you can calmly enjoy the city and its interesting places. There are also quite a few pedestrian zones here.
Piazza Eremitani in Padua
Piazza Eremitani is an ancient square in Padua. It houses a large regional museum with interesting collections from the Roman, pre-Roman, Etruscan, and early Christian periods. Valuable art objects are also exhibited here. Among them, Giotto’s masterpiece — The Crucifixion — stands out.
Another notable attraction of the square is the Scrovegni Chapel, built at the beginning of the 14th century and painted by the brilliant Giotto. Many original frescoes are perfectly preserved.
Also on the square are an ancient 14th-century church, Palazzo Zuckermann, and the Museum of Applied Arts.
Address: Piazza Eremitani, 35121 Padova PD
Piazza San Antonio and Basilica of St. Anthony
A square in the historic center of Padua, adjacent to the city’s main cathedral — the Basilica of Saint Anthony. The Basilica is the main architectural landmark of the historic center and the largest cathedral in Padua, the main center for the veneration of St. Anthony of Padua. The Basilica was built in the 13th century in the Baroque style. Altichiero da Zevio, Jacopo D’Avanzo, Stefano da Ferrara, and Girolamo Tessari participated in its decoration.
To the left of the basilica is Donatello’s masterpiece — a bronze equestrian statue dedicated to the Venetian condottiero.
Address: Piazza del Santo, 35123 Padova PD
Prato della Valle
Prato della Valle is the largest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, covering almost 90,000 sq. meters. It is the main square of Padua, located in the southern part of the historic center.
The square received its unique shape at the end of the 18th century thanks to the Venetian governor Memmo. It is a huge green island surrounded by a canal, crossed by 4 bridges, with a fountain in the center. Along the canal, there are sculptures of famous people—scientists, artists, doctors, politicians—who lived, created, and worked in Padua.
On the very edge of the square stands the Abbey of Santa Giustina – a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, built at the beginning of the 16th century. This amazing architectural structure with an 82-meter bell tower, with a foundation from the 12th century, dominates the square’s architecture. It looks no less impressive inside!
Not far from the square is the ancient Botanical Garden, which contains over 6,000 plants. On the southeastern side of the square is an ancient 16th-century basilica.
Address: Piazza Prato della Valle, 35121 Padova PD
Specola
Specola is an old astronomical observatory, one of Padua’s symbols. It houses an astronomical museum, and its top offers a wonderful view of the city. The great Galileo himself once conducted research here.
Nearby is the Oratory of San Michele, closely associated with the last years of the famous Petrarch’s life, as well as the 13th-century Carraresi Castle.
From Specola, it is easy to reach the city center, passing by the Church of San Tommaso, Piazza Duomo, and the magnificent Baptistery, adorned with beautiful frescoes.
The Heart of Padua — Piazza della Ragione, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza della Frutta
Piazza della Ragione is Padua’s second most important square. Here stands the beautiful Palazzo della Ragione or Salone (Great Hall), one of the city’s symbols.
On the southwestern corner of the square is a 15th-century tower with an astronomical clock.
Piazza della Ragione, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza della Frutta are the heart of the medieval city, as well as the site of the daily market.
The University of Padua is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in the first half of the 13th century. Galileo, Copernicus, Harvey, and many others taught and conducted research here.
A few steps away is the historic Pedrocchi Café, which has been operating since 1830.
Address: Via 8 Febbraio 1848, 2, 35122 Padova PD
What Else to See in Padua
- Ponte San Lorenzo — a stone bridge 53 meters long.
- Antenor’s Tomb — for the legendary founder of Padua.
- Historic gates — San Giovanni and Molino.
- Church of San Nicolò — one of Padua’s most romantic places. The 16th-century church is located in an ancient medieval square.
