Explore the best sights and little known places of Padua, Italy. From the historic Basilica di Sant'Antonio to the hidden gem of Giardino delle Erbe, this comprehensive travel guide has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.
Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a charming city located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-renowned university, Padua is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Italy. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best sights and little known places to visit in Padua, providing a comprehensive travel guide to make your trip unforgettable.
Why Visit Padua?
Padua is a city steeped in history and culture, and it has a lot to offer for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, history, or simply want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, Padua has something for everyone. The city is easily accessible from Venice, making it an ideal day trip destination, but it is worth spending a few days exploring all that Padua has to offer.
Sights to See in Padua
Basilica di Sant’Antonio: The Basilica di Sant’Antonio is one of the most famous sights in Padua. This magnificent church is dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Padua, and it is known for its stunning architecture and ornate decoration. Visitors can explore the basilica’s many chapels, admire the beautiful frescoes, and see the tomb of Saint Anthony himself.
Prato della Valle: Prato della Valle is one of the largest public squares in Europe, and it is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Padua. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and features a central island with a statue of Giustina, the city’s patron saint. Visitors can take a stroll around the square, relax on one of the many benches, or enjoy a picnic on the grassy areas.
Palazzo della Ragione: The Palazzo della Ragione is a historic building in the heart of Padua. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest town halls in Italy and features a stunning wooden roof. Visitors can explore the many rooms and galleries of the Palazzo, admire the impressive frescoes, and learn about the history of the city.
Cappella degli Scrovegni: The Cappella degli Scrovegni is a small chapel located near the center of Padua. It is known for its beautiful frescoes, which were painted by the Italian artist Giotto in the early 14th century. The frescoes are considered some of the most important examples of early Renaissance art, and they depict scenes from the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Orto Botanico di Padova: The Orto Botanico di Padova, or Padua Botanical Garden, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It was founded in 1545 and features a wide variety of plants from all over the world. Visitors can explore the many paths and gardens, admire the beautiful flowers and trees, and learn about the history of the garden.
Little Known Places to Visit in Padua
Giardino delle Erbe: The Giardino delle Erbe, or Herb Garden, is a small, hidden gem located in the heart of Padua. It is a beautiful garden filled with a wide variety of herbs and plants, and visitors can learn about the many uses of these plants in medicine, cooking, and more.
Chiesa degli Eremitani: The Chiesa degli Eremitani is a beautiful church located near the center of Padua. It is known for its stunning frescoes, which were painted by the Italian artist Andrea Mantegna in the 15th century. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Saint James and the Virgin Mary, and they are considered some of the most important examples of Renaissance art in Italy.
Prato della Valle Padua Cathedral: Padua Cathedral, or the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is a beautiful church located in the heart of the city. It is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful frescoes, and impressive altar. Visitors can explore the many chapels and galleries of the cathedral and admire its beautiful decoration.
University of Padua: The University of Padua is one of the oldest universities in Italy, founded in 1222. It is known for its rich history and its many famous alumni, including Galileo Galilei and William Harvey. Visitors can explore the many buildings and faculties of the university, and learn about its important role in the history of science and education.
Piazza dei Signori: Piazza dei Signori is a beautiful square located near the center of Padua. It is surrounded by many historic buildings, including the Palazzo del Capitano, the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, and the Torre dell’Orologio. Visitors can enjoy a coffee or a gelato at one of the many cafes and bars in the square and admire its beautiful architecture.
Museo Civico degli Eremitani: The Museo Civico degli Eremitani is a small museum located near the Chiesa degli Eremitani. It features a wide variety of art and artifacts from the city’s rich history, including Roman and medieval artifacts, Renaissance paintings, and more. Visitors can explore the many galleries of the museum and learn about the history and culture of Padua.
Conclusion
Padua is a beautiful and fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, history, or simply want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, Padua has something for everyone. From the stunning architecture of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio and Palazzo della Ragione to the little known Giardino delle Erbe and Chiesa degli Eremitani, Padua offers a wide variety of sights and experiences for travelers to explore. So, if you are planning a trip to Italy, make sure to add Padua to your list of must-visit destinations.