Padua, known as the city of San Antonio and home to Italy’s second-oldest university, is a charming late Gothic center in Northern Italy.
Located just 37 km from Venice, this picturesque city with its vibrant student atmosphere, arched streets, and medieval piazzas deserves at least a day trip. Admire the works of Giotto or stroll through the bustling marketplaces.
Padua Attractions and Activities
Padua’s historic center is surrounded by majestic ramparts, built in the 16th century and inherited from Bartolomeo d’Alviano in exchange for those destroyed during the War of the League of Cambrai. In some places, remains of walls and towers dating back to the 13th century can be found.
Within this walled precinct are the Piazza delle Erbe (Herbaceae) and the Piazza delle Fructini (Fruit Square), home to picturesque and fragrant markets that are definitely worth a visit. These squares are separated by the Palazzo della Ragione, once the city court. Inside, you can see an impressive hall with 15th-century frescoes on astrological themes. Nearby is the 16th-century Palazzo del Municipio, which was significantly restored in 1904.
Nearby is the cathedral with its 12th-century baptistery, where you can see frescoes by Menabuoi (1375-1376). Also worth a stroll is the Prato della Valle, created by Andrea Memmo in 1775. A canal encircles the square, ringed with statues of local notables. Also located here is the Basilica of the Abbey of Santa Giustina, whose altar and choir were decorated with the help of the great Paolo Veronese. Among the city’s significant religious monuments, the Church of San Antonio della Padova in Piazza del Santo is worth noting, adorned with a copper equestrian statue of the Venetian condottiere Gattamelata by Donatello. Nearby is the magnificent Cappella San Giorgio, with its ancient frescoes, and the Scuola del Santo, with frescoes by Titian and his students.
Furthermore, numerous outstanding works by Italian artists can be found in the Ovetari Chapel, the Scrovegni Chapel, and the Oratorio del Carmine.
