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    Things to do in Padua

    The most interesting things in Padua. Photos and a brief description.

    Padova
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    About Padua

    Padua is a small Italian town, a real treasure trove of architectural masterpieces, surrounded by magnificent nature. People have settled here since the X century BC. In the era of Ancient Rome, the area was inhabited by the tribes of the Veneds, from whom the name of the whole region of Italy came.

    In Padua, enthusiastic lovers of Renaissance art will have something to occupy themselves with. The entire chapel of Scrovegni is painted with frescoes by the brilliant and talented Giotto, the amazing architecture of the old buildings of the University of Padua is a classic example of the manner of construction in the style of the early Renaissance.

    It will also be interesting for active tourists in Padua. Almost 70 km. cycling and hiking trails are located within the picturesque Euganean Hills Park.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Padua

    Palazzo della Ragione

    The palace was built in the XII-XIII centuries. The ceiling frescoes for him were created by Giotto di Bonde. Unfortunately, these unique murals were destroyed during the collapse of the roof in the XVIII century. Some images remained on the walls. The facade of the palazzo is surrounded by long arched galleries, which today house restaurants and shops. Inside the palace there is a Stone of Dishonor, on which debtors repented during the Middle Ages.

    Palazzo della Ragione
    Prato della Valle

    Prato della Valle

    The area is considered the largest in Italy, it occupies a space of 90 thousand m2. In 1636, a theater building was erected here for improvised fights and horse races. At the end of the XVIII century, it was decided to transform this territory and turn it into a recreational area for the inhabitants of Padua. By that time, the city had already grown quite large, palaces and city mansions stood around the future square.

    Signoria Square

    The Piazza is located in the historical center of Padua. Until the XIV century, there was a whole residential quarter in its place. In the Middle Ages, musical performances were often held here and theatrical productions were given for the entertainment of the townspeople. On the square there is a picturesque Captain's palace with a high clock tower of the XVI century. The elegant astronomical dial shows the date and time. It is believed that the tower clock is one of the very first chronometers in Italy.

    Signoria Square
    University of Padua

    University of Padua

    For the first time, the educational institution is mentioned in documents of the XIII century. Active development began in the XV century, when several new buildings were built. With the advent of the Renaissance, the university turned into an important center of Soviet science. Astronomy, medicine, and law were taught here. Galileo himself lectured at the university. In 1556, a new building was built for the educational institution – the Palazzo del Bo, which became a classic monument of Renaissance architecture.

    Zuckerman 's Palace

    The Zuckerman Palace houses the City Museum of Applied Arts. Here you can find collections of antique jewelry, weapons, stone and metal products, furniture of the XVIII century, ceramics and medieval clothing. The exposition does not tell about any particular historical epoch, you can even notice that the objects are located somewhat chaotically. The building itself is a small three-storey mansion.

    Zuckerman 's Palace
    Basilica of Santa Giustina

    Basilica of Santa Giustina

    The basilica was erected at the burial place of the Christian martyr Justina of Padua. Since the VI century, a church has stood on this site. The modern temple appeared in the XVI century. The building is built in the form of a cross 122 meters long and 82 meters wide. Inside there are the graves of several Christian saints, the tomb of Justina is located above the main altar, which was painted by the master P. Veronese. The relics of St. Luke are also kept on the territory of the basilica.

    St. Anthony 's Basilica

    One of the largest churches in Padua, built in the XIII century. Construction began 19 years after the death of St. Anthony of Padua. Initially, the chapel of the dark Madonna was erected over the grave of the saint, after the construction of the basilica, it turned out to be inside the temple. On the square in front of the entrance there is a statue of Gattamelata (one of the rulers of Padua) by Giotto. Every year the church is visited by a large number of pilgrims.

    St. Anthony 's Basilica
    Padua Cathedral

    Padua Cathedral

    The cathedral is already the third temple built in the center of Padua. The first church of the VI century stood until 1117. The second building – until the first half of the XVI century. The construction of the third cathedral was carried out according to the plan of Michelangelo Buonarotti and lasted about 200 years. Next to the temple there is a baptistery, richly painted with frescoes on the popular themes of the sufferings of Christ and the Last Judgment at that time.

    Scrovegni Chapel

    A modest church, behind the facade of which hides the greatest cultural treasure of mankind – the original frescoes of the incomparable Giotto di Bonde of the beginning of the XIV century. They are considered one of the main works of art in Western Europe. The images of the Doomsday fresco occupy the entire inner wall of the main facade. The rest of the walls are painted with scenes on the theme of the Nativity of Christ and the adoration of the Magi, the Nativity of the Virgin, Baptism, the Last Supper and other biblical subjects.

    Eremitani Church

    Eremitani Church

    The church is located near the Scrovegni Chapel. The building was erected at the end of the XIII century. Masters A. da Forli, A. Mantegna and Guariento worked on the interior painting. The temple and monastery were built by Augustinian monks who preached a hermit lifestyle. The monastery existed until the XIX century, until Napoleon Bonaparte built his barracks here.

    Eremitani City Museum

    The museum complex, which includes a pinakothek and an archaeological exposition. There are sculptures, coin collections, tableware and other archaeological finds, as well as an impressive collection of paintings by famous painters. In the pinacoteca you can admire the works of Tintoretto, Giotto, Titian, Tiepolo and Bellini. The archaeological department presents exhibits from various periods of Padua's existence.

    Eremitani City Museum
    Cafe Pedrocchi

    Cafe Pedrocchi

    The historic cafe has been open since 1831. Since its opening, its distinctive feature has been the absence of entrance doors and round-the-clock operation. The very first Pedrocchi coffee shop opened in 1772. At the turn of the XIX century, the heir of Bergamo Pedrocchi begins to develop a whole coffee business and starts building a new cafe with its own bakery, which has survived to this day.

    Villa Contarini

    A country villa of the XVI century, built for the Contarini brothers – representatives of the Venetian aristocracy. Previously, hunting grounds were located on this place. The building is surrounded by a large park with an area of 40 hectares, where there are stocked lakes and alleys for walking. The architectural ensemble of the villa was significantly expanded in the Baroque era. V. Scamozzi and B. Longena worked on the facade decoration.

    Villa Contarini
    Padua Botanical Garden

    Padua Botanical Garden

    The Botanical Garden was created in the XVI century during the heyday of the Venetian Republic. It is considered the oldest in the world, the original plantings are still preserved on its territory. The garden belongs to the University of Padua. At first, medicinal plants were grown in it, from which students made various medicines. But gradually the garden's collection was replenished with plants brought by Venetian merchants from long voyages. In 1997, the Botanical Garden of Padua was included in the UNESCO lists.

    Eugan Hills Regional Park

    A natural park, on the territory of which the resorts of Montegrotto Terme and Abano are located. Also within the park there is the medieval Arqua Petrarch estate, the town of Monselice and the Abbacia di Pralla monastery. The area is characterized by amazing beauty and tranquility of landscapes. Vineyards and orchards grow on the hillsides. You can walk around the park, ride a bike or drive a car.

    Eugan Hills Regional Park