This northern Italian city, known for its youthful atmosphere, houses the grand Basilica of Saint Anthony and impressive Palazzo della Ragione. Students enliven its streets along the River Brenta.
Padua, one of Italy's oldest cities, is home to remarkable art, scientific discoveries, and centuries-old traditions. You can admire Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, visit St. Anthony's tomb in the basilica, or explore the world's oldest academic botanical garden. As you walk through Padua's arcaded streets and lively squares, you'll experience a university town where Galileo once taught and where students still gather today.
Giotto's Frescoes at Scrovegni Chapel
The Scrovegni Chapel contains Padua's most valuable artistic work. Giotto painted the chapel's walls and ceiling in the early 14th century, creating scenes of Christ and the Virgin Mary's lives. His work shows a new approach to perspective and emotion in painting. You should book your timed entry well in advance, as the chapel limits visitor numbers to protect the frescoes.
Basilica of St. Anthony: Religious and Artistic Center
Many people visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, a 13th-century church that holds St. Anthony's tomb. You can see bronze sculptures by Donatello and observe the combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles in its interior. The basilica has several chapels and a treasury with objects associated with the saint.
University of Padua: Eight Centuries of Academia
The University of Padua, established in 1222, has been an integral part of the city for eight centuries. At the historic Palazzo Bo, you can see the world's first permanent anatomical theater, built in 1594, where public dissections advanced the study of human anatomy. The university's botanical garden, created in 1545, is the oldest academic garden still in its original location.
Prato della Valle: A Vast City Square
Prato della Valle is an elliptical square surrounded by a canal and decorated with 78 statues. This large open space hosts markets and events. On warm days, you'll see students relaxing on the grass, families having picnics, and visitors looking at the surrounding architecture. It's a good place to watch local life and experience Padua's atmosphere.
Local Food and Historic Markets
Padua offers traditional Veneto dishes and modern interpretations. Start your day at Caffè Pedrocchi, a coffeehouse that's been open since 1831. For lunch, go to the Sotto il Salone covered market on the ground floor of the medieval Palazzo della Ragione. You can try local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce. A Paduan specialty is bigoli, a thick spaghetti-like pasta often served with duck ragout.
Transportation and Nearby Destinations
You can walk around Padua's compact center easily, but the city also has bus and tram systems. The main train station connects Padua to other major Italian cities, making it a good starting point for exploring the Veneto region. You can take day trips to Venice, which is 25 minutes away by train, or to the Euganean Hills for hiking and wine tasting. The Palladian villas in the countryside are also worth visiting from Padua.
