Padua is a city with a rich artistic and cultural heritage located in the fascinating heart of the Veneto, a region known for its thousand-year history and its rich artistic tradition. Discovering it means setting off on a truly interesting journey.
Tourists who visit this city immerse themselves in the wonders of Padua and remain enchanted by it, so let's see what its iconic monuments, lively squares, fascinating museums and hidden treasures are that make this city one of a kind.
Prato della Valle and the Botanical Garden of Padua
The Prato della Valle is a truly enchanting square, among the most evocative in Europe. Through its four avenues and the suggestive bridges that lead to the central island, it is possible to take a journey into an ancient history, admiring the 78 statues that surround the canal and which represent illustrious figures of the past . This space, once a Roman theater, is now a meeting and living place for the people of Padua, with weekly fruit and vegetable markets that liven up their days and is one of the places that cannot be missed for those who want to discover the heart of the city.
The botanical garden
The Botanical Garden of Padua is a green oasis in the heart of the city that offers an extraordinary journey through the diversity and beauty of plants from every corner of the globe. Founded way back in 1545, the Botanical Garden is the first university botanical garden in the world and is a true treasure of biodiversity . It was created with the aim of cultivating medicinal plants, which represented a fundamental part of the "simplicia", or medicines coming directly from nature.
Initially called the “Giardino dei Semplici”, the garden played a crucial role in the medical and pharmaceutical education of the time. Today it occupies an area of approximately 2.2 hectares and hosts an extraordinary variety of plants divided into different sections, each representing a different ecosystem. Among these sections, the "Ancient Garden" stands out, which houses a vast range of plants divided into categories and species. Here it is possible to admire an exceptional collection of medicinal, aromatic, officinal and food plants . One of the highlights is the “Biodiversity Garden”, an extraordinary area that reproduces different climatic conditions, from tropical regions to arid zones.
This garden hosts over 1300 plant species in greenhouses that simulate their natural environments of origin. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a real journey across different continents, admiring exotic plants such as cocoa, coffee, banana and many others.
Basilica of Sant'Antonio
The Basilica of Sant'Antonio welcomes visitors with its architectural majesty and its profound spirituality. The interior is richly decorated, with frescoes and works of art that tell millenary stories and can truly leave you breathless. The Chapel of Sant'Antonio and the Chapel of the Relics are truly beautiful.
Also noteworthy is the Romanesque architecture of the Basilica which presents truly unique mixes of genres with Byzantine-type domes and Moorish bell towers.
The squares of Padua
The squares of Padua are the beating heart of city life. From Piazza dei Signori , the elegant living room of the city, to the lively Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, where markets and chatter exchanges take place, each square has a story to tell and all must be explored to the fullest. The Piazza dei Signori, with its elegant architecture and the majestic Clock Tower , is the historical and cultural heart of Padua
Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta are the places where the daily life of Paduans takes place amidst colours, scents and flavours. Piazza delle Erbe is famous for its fruit and vegetable market while Piazza della Frutta, despite its name, is where you can find clothing and other products.
The Palazzo della Ragione in Padua
Palazzo della Ragione stands out majestically , a building that contains centuries of history and culture. In this chapter, we will fully explore the Palazzo della Ragione and discover what makes it an unmissable stop for anyone visiting this fascinating city. Ancient seat of the courts and covered market, it surprises with its grandeur and its history. Exploring its interior it is possible to find a gigantic hall decorated with frescoes and works of art that tell astrological and religious stories and references to Venice.
The Palazzo della Ragione is an imposing structure located in the center of Padua. Its construction dates back to the 13th century , when it was erected as the seat of the courts and the covered market. This building, a symbol of justice and commerce, is a silent witness to many historical events and events that have marked the history of Padua and its community. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of styles and influences . The exterior presents an imposing Romanesque façade, while the interior reveals a magnificent hall 80 meters long by 27 meters wide, supported by pointed arches 40 meters high. This interior space is decorated with approximately 500 frescoes depicting astrological, religious figures and scenes of daily life, creating an unparalleled visual experience.
This is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a setting for extraordinary works of art. Over the centuries, it has been enriched by works by great Italian artists, such as Giotto, who painted a cycle of frescoes which have now disappeared due to a fire. However, there is no shortage of artistic evidence: a wooden horse, clocks, sundials and Foucault's pendulum are just some of the works that enrich this unique structure.
The Scrovegni Chapel and the Eremitani Civic Museums
It is not possible to visit Padua without admiring one of Giotto's most precious masterpieces: the Scrovegni Chapel . This jewel of medieval art welcomes us with frescoes that tell divine and human stories, transporting us on a journey through time and art.
The experience begins with a film that tells the story of the chapel and continues with a visit inside, where Giotto's art fascinates and excites us.
The journey to discover Padua must necessarily pass through the Musei Civici Eremitani , a complex that houses a rich collection of finds and works of art. Through the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art, we will explore the history and culture of Padua through jewellery, fabrics, ceramics and a vast collection of engravings and drawings.
Padua: a small pearl to discover
Padua is a city that offers an unforgettable experience, a unique combination of history, art, nature and city life. With its lively squares, iconic monuments and cultural treasures, this city knows how to fascinate and surprise everyone who visits it .
For those who really want to discover Padua it is possible to stay there in a simple and easy way so as to be enchanted by the nocturnal atmosphere of this beautiful university city.
