Padua or Padova, a lovely city in the region of Veneto Italy, is worth a visit especially if you plan to come to Venice this year. The city lies in the Northern Eastern part of Italy and has a unique vibe to it that is significantly different than other Italian cities like Rome and Milan.
This can be derived from the fact that the city has a remarkably different history since ancient times. Moreover, its recent past is still visible in many monuments around the city and you get to understand a very important cross road in Europe and the world.
Therefore, while you are there, these are the best 10 things to make the most of your visit to the city of Padua or in Italian: Padova.
1. Visit the Piazzas in The Town’s Center
Padova is very famous for its aperitivo drinks. However, the best place to enjoy the refreshing sips is at one of the several Piazze, namely Piazza dei Signori. There, you can enjoy the passing by pedestrians and chill with the local Padovians.
Moreover, while enjoying your drinks you may feel like munching something. There are some delicious “ciccheti” or small plates that you can amuse your mouth with. These mainly include olives, polenta, cheeses or cold cuts among many others.
2. Saint Anthony Basilica of Padua
A landmark in the heart of Padua, the Basilica of Saint Anthony serves as a bacon for pilgrimage visiting the city for centuries. Nowadays, it hosts the body of the Saint and many relics. The mass in the church is a mesmerizing experience. Otherwise, it is open to the public all days of the week and for no fees or entry charges.
You can also visit the internal gardens of the church and try to soak as much culture as possible. Moreover, it is a religious sanctuary that many people plan to visit at least once in their lifetime.
3. Capella degli Scrovegni
Famed for its artistic frescos that are very unique to the city of Padua. Giotto, who was responsible for the design of the Florence Campanile has dedicated a large portion of his career to create this masterpiece in Padua.
4. Padua Orto Botanico- The Botanical Gardens of Padua
With herbs smelling lovely around you, it is a truly refreshing garden that takes you on a voyage through ancient centuries. The garden came to existence in the early 1500s and its early use was a research center for the University of Padua students.
5. Palazzo Bo
The famous Ox palace has a strange story that dates back to the foundation of the University of Padua itself. The story dates back to the year 1222 when fellow students from the University of Bologna, the most ancient university in Europe, decided to move to Padua and create a liberal atmosphere for their studies.
The story goes that the students bought a butchery shop that used to contain oxes which nowadays is converted into the Palazzo Bo. Therefore, many ox figures can be seen through numerous sculptures on the walls and halls of the palace.
There is a lovely tour that captures the essence of the university and the city as a whole and tells the story of ancient medicine students and the cadavers dedicated to science.
6. Prato della Valle
Longing to see the largest square, not only in Italy but around Europe, then you came to the right place. It covers an area of over 90,000 square meters that is filled with monuments and green landscapes.
Many university students take shade under the beautiful trees of the Prato and it is perfect for a quick pranzo or Italian lunch. The Prato has many bridges that stand above water cannels. It looks like a mini Venice with less crowds and more cozy feel to it.
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7. Palazzo della Ragione
This palazzo is the town’s hall of the city of Padua. The internal area is dedicated to the glorious past of the city that is gracefully depicted through frescos on the wall and on the ceiling. The latter is one of the largest marvels in the history of architecture in Europe as its formidable roof stands unsupported for centuries.
8. A trip to Venice
The beauty of Padua ad its relaxing atmosphere might be spiced a bit by visiting the nearby Venice. The latter needs no introduction and its very close to the city. A train ride not exceeding 20 minutes will place you in one of the most popular tourist destination around the world and you still get to return to your hotel in Padua and avoid the hustle and hefty costs of Venetian hotels.
9. An Excursion to Neighboring Verona
Veneto is a region filled with fairytale towns, villages and small cities. Verona, is another charming city in the area and it is famous for hosting the house of Juliette, from the famous story of Shakespeare of Romeo and Juliette.
10. Visit Lake Garda
Italy is famous for its dreamy lakes. You may have heard of lake Como and the many films shot there. However, lake Garda has a low profile in comparison to other lakes in Italy or Switzerland, however its magic should never be understated. So many hotels and restaurants are built adjacent to the lake which adds the perfect atmosphere for lunches and dinner or even a one night stay.
