Last updated on .
Padua, or Padova, is a city in northern Italy a short distance from Venice. It has a colorful history and is a beautiful place to spend a couple days.
Introduction to Padua
Padua is the self-proclaimed oldest city in northern Italy. Tradition says that Trojan prince Antenor founded the city around 1183 BC after Troy fell in the Trojan War. The city later was annexed by the Romans, was sacked by Attila the Hun (406-453) in 450, and has been under the control of the Goths, Byzantines, Lombards, the Scaligeri of Verona, and others.
The Venetians took over and ruled from 1405 to 1797, then changed hands between the Habsburgs and Napoleon. Padua joined Italy in 1866. The city was bombed several times during World War II suffering some important cultural losses.
I definitely underestimated this city. We spent a full day there which was nice, but I made several mistakes by not planning ahead. First of all, I didn’t book anything early which is necessary for a couple attractions. Secondly, I found more things I wanted to see just by walking through the city than I could have from the guidebooks. My time in Padua was nice, but definitely incomplete. I really hope to go back and do it justice.
Getting to Padua
We arrived at the Padua Railway Station (Stazione di Padova) on a train from Vicenza, which took about 25 minutes. The station opened in 1842 and provides direct service to Venice, Milan, Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, Trieste, and several other cities. There’s also international service to Munich, Paris, Vienna, and Zurich.
The nearest airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is about 50 kilometers away. A shuttle bus connects the airport to Venezia Mestre Railway Station for easy access to and from Padua.
Getting Around Padua
It’s very easy to get around in the historic city center of Padua. We were able to walk just about everywhere we wanted to see. The only time we used any type of transportation was to take a taxi to and from our amazing dinner at Enoteca dei Tadi.
Padova Urbs Picta Card
The Padova Urbs Picta Card is a great investment if you plan on visiting several attractions in the city. It costs €28 for 48 hours and €35 for 72 hours (as of April 2025). It provides free admission to the Palazzo della Ragione, the Civic Museums and the Scrovegni Chapel (except for a €1 booking fee), the Baptistry of St. John, and a handful of other points of interest. It’s best to buy the card online when purchasing your tickets to the Scrovegni Chapel. After purchasing online, you can either download a digital version or pick up your physical card at the Eremitani Museum. It’s valid from the time of first entry.
Where to Stay in Padua
We spent one night in Padua and the hotel wasn’t very memorable.
Hotel Grand’Italia
We stayed at the Hotel Grand’Italia for easy access to the train station. It was a terrible idea. The hotel was by far the worst on our entire trip to Italy. The price was cheap and there was a good reason for it.
First of all, our room was supposed to be a non-smoking room but reeked heavily of cigarettes. The minibar had open bottles and obviously hadn’t been checked by housekeeping. The bed sunk in the middle and wasn’t very comfortable. Finally, the breakfast, although it had a lot of variety, left a lot to be desired. We were happy to get out of there.
Where to Eat in Padua
We had a few decent meals while visiting the city.
Galleria N.5 (Permanently Closed)
For lunch, we decided to change things and try something other than Italian food. We popped into Galleria N.5, a sushi bar on Piazza dei Signori.
We ordered a lunch combo for a very reasonable price. The sushi and sashimi were very fresh and tasty. Service was a little slow but good.
Enoteca dei Tadi
Our meal at Enoteca dei Tadi was one of the best meals we had during our trip to Italy. This restaurant located in the historic city center is definitely worth visiting.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to midnight, Enoteca dei Tadi features some delectable Italian specialties as well as an extensive wine list. It was full and we had to wait a few minutes for a table so it might be better to call ahead and make reservations.
We started off with a tower of Tuscan appetizers for two. It included five different delicious dishes with excellent presentations.
For the main course, I had eggplant with bacon while Marisol had lasagna. We washed it down with a bottle of Bonazzi Badin Valpolicella Ripasso.
For dessert, we shared a small cake topped with chocolate and powdered sugar. It was the perfect way to finish our meal. Overall it was a wonderful dining experience. As I mentioned, it was one of the best meals on our entire trip to Italy. Service was excellent, there was a lively atmosphere, and the food was amazing. We couldn’t have chosen a better restaurant for our only dinner in Padua.
Caffè Oro (Permanently Closed)
For a quick coffee and some pastries, we visited Caffè Oro on Piazza Garibaldi. The coffee was so-so but the pastries we chose were excellent.
Stay Connected in Padua *
With a flexible eSIM data plan from Saily, you can reduce or even eliminate international roaming fees AND save time, so you can enjoy your trip without missing a beat. Saily is built by Nord Security, trusted by over 14 million people worldwide, and is compatible with both iOS and Android.
Click here to learn more about Saily, or here to get started. Don’t forget to use this promo code to get 5% off: Special5
*This section contains an affiliate link. By clicking on the link or banner, I receive a small “thank you” and you receive an offer at no cost to you, unless you decide to make a purchase – a win-win for both of us!
Arena Gardens
Starting on the north side of Padua, the first place we visited was the Arena Gardens (Giardini dell’Arena). This public park takes its name from a ruined Roman arena located on the grounds.
The park is roughly 28,000 square meters and features beautiful landscaping and busts of important Paduans. There are plenty of places to sit and relax as well as food and drink kiosks and a playground. It hosts events such as film screenings, theatrical performances, and fairs during the summer months.
Roman Arena of Padua
The Roman Arena of Padua was built during the reign of Augustus (30 BC to 14 AD) and was used for gladiatorial competitions. The elliptical shaped arena measured 134.26 meters long and 97.31 meters wide. It had an external porch with 80 two-tiered arches. The arena was demolished during the Middle Ages and its parts were used to construct other buildings. It was identified in the 17th century and excavated in 1880 and 1906. Only parts of the middle wall are visible today.
Garibaldi Monument
A monument to Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) stands on the west side of the park just north of the arena. It was made by sculptor Ambrogio Borghi (1848-1887) and dedicated in 1886. It originally stood at Piazza Garibaldi but was moved to its current location before 1954.
Eremitani Church
The Eremitani Church (Chiesa degli Eremitani) is on the south side of the Arena Gardens. It was built between 1260 and 1276 by the Augustinians and dedicated to SS Philip and James. The monastery and church were closed by Napoleon in 1806 but the church reopened to worship in 1808. It was designated a parish church in 1817.
During World War II, the Eremitani Church was located next to a Nazi headquarters. It was heavily damaged during an Allied air raid on March 11, 1944. Although many decorations were lost during the bombing, the church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Padua’s 14th century fresco cycles.
Altars
There are two altars on the left side of the nave. The Altar Ave Regina Cælorum is nearest the entrance. It was sculpted by Bonino da Campione (c. 1325-c. 1397) while Stefano da Ferrara painted the fresco of the Virgin and Child in the center.
Next is the Altar of St. Nicholas of Tolentino. In the center niche is a wooden statue of St. Bernardino made between 1450 and 1455 by Bartolomeo Bellano (c. 1437-c. 1497). Statues of SS James and Philip are in the other two niches.
Funerary Monuments
The tomb of humanist Marco Mantova Benavides (1489-1582) is on the left side of the nave. It was built bysculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati 1511-1592). Statues of Labor and Patience flank the sarcophagus.
You’ll also find the tombs of of Jacopo II da Carrara (d. 1350) and Ubertino I da Carrara (d. 1345), both of the noble Carraresi family. They were originally entombed at the Church of Sant’Agostino, but were moved to their current location after that church was demolished in 1819.
Apse
The apse contains frescoes by Guariento (1310-1370) painted between 1361 and 1365. They depict the lives of SS Philip and Augustine. The entire apse was once decorated but only the left side survived the bombing.
Ovetari Chapel
The Ovetari Chapel (Cappella Ovetari), which is to the right of the apse, contains fragments of frescoes depicting the lives of SS Philip and James. They were painted by Andrea Mantegna (c. 1431-1506) between 1448 and 1457. The work was commissioned by Imperatrice Ovetari after the death of her husband, Antonio, who left a large sum of money in his will for the chapel’s decoration. Over 88,000 fragments were recovered after the bombing and later put back together using computers. The project was revealed to the public on September 16, 2006, with black and white drawings filling in the missing fragments.
Civic Museums of Padua
The Civic Museums of Padua (Musei Civici di Padova) are located in the southern section of the Arena Gardens. They include the Scrovegni Chapel, the Eremitani Museum (the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art), and Palazzo Zuckermann (the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts and the Bottacin Museum) across the street.
Tickets to the Scrovegni Chapel and all museums are €15 for adults, €6 for kids age 6-17, and free for kids under 6 and holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card (as of April 2025). There’s also €1 presale fee. Tickets to the chapel are on a timed entry and must be purchased online at least 24 hours in advance. You should arrive at least 30 minutes early on the day of your visit.
Admission to the Eremitani Museum and Palazzo Zuckermann only is €11 for adults, €6 for kids age 6-17, and free for kids under 6 and holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card (as of April 2025).
The Scrovegni Chapel and Eremitani Museum are both open daily while Palazzo Zuckermann is closed on working Mondays.
Scrovegni Chapel
One of the most important landmarks in Padua is the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Padua’s 14th century fresco cycles. Inside this unassuming brick building is a masterpiece of Renaissance painting, with the walls entirely covered by incredible frescoes. They were commissioned by Enrico degli Scrovegni (d. after 1336) and completed in 1305 by Giotto (1267-1337). The frescoes depict events in the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ, including the Universal Judgement on the wall opposite the altar.
The chapel was originally attached to the Scrovegni family palace and was acquired by the City of Padova in 1880. The frescoes were restored during several painstaking sessions in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the 1970s, the work is protected by constant monitoring of air quality and polluting factors.
Unfortunately I made a huge mistake and didn’t purchase tickets in advance. I’ll have to wait for another opportunity to see this masterpiece.
Eremitani Museum
The Eremitani Museum is housed in the 15th century monastery complex attached to the Eremitani Church. It includes the Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico) and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art (Museo d’Arte Medievale e Moderna).
The Archaeological Museum displays finds from the pre-Roman era through the late Roman period. There are also two rooms for Egyptian artifacts found by Giovanni Battista Belzoni (1778-1823). The museum originated from the collection of Alessandro Maggi da Bassano (1509-c. 1593), who displayed it in his home, Palazzo degli Specchi. Giuseppe Furlanetto (1775-1848) placed the collection in the Palazzo della Ragione in 1825. It was inaugurated by Emperor Francis I, marking the beginning of the Archaeological Museum.
The Museum of Medieval and Modern Art contains over 3,000 paintings from the 14th through 19th centuries, sculptures, and architectural fragments. It was founded in 1857 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.
Palazzo Zuckermann
Palazzo Zuckermann is across the street to the west of the Arena Gardens. It was built between 1912 and 1914 for industrialist Erico Zuckermann and was designed by architect Filippo Arosio. It later became the main post office building for Padua. Today, Palazzo Zuckermann hosts the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts (Museo di Arti Applicate e Decorative) on the first floor and the Bottacin Museum (Museo Bottacin) on the second floor. The Bottacin Museum is the personal art and numismatic collection of Nicola Bottacin (1805-1876), which was donated to the city in 1865.
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Garibaldi, originally Piazza dei Noli, is a short walk south of the Arena Gardens. It was an important transportation hub for several centuries until it was redesigned in the 1970s. The piazza was renamed for Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) when he visited the city on March 6, 1867. A monument to Garibaldi was erected there in 1886, replacing the Madonna dei Noli, which had been there since 1756. The Garibaldi monument was relocated to the Arena Gardens before 1954, and the Madonna dei Noli, attributed to Francesco Bonazza (1695-1770), returned. It was placed atop a column in the center of the piazza.
Church of Santa Lucia
Two blocks west of Piazza Garibaldi is the Church of Santa Lucia (Chiesa di Santa Lucia). It’s one of the city’s oldest churches, dating back to at least 964. The entire church was rebuilt on a design by Italian architect Gerolamo Frigimelica (1653-1732) between 1711 and 1730. Statues of SS Peter and Paul by Giovanni Bonazza (1654-1736) flank the entrance.
Inside the church, Bonazza and his son Antonio (1698-c. 1762) created the statues of the 12 Apostles. The Incredulity of St Thomas by Alessandro Varotari (1588-1649) decorates the altar. The Church in Prayer and the Glory of the Eucharist, made in 1959 by Amleto Sartori (1915-1962), and St Luke by Giambattista Tiepolo (1696-1770), are in the presbytery.
Oratory of San Rocco
To the left of the church is the Oratory of San Rocco, which was built between 1525 and 1542 and contains 16th-century frescoes. They were painted between 1536 and 1545 by Domenico Campagnola (c. 1500-1564), Girolamo Tessari (c. 1480-c. 1561), Gualtiero Padovano (c. 1510-1552), and Stefano Dall’ Arzere. Tickets are €4 for adults, €3 for kids age 6-17, and free for kids under 6 and holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card (as of April 2025).
Piazza dei Signori
Continuing west from the Church of Santa Lucia, the road curves and eventually opens to Piazza dei Signori. The square was developed as Piazza dei Trionfi in the 14th century before the name changed to Piazza dei Signori. It was traditionally the scene of civic celebrations, tournaments, music festivals, and bull hunts. Alessandro Gavazzi (1809-1889) renamed it to Piazza Pio IX on May 9, 1848, and it became Piazza Unità d’Italia in 1870. The name returned to Piazza dei Signori during the Fascist period.
Torre dell’Orologio
On the west end of the square is the Torre dell’Orologio, which was built between 1426 and 1430. It was commissioned by Ubertino I da Carrara (d. 1345) and the clock was completed in 1434. The tower is five stories tall, with the first three stories containing the clock mechanism and the other two serving as the residence of the caretaker. The clock is open to the public for free guided tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and reservations are required (as of April 2025).
The arch at the base of the tower was designed by Giovanni Maria Falconetto (c. 1468-1535) and added in 1531. The tower sits between the 16th century Palazzo del Capitanio and the 17th century Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, which are identical buildings.
The clock is a copy of an original designed by Jacopo Dondi dell’Orologio (1290-1359) in 1344. It’s the oldest and largest astronomical clock of its kind in the world, with a diameter of 5.6 meters. It contains the signs of the Zodiac except Libra, because Scorpio and Libra were united in the pre-Roman Zodiac.
Column of St. Mark
In front of the clock tower is a Roman period column topped by the Lion of St. Mark. The original, made in the middle of the 18th century, was destroyed by Napoleon’s troops in 1797. The current statue was sculpted in 1870 by Natale Sanavio (1827-1905). The column was found in 1764 erected in its current location in 1787.
Loggia del Consiglio
On the south side of Piazza dei Signori is the Loggia del Consiglio. It was designed by Annibale Maggi (d. 1504) and built between 1491 and 1536. The building served as the headquarters of the Grand Council (Gran Consiglio). It consists of a large staircase leading up to the meeting room, which is decorated with frescoes completed in 1667 by Pier Antonio Torri. During the Austrian period, it served as the headquarters of the military command and was known as the Loggia della Gran Guardia.
Church of San Clemente
Finally, on the east side of the square is the Church of San Clemente (Chiesa di San Clemente), a church dating back to at least 1190. The pediment is topped by statues of St. Clement, St. Justina, and St. Daniel. A large rose window is surrounded by 7th and 8th century terracotta decorations. It’s flanked by statues of St. John the Baptist and St. Aloysius Gonzaga in the niches, both dating to 1696. The nave of the church is vaulted and has a small square apse. It’s decorated with paintings by Pietro Damini (1592-1631), Francesco Zanella (1637-1717), Luca Ferrari (1605-1654), and other artists.
Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo is a few steps south of Piazza dei Signori and is named for the city’s cathedra, which is on the west side. It’s one of the oldest squares in Padua but took its current shape in the 20th century. The cathedral has been there since the 4th or 5th century, and during the Middle Ages it was used as a cattle market. Palazzos started to spring up in the 13th century. Piazza Duomo was first paved in 1904.
Palazzo del Monte di Pietà Nuovo
The Palazzo del Monte di Pietà Nuovo is on the north side of Piazza Duomo. It was built between the 13th and early 14th centuries as the palace of Rinaldo Scrovegni, a loan shark. After a fire destroyed most of the palazzo in the early 14th century, it was abandoned and later became property of the Republic of Venice. Another fire in the early 16th century prompted Bishop Pietro Barozzi (1441-1507) to convince Doge Andrea Gritti (1455-1538) to sell the property to the Mount of Piety (Monte de Pietà), a charity pawnbroker.
The palace was rebuilt and enlarged in the early 16th century by Giovanni Maria Falconetto (c. 1468-1535), who added a portico. Work was finished in 1535, including frescoes on the façade by Domenico Campagnola (c. 1500-1564) and stucco by Silvio Cosini (c. 1495-1547). Giovanni Battista Bissoni (1576-1636) and Gasparo Giona (1563-1631) added some impressive frescoes in 1607. Since 1822, the building has housed the Cassa di Risparmio.
Padua Cathedral Complex
The Duomo of Padua, the Baptistry of St. John, and the Bishop’s Palace make up the cathedral complex on the west end of Piazza Duomo. The Bishop’s Palace hosts the Diocesan Museum.
Admission to the baptistry, Diocesan Museum, and Hall of the Bishops is €12 for adults, €9 for visitors age 7-25, and free for kids under 7 and holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card (as of April 2025). It includes an audio guide in English, Italian, French, Spanish, or German. Admission to the museum and Hall of the Bishops only is €6 for adults, €5 for visitors age 7-25, and free for kids under 7 and holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card (as of April 2025). The sites are open daily and there’s no admission to visit the Duomo.
Guided tours of all three sites are offered Friday through Sunday and holidays. They cost €15 for adults, €13 for visitors age 7-25, €5 holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card, and free for kids under 7 and (as of April 2025).
Duomo of Padua
The Duomo, also known as the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), is the third church built on the site. The first was constructed after the 313 Edict of Milan but collapsed during an earthquake on January 3, 1117. The second church was built in the Romanesque style by architect Macillo and consecrated on April 24, 1180.
Bishop Pietro Barozzi (1441-1507) wanted to modernize the church and the first stone was laid on May 6, 1522. On January 2, 1551, a design for the presbytery by Michelangelo was accepted. Construction began shortly after and it was inaugurated on April 14, 1582. Work on the right arm of the transept began in 1635 followed by the left arm in 1693. The nave followed, designed by Girolamo Frigimelica Roberti (1653-1732), Francesco Maria Preti (1701-1774), and Giambattista Novello (1715-1799). The Renaissance-style cathedral was consecrated on August 25, 1754, and work on the main dome began in 1756. The façade, however, remains unfinished. The interior consists of a nave with two aisles lined with chapels, of few of which I’ve highlighted below.
Presbytery of the Duomo of Padua
The Duomo contains both an old and new presbytery. The seats and flooring were completed in the old presbytery in 1698 and the altar was consecrated on December 2, 1770. The new presbytery was built by sculptor Giuliano Vangi (1931-2024) in 1996 in front of the old presbytery. He created some impressive statues of the four patron saints of Padua for the project.
Chapel of San Lorenzo Giustiniani
The Chapel of San Lorenzo Giustiniani, on the right aisle, was commissioned by Bishop Nicolò Antonio Giustiniani (1712-1796) to honor his ancestor, St. Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456), the first Patriarch of Venice. The marble statue was made by Felice Chiereghin in 1788. The altarpiece of the Virgin and saints is attributed to Alessandro Varotari (1588-1649). The Giustiniani is buried in the chapel.
Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament contains an altar built by Giorgio Massari. Jacopo Gabano and Tomasso Bonazza (1696-1775) created the statues of praying angels on the left and right, respectively, in 1751. The tomb of Pietro Barozzi, attributed to both Tullio Lombardo (c. 1455-1532) and Alessandro Vittoria (1525-1608), is on the right wall. The tomb of Cardinal Pietro Pileo di Prata (c. 1330-1400), by Pierpaolo dalle Masegne, is on the left wall.
Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles
The Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles (Cappella di Madonna dei Miracoli) was designed by Mattia Carneri (1592-1674) in 1647 to hold an ancient Byzantine icon. The icon was believed to be a work of Giotto (c. 1267-1337) but it’s actually much older. On display, however, is a 17th century copy. Statues of SS Peter and Paul by Bernardo Falconi (c. 1620-c. 1696) flank the altar. The tomb of Cardinal Francesco Zabarella (1360-1417), topped by five statues attributed to Rinaldino di Francia, is on the left side. It was moved to its current location in 1641
Baptistry of St. John
The Baptistry of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) was built in the 12th century and consecrated in 1281. It was restored between 1370 and 1379 to become a mausoleum for Francesco il Vecchio da Carrara (1325-1393) and his wife, Fina Buzzaccarini. Buzzaccarini commissioned Giusto de’ Menabuoi (c. 1320-1391) to paint the frescoes, which he completed between 1375 and 1376 and are considered a masterpiece.
When the House of Carrara fell in 1405, Venetian soldiers demolished the funerary monuments and painted over the emblems of Francesco I. The baptistry is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Padua’s 14th century fresco cycles. Photography is forbidden inside.
Bishop’s Palace
The Bishop’s Palace (Palazzo Vescovile) was first built in at least the 8th century and takes its appearance from the 15th century. It hosts the Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano), which was established in 2000. It displays works of art dating from the 9th through 19th centuries from churches under the jurisdiction of the diocese.
One of the highlights is the Hall of the Bishops, which contains frescoes of the first 100 bishops of Padua commissioned by Bishop Pietro Barozzi (1441-1507) and painted by Bartolomeo Montagna (c. 1450-1523). The hall provides access to the Chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in 1495 by architect Lorenzo da Bologna (d. 1508) and decorated by Prospero da Piazzola and Jacopo da Montagnana (c. 1440-1499). The chapel was also commissioned by Barozzi.
Palazzo della Ragione
Back east of Piazza dei Signori is the Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Reason), which is one of the most important buildings in Padua. A primitive version of the lower level existed in 1166, and the building we see today was built starting in 1218. It’s included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Padua’s 14th century fresco cycles.
The Palazzo della Ragione measure 81.5 x 27 meters and is 24 meters high. The west façade of the palace contains a balcony surrounded by different coats of arms.
The ground floor, or Sottosalone, has hosted a market since the 13th century. It features stalls selling meats, cheeses, and Paduan specialties, and is likely the oldest surviving market hall in Europe.
The south façade of the palace contains a sundial. You can also get a good look at some of the frescoes on the loggia.
Great Hall
The Great Hall (Salone) is the crown jewel of the Palazzo della Ragione. It was created between 1306 and 1309 by Giovanni degli Eremitani, who merged three rooms into one and added the loggia. He also redesigned the roof in the shape of an inverted ship’s hull. It’s one of the largest roofs unsupported by columns in Europe. A tornado destroyed the roof on August 17, 1756. The city council and courts operated in the hall until 1797.
The Great Hall was decorated with frescoes painted by Giotto (1267-1337), but they were destroyed by fire on February 2, 1420. Nicolò Miretto began painting a new fresco cycle beginning in 1425. Stefano da Ferrara joined in 1430 and work was completed in 1440. The frescoes are divided into 333 frames and depict extremely rare astronomical scenes, some based on the theories of Pietro d’Abano (c. 1257-1316).
The wooden horse on the west side of the hall was made for the Capodilista family in 1466. It’s modeled on the Equestrian statue of Gattamelata by Donatello (c. 1386-1466), which sits in the Piazza del Santo. The Pietra del Vituperio is in the northeast corner. It was used to publicly humiliate insolvent debtors, who were forced to sit on the stone in a shirt and underwear.
Admission to the Great Hall is €8 for adults, €3 for kids age 6-17, and free for kids under 6 and holders of the Padova Urbs Picta Card (as of April 2025). It’s open Tuesday through Sunday. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit.
Piazza della Frutta
The north side of the Palazzo della Ragione faces the Piazza della Frutta, which is the traditional fruit and vegetable market of Padua. It has been a market square since the Roman Imperial period, but the current configuration dates to the 10th and 11th centuries. After the construction of the Palazzo della Ragione, the market was organized in different sections for fruits and vegetables, poultry, footwear and leather, and salt. In the center is the Peronio, a medieval column. You’ll also find souvenir and clothing stalls.
Piazza delle Erbe
The south side of the Palazzo della Ragione faces Piazza delle Erbe, which is trapezoidal in shape and also hosts a fruit and vegetable market. Its history mimics that of Piazza della Frutta. After the construction of the Palazzo della Ragione, the market was organized in different sections for fabrics, furs, iron, wine, gold, grains, and leather. The square took its current shape in 1302 after the demolition of a warehouse. It was also used for public celebrations as well as executions.
Palazzo delle Debite
On the west side of Piazza delle Erbe is the Palazzo delle Debite, which was built in 1874 and designed by Camillo Boito (1836-1914). It sits on the site of a former debtor’s prison from which it takes its name. The old debtor’s prison was connected to the Palazzo della Ragione, and debtors were transferred to the prison directly after their trials. The ground floor was intended for commercial use while the upper floors were private residences.
Church of San Canziano
Just east of Piazza delle Erbe is the Church of San Canziano (Chiesa di San Canziano), which was first mentioned in 1034. It was rebuilt between 1595 and 1617, and consecrated on October 24, 1757. The façade, once attributed to Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), was designed by Vincenzo Dotto (1582-1629) and Giambattista della Sala. Statues of Humility and Virginity, by Antonio Bonazza (1698-c. 1762), stand in the niches between the columns. Above are 18th century reliefs depicting the trial and martyrdom of the saints for whom the church is dedicated. The arch in the center contains a fresco by Guy Louis II Vernansal (1689-1749) depicting the Immaculate Conception. The church is crowned with statues of The Four Evangelists by Pietro Danieletti (1712-1779).
The interior consists of a central nave with two aisles on either side. Terracotta statues of St. Agnes, St. Anne, and St. Jerome by Andrea Riccio (c. 1470-1532) stand in three of the niches around the altar while the fourth, St. Henry, is attributed to Bartolomeo Bellano (c. 1437-1496). The altar was donated by Girolamo Tiraboschi and built in 1611. It’s decorated by the Virgin venerated by Saints Canziano, Canzio, Canzianilla and Proto by Alessandro Varotari (1588-1649).
Palazzo Comunale
Just east of Piazza delle Erbe is Palazzo Comunale, which is the Padua City Hall complex. It consists of four historic buildings: Palazzo Moroni, Palazzo del Consiglio, Palazzo degli Anziani, the Moretti-Scarpari Wing.
Palazzo Moroni
Palazzo Moroni, formerly the Palazzo del Podestà, faces Piazza delle Erbe. It was originally built in the 13th century. It was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt by architect Andrea Moroni (c. 1500-1560) starting in 1539. The façade is in white marble and features the crests of various podestà (the highest-ranking government official).
Palazzo del Consiglio
On the northwest corner of the complex facing Piazza della Frutta is the Palazzo del Consiglio. It was originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in 1285 by architect Leonardo Zise. The building served as the seat of the Cancelleria Pretoria (Chancellory of the Podestà). It features a loggia with columns topped by Byzantine capitals.
Palazzo degli Anziani
On the north side of the complex is the Palazzo degli Anziani (Palace of the Elders), which dates back to the 11th or 12th century. In 1215, the owner, Tiso VI da Camposampiero, sold the building to the city. It features a white stone loggia with reliefs of the coat of arms of the city and Guglielmo Malaspina degli Obizzi.
The Palazzo degli Anziani is dominated by the Tower of the Elders (Torre degli Anziani)The tower stands 47 meters high and contains one of the largest bells in the region, cast in the 18th century. It was once the tallest structure in Padua. The tower was also topped by a cupola that was demolished between 1938 and 1941.
Moretti-Scarpari Wing
The Moretti-Scarpari Wing faces Via VIII Febbraio. It was built between 1919 and 1932. It was designed by architect Romeo Moretti and the engineer Giambattista Scarpari (1884-1962), using the Torre dell’Orologio as inspiration. A sculpture of Nike by Gaetano Samoggia crowns the tower. The building doubles as a memorial containing the names of 1,376 Paduans killed during World War I.
Palazzo Bo
East of Palazzo Comunale is Palazzo Bo. It has been the seat of the University of Padua (Università di Padova) since 1539. The university was founded in 1222.
Palazzo Bo originated as the Hospitium Bovis, which had been around since at least 1364. It was purchased by the university in 1493 and expanded it starting in 1522. It took its current shape later in the 16th century with a design attributed to Andrea Moroni. This consists of the Ancient Courtyard (Cortile Antico), which is a double loggia surrounded by lecture halls.
Palazzo Bo features the world’s first permanent anatomical theatre, which was in use from 1595 to 1872. Anatomical theatres were used as early as 1446. They were typically made of wood and dismantled after public dissections. There’s also the Aula Magna (Great Hall), which is where Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) taught. You’ll find is podium in the Sala dei Quaranta.
Guided tours of Palazzo Bo are available Monday through Friday and last about 45 minutes. They include the Ancient Courtyard, the “Anatomical Kitchen”, the Anatomical Theatre, the Aula Magna, the Sala dei Quaranta, the Sala di Medicina (Hall of Medicine), and the Sala di Giurisprudenza (Hall of Law). Tickets are €8 for adults, €6 for seniors age 65+, €4 for visitors age 13-25, and free for kids under 6 and age 6-13 with a paying adult (as of April 2025). Check the official website for the most up-to-date info on tour times.
Atrium of Heroes
The official entrance to Palazzo Bo is through the Atrium of Heroes (Atrio degli Eroi). It’s graced with monumental bronze doors forged in 1922 from cannons captured during World War I. The names of students killed in the war are listed on the door.
After passing through the doors is the Staircase of Knowledge, which leads to the Rectorate. It’s decorated with frescoes by Gio Ponti (1891-1979) and Fulvio Pendini (1907-1975). A statue of Palinurus by Arturo Martini (1889-1947) sits at the foot of the staircase.
New Courtyard
The modern wing of Palazzo Bo is situated around the New Courtyard (Cortile Nuovo), which was designed by Ettore Fagiuoli (1884-1961) and constructed starting in 1932. The relief sculpted in 1939 by Attilio Selva (1888-1970) reflects the “heroic characteristics of fascist nationalism”. You’ll also find a stele by Giò Pomodoro (1930-2002) dedicated to Galileo as well as Resistance and Liberation by Jannis Kounellis (1936-2017).
Piazza Antenore
A block from Palazzo Bo is Piazza Antenore. It occupies the former site of the Church of San Lorenzo (Chiesa di San Lorenzo), which was built befrore 878. It was deconsecrated in 1809 and demolished in 1937 to make way for the new prefectural headquarters ordered by the fascist government. The square was originally called Piazza XI Maggio.
In the center is the supposed tomb of Antenor, a counselor to King Priam of Troy. Tradition says that Antenor, a mythological figure, escaped Troy after the Trojan War and founded Padua around 1183 BC. The sarcophagus was discovered in 1274 and officials decided that the remains inside must belong to Antenor. They commissioned a monument that was completed in 1284. Recent testing dates the sarcophagus to the 3rd or 4th century.
Palazzo Romanin Jacur
On the square is the Palazzo Romanin Jacur, which was built in the 15th century in the Venetian Gothic style. It was acquired by the Jacur family in the 17th century and passed to the Romanin family through the marriage of Annetta Corona Jacur and Moisè Salomone Romanin. Although unlikely, a plaque on the building indicates Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) lived there in 1306 during his exile from Florence.
Palazzo Sala
The Venetian-style Palazzo Sala sits next door. It was built in 1507 for Francesco Sala. From the end of the 19th century to 1910, it hosted the School of Wild Design (Scuola di Disegno Selvaico). It was later purchased by the University of Padua.
Palazzo Zabarella
On the next block is Palazzo Zabarella, which is characterized by its medieval tower. The Zabarello family built the palace in the 14th century and sold it in the 19th century. In the 20th century, it became a bank and later a private club. It was refurbished in 1996 and now houses the Bano Foundation (Fondazione Bano), an art gallery. Admission is €15 for adults, €13 for visitors age 18-25 and over 65, €10 for kids age 6-17, and free for kids under 6 (as of April 2025). It’s open daily except Mondays.
Via del Santo
The Via del Santo connects the city center with the Basilica of St. Anthony. It runs roughly 500 meters from Palazzo Zabarella in the north to Piazza del Santo in the south and is lined with historic palazzos.
Piazza del Santo
The Piazza del Santo is the home of the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. It’s surrounded by historic buildings containing restaurants and cafés. In the center you can find booths selling religious items to pilgrims visiting the basilica.
Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata
The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata, made by Donatello (1386-1466) in 1453, is in the center of the square. It depicts Italian military leader Erasmo da Narni (1370-1443), better known as Gattamelata. The statue was the first full-size equestrian statue of the Italian Renaissance. It measures 3.4 x 3.9 meters on a base of 7.8 x 4.1 meters. Gattamelata is buried alongside his son, Giannantonio, in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament (Cappella del Santissimo Sacramento) at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua.
Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua
The massive Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua (Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova) dominates Piazza del Santo. It was built between 1232 and 1310 and holds the relics of St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231). The saint was originally buried in the small Church of Santa Maria Mater Domini (Chiesa di Santa Maria Mater Domini), near a convent he founded, from 1231 to 1263. The church was incorporated into the Basilica as the Chapel of the Black Madonna (Cappella della Madonna Mora).
The Basilica, which is strongly influenced by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, displays Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic features. It has been modified and expanded several times over the years. Inside are some gorgeous works of art, including a high altar by Donatello, a bronze tabernacle by Girolamo Campagna (1549-1625), and several important sculptures and frescoes. The basilica is open year-round but photography is prohibited inside.
Museums at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua
There are three museums at the Basilica. The Anthonian Museum (Museo Antoniano) displays masterpieces made for the Basilica over the centuries including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and vestments. It also contains a permanent exhibition that opened in 2015 full of reproductions of works made by Donatello for the Basilica. The Anthonian Museum was established at the end of the 19th century but closed between 1940 and 1995.
The Museum of Popular Devotion (Museo della Devozione Popolare) displays votive offerings donated to the Basilica as a token of gratitude for blessings received through the intercession of St. Anthony. There are also copies of famous reliquaries.
Finally, the Exhibition on the Life of St. Anthony is a multimedia exhibition to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the saint.
Admission to the Anthonian Museum and the Museum of Popular Devotion is €2.50 for adults and €1.50 for students and seniors over 65 while the Exhibition on the Life of St. Anthony is free (as of April 2025). The exhibition is open daily while the museums are open daily except Mondays.
Oratory of St. George
To the right of the Basilica are two more important buildings to visit. First is the Oratory of St. George (Oratorio di San Giorgio). It was built as a funerary chapel in 1376 by Marquis Soragna Raimondino de’ Lupi. The oratory is open daily except Mondays. Tickets are €7 for adults, €5 for students and seniors over 65, and free for kids under 6 (as of April 2025). They include access to the Scoletta del Santo and the Basilica museums listed above.
The Oratory of St. George is decorated with frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio (1330-1390) and Jacopo d’Avanzi (c. 1350s-1416) completed between 1379 and 1384. They depict scenes from the lives of St. George, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Lucy, and Christ. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is decorated with stars on a blue background. The frescoes were whitewashed during the Napoleonic Wars and rediscovered in 1837, therefore many are damaged. The tomb has also been lost over time. Today, the oratory is an active chapel.
Scoletta del Santo
Next door is the Scoletta del Santo. It was the headquarters for the Archconfraternity of St. Anthony (Arciconfraternita di Sant’Antonio), which was founded a few years after the saint’s death in 1231. The church on the ground floor was built between 1427 and 1431. In 1504, the building was expanded to add the Prior’s Room (Sala Priorale) on the upper floor. Inside are frescoes painted by Titian (1488-1576) between 1510 and 1511.
The smaller building to the left links the Oratory of St. George to the Scoletta del Santo. It was built in 1736 by Giovanni Gloria (1684-1759). Popes visiting Padua, including Pius VI in 1782, Pius VII in 1800, and John Paul II in 1982, would bless the crowd from the balcony.
The Scoletta del Santo is open daily except Mondays. Tickets are €7 for adults, €5 for students and seniors over 65, and free for kids under 6 (as of April 2025). They include access to the Oratory of St. George and the Basilica museums.
Civic Museum at Santo
Finally, to the right of the Scoletta del Santo is the Civic Museum at Santo (Museo Civico al Santo), built by architects Eugenio Maestri and Camillo Boito (1836-1914). Between 1870 and 1880 it housed the collection of the Civic Museums, now located at the Arena Gardens. The building was used for temporary exhibitions but has sat empty since January 2010. There’s a plan to convert it to a museum on Donatello’s Gattamelata (as of April 2025).
Padua Botanical Garden
The Padua Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Padova) is the world’s first academic botanical garden. It was established on June 29, 1545, by the Republic of Venice for the research and cultivation of medicinal plants. It’s owned by the Italian government and run by the University of Padua.
The garden helped evolve the study of botany from a medicinal science into its own independent scientific branch. There are currently over 7,000 species of plants in the entire garden, which covers roughly 22,000 square meters (240,000 square feet). It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Even if you aren’t into gardens, it’s a wonderful place to visit. It’s not only historical but appealing to the senses as well. It was one of the top attractions on our visit to Padua. The garden is a short walk south of Piazza del Santo.
The garden is open daily except working Mondays. Admission is €10 for visitors age 26-64, €8 for seniors age 65+, €6 for visitors age 13-25, and free for kids under 6 and kids age 6-12 with a paying adult (as of April 2025). Free audioguides are available in English, Italian, and German. Check the official website for more information.
Enclosure
To protect from theft, a circular enclosure was built around the historical garden a few years after its foundation. The four gates, opening to each cardinal direction, were built in 1704. They’re decorated with ornamental plants made of wrought iron. A balustrade was added to the wall shortly after.
We entered from the western gate, which features fountains distributing potable water at the base. Outside the eastern gate, you’ll find the Fountain of the Four Seasons. Around the fountain are a statue of Solomon by Antonio Bonazza (1698-c. 1762) as well as four 18th-century busts made of Carrara marble.
Historical Garden
The Padua Botanical Garden was designed by Daniele Barbaro (1514-1570). It follows a perfect pattern of a square inside a circle divided into four parts, with four main paths in each cardinal direction. A circular outer path encloses the square and intersect the main paths.
The plants are divided into the following sections: insectivorous plants; medicinal and poisonous plants; introduced plants; plants from the nearby Euganean Hills; and rare plants. The following types of plants have had their own habitats recreated in the garden: Mediterranean plants; alpine plants; freshwater aquatic plants; succulent plants; and orchids.
Each plant is labeled with its scientific name and origin. They’re all arranged in appealing symmetrical patterns throughout the garden. Currently, there are over 3,500 species in the historical garden.
An irrigation system developed in the late 16th century provides water to all the plants. Aquatic plants such as papyrus are constantly fed warm water from a natural well 300 meters below the surface of the garden.
Goethe Palm
The oldest tree in the garden is a Mediterranean dwarf palm planted in 1585. It’s enclosed in a glass greenhouse on the northeast side. It’s nicknamed the Goethe Palm because it was mentioned in an essay by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832).
Biodiversity Garden
The Biodiversity Garden is a large greenhouse measuring roughly 100 meters long and 18 meters high. It contains about 1,300 species divided into tropical, subtropical, temperate, and arid zones. The solar-powered building uses the latest technology to monitor feedback provided by the plants, optimizing conditions in each climate zone. The path through the garden simulates a journey across earth with the main theme representing the availability of water.
