Although it often remains in the shadow of its glamorous neighbor Venice, Padua is a city that will surprise you with its rich history, culture and unique atmosphere. It is home to a valuable masterpiece, considered by many to be the most significant work of the early Renaissance and described as the “Sistine Chapel of the North” – the Scrovegni Chapel. But its beauty doesn’t end there! Stroll through one of the largest squares in Europe, immerse yourself in the charming streets of the old town and discover Padua – a city with a lively social scene, unfolding around magnificent medieval landmarks.
Where is located and how to get there
Part of the Veneto region and located only about 40 km west of Venice, the city of Padua is easily accessible both by private transport and by train. The journey from Venice to Padua takes only about 30 minutes by regional train, making it an ideal destination for a day trip (you can see schedules, prices and buy a ticket on Trainline).
See car rental options in Italy
The city is also located on a convenient road for anyone traveling by car around northern Italy. The best parking options are Car Park Padua city centre in the north and Parcheggio Prato della Valle in the south. Both parking lots are located right next to the historic part, which is compact and most of the sights are within walking distance.
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More about Padua
Behind its calm and charming facade, Padua hides a history filled with grandeur! Legends say that the city was founded by Antenor, a mythical hero of the Trojan War, and was one of the richest cities in the Roman Empire. But after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Padua suffered numerous attacks from Goths, Lombards, Franks, and others, leading to significant fires and destruction.
Gradually, it recovered and became a key center for science and art, especially after the founding of the University of Padua in 1222 – one of the oldest in the world. Its lecture halls witnessed the lessons of world-renowned scientists like Galileo Galilei, who taught here. At the same time, art flourished under the hand of masters like Giotto, who left his masterpiece in the Scrovegni Chapel, and Donatello, who created his sculptures that grace the city.
Under Venetian rule (from the beginning of the 15th century to the end of the 18th century), the city acquired its current elegant appearance, enriched with numerous palaces, canals, and squares. The period was marked by significant economic and cultural prosperity. During the two World Wars, it suffered numerous damages, but those from the Second World War were especially heavy. After the unification of Italy in the 19th century, Padua became an important economic and academic center. Today, it is a modern and dynamic city, preserving its ancient past. Immerse yourself in this history, which can be felt in every cobblestone street and every old building.
Scroveni Chapel – Giotto’s masterpiece
The Scrovegni Chapel is one of the greatest treasures Padua carefully preserves, considered one of the most significant masterpieces of the Early Renaissance. The reason for this is that in 1303, the Florentine artist Giotto di Bondone was hired by Enrico Scrovegni to paint the interior of his family chapel. The final result is a stunning set of frescoes telling the story of the Virgin Mary and Christ, which became an undisputed masterpiece. His innovative approach, which for the first time introduced human emotion and realism into artworks, forever changed the course of art.
Today, the chapel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and requires a prior reservation for a visit. We had an early time slot and this was the first place we visited in Padua. More information about the history, how to buy a ticket, and what to expect inside can be found in the detailed article “Giotto’s masterpiece – Scrovegni Chapel“.
Around the northern part of Padua
Starting from the most famous city landmark, you can dedicate some time to the northern parts of the city around it. The chapel is located within the ancient Roman theater, known as Arena Romana di Padova, and right behind it are the gardens of the same name – Giardini dell’Arena. Today, this is one of the most peaceful and pleasant urban spaces, ideal for a short break between exploring interesting places. The greenery provides a wonderful refuge from the city noise, and at their end there is a small kids playground.
Crossing a few elegant streets with fashion boutiques, we jump to one of the oldest city gates in Padua – Ponte Molino. It was among the four main entrances to Padua during the Middle Ages, when the city was completely surrounded by fortifications. Its name is directly related to its historical function and the local economy of the past, as there were 33 mills (Molino from Italian – Mill) nearby along the river. Today, together with the bridge of the same name in front of it, they serve as a kind of transition between the old town and the newer neighborhoods. And by looking from the bridge, you can see how the city’s architecture merges with the river environment, creating a very romantic and unadulterated landscape…
💡 Urban legend has it that it was from this tower that Galileo Galilei saw the four moons of Jupiter in 1610, later called the “Galilean moons”.
To the heart of the city – Piazza dei Signori
Time to head to the heart of Padua and Piazza dei Signori. Located in the historic city center, this square has witnessed hundreds of years of history and is surrounded by impressive buildings, each with its unique past. Here you will see the Lodge of Council or of Gran Guardia, which is a symbol of civil authority, as well as the elegant Church of San Clemente (Chiesa di San Clemente). Another dominant building is the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio), whose astronomical clock dates back to the 15th century and has become a true symbol of Padua. In the center of the square, the Column of St. Mark (Colonna di San Marco) proudly stands, symbolizing Padua’s long-standing ties with the Venetian Republic.
During the day, the square is a lively market place where you can find mostly clothes and all kinds of household goods. The stalls are so dense that at times it is difficult for a person to make their way through them… But in the evening, its appearance changes and it becomes a favorite meeting place for students and locals who enjoy aromatic coffee or an aperitif in the numerous bars.
💡 The Italian capital of Spritz! While Venice is often associated with “Spritz,” Padua is the city where the drink is extremely popular and widely consumed. This is the birthplace of the famous Aperol, which appeared in 1919. Locals have a tradition of gathering in the squares in the late afternoon for an aperitif, with Spritz being the main choice.
Lunch around Piazza della Frutta
Just a few steps away from Piazza dei Signori is Piazza della Frutta. As its name suggests (Fruit Square), it was and remains a lively center of commerce. Today, you can find one of the city’s oldest and largest open-air markets, which operates throughout the week. This is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the authentic urban atmosphere, try traditional products, or simply observe how the locals do their daily shopping. The square is surrounded by a number of small restaurants and cafes, perfect for a coffee or a quick lunch between strolls.
That’s what we did, heading to Casa Barozzi – Panini to try what are perhaps the best sandwiches in Padua. You can be sure that only fresh and high-quality products are used here! Besides the standard options with beef, pork, and chicken, you can also find regional variants with cotechino, veal tongue, and tripe. There is also a vegan option, of course…
Palazzo della Ragione – the palace-market
Even captured by the lively atmosphere of Piazza della Frutta, you will be drawn to the majestic Palazzo della Ragione, which towers over the square and separates it from Padua’s third large market center – Piazza delle Erbe (Herb Square). The remarkable palace was built in the early 13th century, serving in the past as the seat of the city government and judiciary. Today, under its stone arches on the ground floor, is one of the largest and oldest indoor markets in Europe, known as Sotto il Salone. At its stalls, you will find everything from cheeses and sausages to fish and fresh gourmet products.
The Great Medieval Hall – il Salone
Don‘t miss the opportunity to go up to the upper floor, where you will find “il Salone” (the Great Hall) itself. It is known as one of the largest unsupported halls (or also hanging halls) in Europe, and its impressive wooden roof is shaped like an inverted ship’s hull. In 1756, a hurricane wind destroyed the roof, but the clockmaker and engineer Bartolomeo Ferracina successfully restored it to perfection (he is also known for the reconstruction of the clock on St. Mark’s Square in Venice)!
In the past, the hall was divided into three parts by internal partitions and served for administrative matters, important court proceedings, and public gatherings. Its walls are entirely covered with an impressive cycle of frescoes, depicting astrological and religious motifs, as well as allegorical figures. Although the original frescoes attributed to Giotto were destroyed by a fire, they were restored in the 15th century and today offer one of the most impressive visual experiences in Padua. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there is an entrance fee for its visit.
The Third Market Square – Piazza delle Erbe
From the spacious loggia at the entrance to the hall, a fantastic view of Piazza delle Erbe unfolds! Like its neighbor, it is bustling with life, as it is traditionally another venue for city markets. The goods offered at the stalls and the names of the squares are a little inconsistent, because here fresh fruits and vegetables predominated, but still flowers, herbs, spices, and others were also present.
💡 The markets in the three squares are every weekday until noon, when the mobile stalls start to close in. Locals call these bearers of burdens scariolanti.
Padua Cathedral and Baptistery
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Padua Cathedral (Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) on Piazza Duomo before you leave the central part of the city. While not as impressive, it’s one of the city’s symbols. If you have more time, enter the Baptistery, located right next to it. It is known for its exceptional cycle of 14th-century frescoes that tell biblical stories and make the place a true hidden Renaissance masterpiece. The entire cathedral square was filled with pleasant live music from the opposite establishment, creating an unforgettable and romantic atmosphere… Oh, those small and authentic experiences that are forever etched in our minds!
Other landmarks
Not far from the central squares is Palazzo Bo—the historic building of the University of Padua, which was founded in 1222 and is one of the oldest in the world. You can book a tour to see the old anatomical theater and the chair where Galileo Galilei himself taught. Most people primarily associate him with Pisa, but he actually taught at the University of Padua for 18 years, from 1592 to 1610—the longest period of his academic career.
Nearby is also the Tomb of Antenor (Tomb of Antenor)—a sarcophagus that is considered the tomb of the city’s mythical founder. This is a place that combines both the historical pride of Padua and the myths that surround it. Although it is now believed that the remains likely do not belong to the Trojan hero, the tomb remains an important symbol of the city’s ancient past.
If you don’t manage to sit down for a coffee, at least catch a glimpse of the historic Caffè Pedrocchi—one of the oldest and most famous cafes in Italy, which was an important meeting place for students, artists, writers, and patriots. A curious fact is that it was known as “the cafe without doors” because it was open around the clock.
Through the side streets
While you’re moving between the main sights, don’t forget to give yourself time to simply get lost in the charming streets of the old town. Here, you will feel the true spirit of Padua – along the narrow, cobblestone streets, surrounded by old buildings with arcades that hide small shops and traditional cafes. Turn onto one of the bridges over the canals to enjoy picturesque views, reminiscent of Venice, but with a calmer and more authentic atmosphere. It is in these unplanned moments that you will discover the greatest charm of the city.
The spiritual heart of Padua – Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova
You can’t leave Padua without visiting its most valuable landmark – the Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova. Locals simply call it “Il Santo” (the Saint) and consider it the spiritual heart of the city. The basilica is a lavish mix of architectural styles and impresses with its scale. Its eight domes, reminiscent of those of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, are one of the most recognizable features in Padua’s skyline.
St. Anthony of Padua, whose relics are housed in the basilica, is one of the most revered saints in the Catholic world, known as the patron of the poor and of lost things, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Unfortunately, during my visit, the equestrian statue of the condottiero Gattamelata, a masterpiece by Donatello, was wrapped in restoration canvases, and I couldn’t see it. However, you can find his works inside the basilica itself, which makes it not only a place of pilgrimage but also a world-class art museum.
Upon entering, I was so struck by the majestic atmosphere that I instinctively put away my camera so as not to disturb the peace of the worshipers. The altar with the saint’s relics is lavishly decorated, and countless offerings from believers who have visited the temple from all over the world can be seen around it.
Prato della Valle – the spacious square with 78 statues
Finishing our walk through Padua, we left Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in all of Europe, for last. Its impressive elliptical shape, surrounded by a canal and 78 statues, seems to transport you to another era. Unlike most Italian squares, which are the heart of city life, this one is more of a place for rest and a stroll. In the 18th century, when the square was a swampy area, the Italian consul Andrea Memmo decided to turn it into this work of art, shaping it with a canal crossed by four alleys. It was further decorated with statues of famous figures from Padua’s history.
Today, just as in the past, Prato della Valle is a lively hub for locals who use it for meetings, walks, or simply to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It is also here that you will find the city’s largest and most visited market on Saturdays and Sundays, when the entire area comes alive with stalls for clothes, food, and antiques.
For a final
We only spent half a day in Padua, and unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit another significant landmark—the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Padova), which is the oldest academic botanical garden in the world. But in the end, it’s a city that will charm you not only with its world-famous masterpieces but also with its calm and authentic atmosphere. Give it a chance, and it will reward you with unforgettable memories!
