PADOVA, WHAT TO SEE
FROM MESTRE TO PADOVA
The easiest way to get to the city of Padova is by train from Venezia Mestre station and it will take only 15 minutes.
It is also possible to reach the city by bus (the company is called “itabus” and you can catch it at the bus station in Mestre Centro in Piazza Ferretto, it will take about 50 minutes), taxi and car, with which it will take about 30 minutes.
BASILICA OF SANT’ANTONIO
The Basilica of Sant’Antonio is the main monument of Padua, as well as one of the most important Christian architectures in Italy.
The Basilica of Saint Anthony was built in the 13th century to house the remains of Saint Anthony, the famous Franciscan friar known for his miracles.
The structure, which mixes Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine elements, is an authentic architectural jewel.
THE SCROVEGNI CHAPEL
The Scrovegni Chapel, where you can admire Giotto’s frescoes, was built in 1300.
It is important to book in advance, especially on weekends.
It is also possible to visit it in the evening until 10 pm. Since 2021 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the 14th-century fresco cycles of Padua.
The paintings inside the Scrovegni Chapel started a pictorial revolution that developed throughout the 14th century and infl uenced the history of painting.
THE SQUARES
Walking you can visit the various squares that the city has, such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, for years the commercial hub of the city.
It is recommended to stop in one of the squares to have a typical Italian aperitif with a Spritz!
In Piazza dei Signori you can admire Palazzo Capitanio with its Clock Tower, the oldest
astronomical clock in the world.
And lastly the largest square in the city, Prato della Valle composed of an elliptical canal and
wonderful statues.
THE CATHEDRAL
The main place of worship in Padua is the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, it has the dignity of a minor basilica and is also a parish church.
Inside, the bodies of Saint Daniel, Saint Leonino and Saint Gregorio Barbarigo are venerated.
The current building dates back to the 16th century and Michelangelo Buonarroti was involved in its construction.
It overlooks Piazza Duomo. Next to it stands the Bishopric complex.
BOTANICAL GARDEN
Another wonderful experience is to visit the Botanical Garden of Padua, it is the oldest university botanical garden in the world, which has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a beautiful garden that has the aim of preserving biodiversity and endangered species: here you will fi nd interesting and rare varieties of plants and fl owers, from all over the world.
WHERE YOU CAN EAT
“So Rivà” / Passaggio Corner Piscopia, 20
Osteria “Ai Scarponi” / Via Cesare Battisti, 138
“Vinet” / Via Delle Piazze, 1
“Frascoli Bacaro” / Via del Santo, 93
Ristorante “Al Prato” / Via Prato della Valle, 4
“Stefano Mocellin al Padovanino” /Via Santa Chiara, 1
“Ai porteghi Bistrot” / Via Cesare Battisti, 105
“Fabbrica in Pedavena” /Via Dei Colli, 164
“Xiang Dimsum” / Via Tiziano Aspetti, 43
“Tre Quarti Bistrò” / Piazza Dei Frutti, 34