Padua is a unique city. Being in close proximity to the world famous Venice and Verona, Padua has its own personality and architectural style.
In small Padua you will find so many attractions that one day will not be enough for a simple cursory examination. What is the University of Padua worth, and the Botanical Garden, basilicas and churches?
There are no such tourist crowds as in Verona and Venice, so you are guaranteed to enjoy exploring the city. Accommodation in Padua is much more affordable than its famous noisy neighbors, and you can get to them in a maximum of an hour.
Architecture of Padua
How to get to Padua
It is not possible to fly directly to Padua; the city does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are located in Venice, Treviso and Verona.
From Russia, most flights arrive at the international airport Marco Polo(Venice). Treviso Airport serves, as a rule, low-cost airlines and small airlines. Airline planes fly to Verona from the capital of Russia S7.
Let's consider several options for how to get to Padua. It’s convenient to search on the Aviasales website, it will help you choose convenient and affordable connections.
You can fly directly from Moscow to Venice Aeroflot or Alitalia, you can take a difficult route through Riga, Chisinau, Istanbul, Berlin and other cities. A ticket for a complex route is often cheaper than a direct flight. Aeroflot sells tickets for direct flights to Venice at a price from 13 thousand rubles. Alitalia may request from 17 thousand. Difficult routes will cost you from 8 thousand. How much does a trip through Riga cost ( Aeroflot And AirBaltic), on the way you will spend about 6 hours.
To Padua from Venice
Directly
From Venice Marco Polo Airport to Padua it is better to take a company bus FS Busitalia-Veneto. Website: fsbusitaliaveneto.it. Here is a page with a link to the bus schedule. Travel time - 1 hour. Tickets cost 7-8 euros.
The stop is right at the exit from the arrivals hall. Look carefully at the racks indicating the car company, it should be written Busitalia, look for a sign on the windshield of the bus Padova.
The airport is connected to many localities in the Veneto region and works with different companies. You can buy a ticket in the airport building and from the driver.
With a transfer in Venice
Another option: get to Venice or Venice-Mestre by bus (shuttle or regular). From Venice to Padua you can travel by bus or train.
From the station Venice-Santa Lucia on almost any train you will reach your destination in 25-50 minutes. Time and price depend on the class of train: the train takes longer, but costs 4.25 euros, trains Frecciarossa And Frecciargento they'll get you home in half an hour and 14.90-16.90 euros. There is a train from Mestre 3.45 euros, on my way 35-40 minutes, high-class trains arrive in Padua 15 minutes after departure, but cost 18 euros. Information about schedules and ticket prices on the website: trenitalia.com.
Train company Italotreno they go every hour or two, they reach the Padua station in 14 minutes, the ticket costs 9.90 euros. Website: italotreno.it.
Buses from Venice leave from Piazzale Roma, from Venice Mestre from the square next to the train station. You can get to Padua by buses from the following companies:
- ACTV S.p.a(website: actv.avmspa.it)
- Busitalia(website: fsbusitaliaveneto.it)
- Baltour(website: baltour.it)
- FlixBus(website: flixbus.it)
You will spend from 45 minutes to a little over an hour on the road. Schedules and prices can be found on the websites. Ticket prices are within 10 euros.
To Padua from Treviso Airport
Small airlines and low-cost airlines fly to Treviso, but our tourists often fly to Italy through this airport.
The company buses run from Treviso airport to Padua twice an hour Busitalia And Mobilità di Marca(website: mobilitadimarca.it). Travel time is within an hour. The exact cost of tickets can be found on the websites. On average, it does not exceed 7-8 euros.
You can get from the airport to Treviso Central Station (it’s very close), from there you can take a train to Venice-Mestre and transfer to the train to Padua. The transfer lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. Travel time, including transfers, is from an hour to an hour and a half, ticket price is from 5 to 21.45 euros(depending on the train class).
To Padua from Verona
This option is a little more complicated. There are no buses to Padua from Verona Airport. You'll have to get to the bus station. From here and the nearby train station you can get to Padua by bus or train.
Buses FlixBus go to Padua every morning, afternoon and evening, on the way they are from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, the ticket costs from 5 to 13.90 euros. You can use the services Busitalia: travel time - 1:30- 2:10 h., price - approx. 8 euros.
The train will reach Padua in an hour and a half, the trip will cost you 7.30 euros, trains Frecciarossa will take you for 42 minutes, the ticket will cost from 13 to 19.90 euros.
What to see in Padua in 1 day
Here you can't look at it, you can't reconsider it. I will tell you about the most important attractions that you cannot pass by.
Like many cities in Italy, Padua has a tourist Padova card. Buy this card and you can visit many Padua museums and use public transport for free or at a discount.
Two types of map: for 48 hours costs 16 euros, for 72 hours - 21 euros. Information about the map on the website: turismopadova.it.
Map of Padua with landmarks
Fetching directions......
First of all, study the city map. Our route will begin at the square in front of the railway station.
Exit the station building, turn right and go straight to the wide street running perpendicular to your path. Turn right and walk straight along this street until (this will take about 10-15 minutes) you see a medieval wall ahead. A river flows under the wall, and a bridge leads through it to the gate. This Gate of the Mill Bridge (Porta Ponte Molino). The wall is real, historical, XIV century.
It is from here that your acquaintance with the beauties of ancient Padua will begin.
From the gate deep into the city it goes Via Dante Aligheri. Follow it straight until you reach Piazza Duomo. To your right will rise the Padua Duomo and next to it the Baptistery.
Local guide
Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Refers to minor basilicas. The current building is the third one built on this site. The first cathedral stood here from 313 to 1117, until an earthquake destroyed it. Just over 60 years later, the new Duomo building in the Romanesque style was consecrated. And from the beginning of the 16th century, work began on the design of the cathedral building, which stands on the square today. The cathedral was consecrated only in the 18th century.
According to legend, Michelangelo himself took part in the work on the project.
The floor and walls of the Duomo preserve the remains of their predecessors: mosaic details of the floor of the first cathedral, columns from the second. The most interesting details are located in the chapels. Paintings and sculptures by Padua and French masters, a shrine with the relics of St. Gregorio Barbarigo, a copy of the 13th-century Byzantine icon “The Virgin and Child” - these treasures fill the Padua Duomo with an atmosphere of holiness and tranquility.
The cathedral is open to the public every day - from 7:30 to 12:00 And from 15:45 to 19:30.
On weekends and holidays - from 7:45 to 13:00 And from 15:45 to 20:30.
Free admission.
Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista
Stands to the left of the Duomo. The building was built in the 12th century, so we can safely say that the baptistery is older than the cathedral itself, given the history of the construction of the Duomo. The Baptistery looks a little more remarkable in appearance than the Cathedral: a round tower decorated with blind arches, which stands on a cubic base.
The interior of the baptistery is completely painted with frescoes. Artist Giusto di Manabuoi painted the dome and walls of the baptistery with paintings on themes from the Old and New Testaments, imagined Heaven and Hell, described the Passion of Christ and the Last Judgment. From the very first second, the creations of the 14th century master will immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, transporting you to a world that you will never visit in reality.
The Baptistery is open from 10:00 to 18:00.
Entrance - 3 euros.
Photography is not allowed inside the baptistery.
After leaving the Duomo and Baptistery, go back along Via Dante Alighieri literally a couple of blocks away. To your left will rise Torre dell'Orologio (Clock tower) - built in the 14th century with the first astronomical clock for that time. On the right will lie Piazza dei Signori- Signor Square.
Piazza dei Signori is the most important square of Padua, its “heart”.
Clock tower
This is the center of a large complex, or rather two palaces adjacent to the tower. Left - Palazzo del Capitanio (Palace of Capitani). Capitanio is a representative of the Venetian Republic, to which Padua has been subordinate since the 15th century. On right - Palazzo dei Camerlenghi (Camerlengo Palace). Camerlengo (or camerari) in the Venetian Republic were the magistrates who controlled the financial and economic life of the state.
There is an arch in the center of the tower; it was built by the architect in 1532 Giovanni Maria Falconetto.
The zodiac signs on the dial are not represented in full: there is no Libra. According to legend, the customer did not fully pay the master’s fee, and he “stole” one sign.
Standing with your back to the arch, you will see the Signor Square in all its glory. To develop the square, an entire block was demolished. In the 15th century there was a market here, street celebrations were held, bullfights were held, and performances were given. Today there are several cafes on the square.
To the right rises a white stone building - La Loggia del Consiglio o Gran Guardia (Council Loggia). The City Council met here, but after the fire it lost its meeting place. Architect Annibale Maggi created a light and openwork marble miracle with arches and stairs. There is no free access to the Loggia halls. They are intended for meetings and cultural events.
Opposite the Clock Tower, at the opposite end of the square, rises the façade St. Clement's Church, one of the oldest churches in Padua. It was built in 1190; in the 16th century the façade was rebuilt and statues were added. Paintings are stored inside Luca Ferrari and Pietro Damini.
Palazzo della Ragione
Cross the Piazza della Signori and go around the Church of St. Clement on the right. After a few meters you will come to a grandiose building Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of the Mind). The Grand Palace appears lacy due to the large number of columns and arches. From above it resembles a ship turned upside down. The building was erected in the 12th century; courts and magistrates were located here. Until the beginning of the 15th century, the city council met on the top floor, in a huge hall called the Salon. The hall was decorated with a large number of frescoes, some of them, according to legend, painted by Giotto. Today in the hall you can see frescoes restored after the fire, a wooden statue of a horse, a “stone of shame” on which debtors were punished, four grand staircases: the Staircase of Birds, the Staircase of Metal Products, the Staircase of Fruits and the Staircase of Wine.
The palace is open to the public every day except Monday - from 9:00 to 19:00.
Entrance - 6 euros.
This palace stands between two ancient squares - Piazza dell'Erbe (Square of Herbs) And Piazza della Frutta (Fruit Square). From ancient times to the present day, these squares have been market squares. True, today the market mainly remains on Fruit Square. Both squares are interesting. On each one you will find a lot of details from past centuries: a column, a fountain, a stone with weights carved on it.
You can go from one square to another through Volto della Corda (Rope Arch) - covered passage in the building Palazzo Ragione. This place is called so because in ancient times debtors and swindlers were punished here with scourging and flogging.
Go to Fruit Square, go left along the street Via Guglielmo Oberdan. After a few tens of meters you will find yourself at an intersection. To your right will be the city hall building - Palazzo Comunale o Moroni (City Palace or Moroni Palace), on the left is a beautiful building with many neo-Gothic spires. This is an old Paduan cafe Pedrocchi.
Cafe Pedrocchi
It exists since 1831, is popularly called “a cafe without doors”, because until 1916 it worked for days on end.
Today Pedrocchi not only a cafe, but also one of the most important Paduan attractions, not inferior, for example, to the Neapolitan Gambrinus. Its prices are not too affordable, but not exorbitant either.
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 24:00, on Friday and Saturday - until 01:00.
Palazzo Bo
The cafe will be on your left, and the walls will rise directly in front of you Palazzo Bo- the main building of the University of Padua.
The University of Padua is one of the oldest in Italy, and even in Europe. It was opened in 1222.
The university is located in Palazzo Bo in 1492. The name "Bo" is translated from the Venetian dialect as "bull". Once upon a time there was a meat restaurant in the palace building. The restaurant itself is long gone, but in memory of it, the name and emblem - a bull's skull - remain in the university residence.
The palace was rebuilt often and for a long time, the building annexed neighboring houses. In the central courtyard you will see a huge number of coats of arms on the walls and ceiling: according to tradition, every student and teacher who left the university left their own coat of arms. This tradition was interrupted in the 18th century due to the impossibility of accommodating the coats of arms of everyone.
The first anatomical theater in Europe was opened in this building; the department from which Galileo lectured was preserved here.
In general, there is something to see in Palazzo Bo; guided tours are held there.
Winter schedule (November - February):
- Monday - 14:30 - 15:30;
- Tuesday - 10:30 - 11:30;
- Wednesday - 14:30 - 15:30;
- Thursday - 10:30 - 11:30;
- Friday - 14:30 - 15:30;
- Saturday - 10:30 - 11:30 - 12:30.
Summer schedule (March - October):
- Monday - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
- Tuesday - 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30;
- Wednesday - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
- Thursday - 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30 - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
- Friday - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
- Saturday - 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30 - 12:30.
Prices:
individual ticket - 7 euros, in a group from 10 to 35 people - 4 euros.
Palazzo Bo page on the university website: unipd.it.
Once you pass Palazzo Bo on the right, follow Via San Francesco. This is a fairly long street with covered sidewalks - pedestrian paths are laid under the second floors of buildings and separated from the roadway by arches and columns. Frescoes can often be found on the vaults.
The street passes through a small Antenor Square. In the middle of it stands an ancient and rather strange stone structure. This Antenor's tomb, the mythical founder of Padua, the legendary surviving Trojan. Read more about it in the section below. "The History of Padua".
In 1274, the remains of an armed man were discovered at this place, and gold coins were found nearby. The Paduan poet Lovato Lovati immediately decided that these were the ashes of Antenor, convinced himself and everyone of this so much that a stone tombstone was erected in the square, which has survived to this day.
Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua
Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua is one of the largest and most popular cathedrals in northern Italy
When, after about 10 minutes of walking, the line of houses breaks and a large space opens on your right, turn right. Having walked forward about 300 meters, you will find yourself in front of a grandiose cathedral - Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. The cathedral does not have a single style: there is Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine. But all the elements merge in absolute harmony. The Paduans simply call this place “holy”. This is both about Anthony himself and about the cathedral.
Construction of the temple began in 1232, literally a year after the death of St. Anthony, over the chapel in which he was buried. The result was a huge cathedral-monument to the people's favorite. The best artists and sculptors worked on the decorations of the interior of the temple: Donatello, Titian, Giotto and many others.
In addition to its beautiful decoration, the basilica is famous for housing the reliquary with the incorruptible larynx and tongue of St. Anthony.
The cathedral has a Museum of St. Anthony, several courtyards and an extensive library. It must be said that the huge and beautiful temple looks like a whole complex dedicated to one person: many transitions and turns are equipped with signs, and on each of them there is S. Antonio.
St. Anthony's Basilica is open daily - from 6:30 to 19:30 in summer and until 18:30 in winter.
Free admission.
Coming from the square in front of the basilica Via Beato Luca Belludi literally in 4-5 minutes it will take you to Prato-della-Valle.
Prato-della-Valle is the calling card of Padua. This is an ideal place for meetings, walks, and secluded relaxation.
Prato-della-Valle - This is the largest square in Italy and the most original in its architectural design.
In Roman times, there was a theater and the Campus Martius here; in the Middle Ages, horse races were held and fairs were held. Then this place turned out to be swampy. In 1775 the architect Domenico Cerato created what became one of the symbols of Padua and its calling card.
Oval in plan, Prato della Valle consists of a large ellipse-shaped canal with bridges across it. The banks of the canal are decorated with a double row of statues that depict famous Paduans. These statues were created from 1775 to 1838. Among them are images of Petrarch, Galileo, Tasso and others. Around the square are the Basilica of St. Giustina, Palazzo Angeli and Loggia Amulea.
Padua Botanical Garden
Returning by Via Beato Luca Belludi, turn left along Via Donatello. Along it you will very soon arrive at Orto Botanico di Padova(Paduana Botanical Garden).
The garden is considered the oldest operating botanical garden in the world.
It was founded in 1545. It was originally intended to grow medicinal herbs for the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Padua.
The territory of the garden is clearly structured: geometrically, it reproduces the “order of the Universe” - one circle is inscribed in another, both are divided into four parts, each of which consists of four sectors. At the center of this plan is a fountain.
More than 6 thousand species of plants grow in the Botanical Garden. Among them there are famous trees - for example, Goethe's palm, sitting under which the poet and naturalist pondered the theory of plant metamorphosis.
The garden is open to the public:
- in May, April - daily from 9:00 to 19:00 ,
- from June to September - from 9:00 to 19:00(closed on Mondays)
- in October - until 18:00(every day except Monday),
- from November to March - until 17:00(daily except Monday).
The ticket costs 10 euros.
Capella degli Scrovegni
On the way back, make a small detour: from the intersection near the university and the Pedrocchi cafe, go straight along Via Cavour, which will then flow into Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi. The path will take 5-7 minutes walk. On your right hand you will see Hermit Gardens, and in them there is a rather ordinary old building made of red brick with a gable roof. This Capella degli Scrovegni(Scrovegni Chapel).
The chapel was built by order of Enrico Scrovegni in memory of his father, a rich man and so devoid of prejudices that he was mentioned Dante in one of the Songs of "Hell" from "Divine Comedy".
From 1303 to 1305, Giotto painted the walls of the chapel and created frescoes of colossal depth of thought and execution on the themes of the life of Christ and the Last Judgment.
The chapel is open daily - from 9:00 to 19:00.
Possibility of evening visits from 19:00 to 22:00, but they must be ordered.
The ticket costs 13 euros.
Museums
Among other attractions of Padua that can be included in a one-day itinerary, I would name Palazzo Zuckermann With Museum of Applied Arts And Botacin Museum(the exhibition includes weapons, numismatics, painting and sculpture of the 19th century). This palace is located opposite the Scrovegni Chapel.
Open daily - from 10:00 to 19:00(except Monday).
Ticket - 10 euros.
Very interesting Museo del Risorgimento.
Risorgimento is a term meaning the historical process of the reunification of Italy into a single state.
The Padua Museum presents the history of Padua in the 19th century from Austrian rule to the city’s entry into a unified Italy.
The museum is located very close to the Pedrocchi cafe at: Piazzetta Capellato Pedrocchi.
Open daily - from 9:30 to 12:30 and with 15:30 to 18:00(except Monday).
Ticket - 4 euros.
old lock
Castelvecchio has risen above the old city walls since the 13th century. True, from the entire castle, only the Loggia, where the Galilean Academy is located, part of the wall of the Security Loggia and the Specola Tower, which houses the observatory and its museum, have survived. The easiest way to get to the tower is from the Duomo along Via S. Gregorio Barbarigo.
Museum address: Vicolo dell'Osservatorio, 5.
Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00 except Monday.
Group visits by appointment. Individual excursions are available without registration at 16:00 from October to April and at 18:00 from May to September.
Ticket - 7 euros.
Paduan cuisine
Paduan cuisine is “courtyard and garden cuisine,” that is, “what we grow is what we eat.”
There are a lot of vegetables in the dishes. Poultry dishes are very popular. For example, it's worth trying bollito misto alla padovana- cutting from a wide variety of boiled meats. A typical Paduan dish can be called bigoli pasta with goose sauce L'Oca in Onto. This sauce is often served as a separate dish.
Padua's cafes and restaurants offer a variety of local sweets. The rice cake deserves special attention Figassa.
Places where you can have a snack or a hearty meal in the historical center will come across you at almost every step. But remember the main rule: you need to eat where the locals eat. That is, get off the tourist path more often and turn the corner - there will be better cuisine and lower prices.
Where to stay in Padua
Padua, unlike Venice, can please you with affordable housing prices.
Often, when looking for inexpensive housing on various resources, you can find Padua as an option for budget accommodation. But housing in the center is still expensive. A night in a hotel located in the center can cost around three thousand rubles. Guest House Appartamento Savonarola offers a single room at a price 1878 rubles. Hotel Arcella located behind the station, they ask for a single room from 2404 rubles. However, Padua is a small city, so don’t worry if you are offered affordable accommodation not in the Old Town. You will get there quickly.
To find a place to stay that is convenient in all respects, use the following sites: airbnb.ru- apartments and rooms in apartments, booking.com- hotels, hostels, guest houses, apartments.
Discount table
History of Padua
Archaeologists claim that the places where Padua stands were inhabited at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. It is impossible to name the exact time of the founding of the city. Legend connects him with Antenor, a Trojan prince who escaped after the fall of Troy. According to Virgilius, Antenor arrived here and founded the city of Patavium. From the 2nd century BC. Patavium became a Roman municipality, becoming an important transport and trade center.
During the Middle Ages, Padua was destroyed several times and rebuilt. She often changed owners. Among the tyrants who ruled it were the families Rock And Carrara.
In 1405, Padua was conquered by the Venetian Republic, and until the fall of the latter in 1797, the city was under Venetian rule. Then came the period of Austrian rule, which ended in 1866, when Padua became part of the unified Italian state.
Padua is located in Veneto. Padua is easily accessible both from Venice airport, Treviso airport and from Venice itself.
Marco Polo Airport – Padua
Treviso Airport – Padova
FSBusitalia buses, operated by Busitalia Veneto, operate between and Padua every day. The bus stops on the street. Noalese / via Noalese, which is located to the right of the airport exit, while in Padua the bus stops next to the train station. city station. Travel time 1 hour. Tickets cost 2.40 €. Tickets can be purchased at the airport ticket office in the arrivals area or on the bus. When purchasing tickets on the bus from the driver, the tickets are slightly more expensive.
Padua center
Venice – Padua
There are two ways to get to Padua from Venice by bus.
1. As mentioned earlier, FSBusitalia buses operated by Busitalia Veneto operate this route every day. Tickets cost 2.40 €.
2. The second way is to take buses on route 53E, operated by ACTV, which provide a direct route between Venice And Padua every day. Travel time is one hour. In Padua, buses stop near the railway station. station, while in Venice - on the square. Roma/Piazzale Roma, stop B6. Tickets can be purchased at the Venezia Unica ticket offices, which are located in the historical center of the city, from automatic machines or at authorized ticket sales points. You can view the tariffs here (from 1.06.16).
Padua, Italy - detailed information about the city. Guide to Padua: popular attractions with photos and descriptions.
City of Padova
Padua is a city in the Italian province of Veneto, located in the valley of the Po River, 20 km from the Venetian Lagoon. This is a beautiful ancient city in which you will find many attractions, original and interesting places and delicious cuisine. It is very convenient to stay here when traveling in northeastern Italy, since Padua is advantageously located near the tourist meccas of Venice and Verona, and prices for hotels and food are significantly lower here.
History of Padua
The founding of Padua dates back to the period between the thirteenth and eleventh centuries BC and is associated with the civilization of the ancient Greeks.
There is a legend that after the mythical Trojan War, one of the leaders of Troy, Antenor, fleeing from the Greeks, sailed down the Po and founded the village of Padus (from the Greek - swamp) in a swampy area.
During the Roman Empire, Padus, later called Patavium, became an ally of the Romans and became rich thanks to its favorable location at the crossroads of trade routes. Padua became one of the largest cities in the Empire.
In 601 Padua was razed to the ground by King Agilulf and then again in 800 by the Huns. After this, the city was almost abandoned - residents fled to the surrounding area, many moved to Venice.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory came under the rule of the Lombards. They completely changed the social structure and introduced feudalism.
At the same time, Catholicism began to gain strength. Temples began to be built in the city, Padua began to come to life and grow rich. At the beginning of the 11th century, defensive structures were erected in the city, public and religious buildings were built.
At the beginning of the 13th century, a university was founded in Padua. In the 14th century, Padua turned into one of the cultural capitals of all of Europe - Giotto worked here, Averroes and Avicenna taught.
At the beginning of the 15th century, Padua came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. For almost two centuries, the city has become one of the cultural centers of the entire region.
After the Napoleonic Wars, the city and region came under Habsburg influence and remained under it until the unification of Italy.
How to get to Padua
Padua is located almost in the center of the Veneto region between the cities of Treviso and Venice. If you get to Padua by plane, there are three options - airports in Venice, Rimini and Milan. The closest is Marco Polo Airport in Venice.
If you go by car, then from Milan and Venice it is the A4 highway, from the south of Italy - A13 (Bologna).
Tourist tax
Like many cities, Padua has a tourist tax, which may or may not be included in the price of your stay (you need to check when booking). In 2016, the following tourist tax was established:
- four stars and above € 2.85
- three stars € 1.90
- two stars € 1.40
- one star € 0.95
Urban transport
City transport in Padua includes buses, trams and taxis. Tickets can be purchased at numerous kiosks.
Accommodation in Padua
In Padua you can find hotels, inns and guest houses to suit every taste and budget. There are a large number of colorful hotels in the city and its surroundings. We recommend booking accommodation in the historical center or in the villages surrounding Padua.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Padua is represented by ancient culinary traditions. In addition to pizza, which is traditionally associated with Italy and is found everywhere, we recommend trying horse meat dishes, cheeses, bigoli, Paduan chicken, focaccio, false parsuto, sweets pazientini and zaleti. Alcohol: local wines.
Sights of Padua
As in most ancient cities, the main attractions of Padua are located in the historical center. This is especially true of most Italian cities because they often developed around ancient Roman or medieval defensive walls.
Despite its fairly decent size, all the main attractions of Padua are located within walking distance. Although, if necessary, you can use buses that will take you to all the sights. But we recommend taking walks, as it is pleasant to walk around the city. There is no abundance of tourists here like in Rome, Venice, Verona, Milan, you can calmly enjoy the city and its interesting places. There are also quite a lot of pedestrian areas.
Piazza Eremitani in Padua
Piazza Eremitani is an ancient square in Padua. There is a large regional museum here, which houses interesting collections from the Roman, pre-Roman, Etruscan and early Christian periods. Valuable art objects are also displayed here. Among them, Giotto's masterpiece, the Crucifixion, stands out.
Another attraction of the square is the Scrovegni Chapel, built at the beginning of the 14th century and painted by the brilliant Giotto. Many of the original frescoes are perfectly preserved.
Also on the square is an ancient church from the 14th century, the Zuckerman Palazzo and the Museum of Applied Arts.
Address: Piazza Eremitani, 35121 Padova PD
Plaza San Antonio and St. Basilica Antonia
A square in the historical center of Padua, adjacent to the main cathedral of the city - the Basilica of St. Anthony. The Basilica is the main architectural dominant of the historical center and the largest cathedral of Padua, the main center of veneration of St. Anthony of Padua. The basilica was built in the 13th century in Baroque style. Altichiero da Zevio, Jacopo d'Avanzo, Stefano da Ferrara, Girolamo Tessari took part in its painting.
To the left of the basilica is Donatello's masterpiece - bronze equestrian monument,dedicated to the Venetian commander.
Address: Piazza del Santo, 35123 Padova PD
Prato della Valle
Prato della Valle is the largest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, almost 90,000 sq. meters. This is the main square of Padua, located in the southern part of the historical center.
The square received its unique shape at the end of the 18th century thanks to the Venetian governor Memmo. This is a huge green island surrounded by a canal that is crossed by 4 bridges and a fountain in the center. Along the canal there are sculptures of famous people - scientists, artists, doctors, politicians who lived, created and worked in Padua.
At the very edge of the square stands the Abbey of Santa Giustina, a magnificent example of the Renaissance, built in the early 16th century. An impressive architectural structure with an 82-meter bell tower with a foundation from the 12th century dominates the architecture of the square. Moreover, it looks no less impressive on the inside!
Not far from the square there is an ancient botanical garden, which contains more than 6,000 plants. On the south-eastern side of the square there is an ancient basilica from the 16th century.
Address: Piazza Prato della Valle, 35121 Padova PD
Specola is an old astronomical observatory, one of the symbols of Padua. There is an astronomical museum here, and from the top there is a wonderful view of the city. Once upon a time, the great Galileo himself conducted research here.
Nearby is also the Oratorio di San Michele, closely associated with the last years of the life of the famous Petrarch, as well as the 13th century Carraresi castle.
From specola it is easy to get to the city center, along the way looking at the Church of San Tommaso, Piazza Duomo and the magnificent baptistery, painted with beautiful frescoes.
The heart of Padua - squares della Ragione, della Erbe and della Frutti
Square Della Ragione is the second most important square in Padua. Here is the beautiful Palazzo della Ragione or Salone (great hall), one of the symbols of the city.
On the southwest corner of the square there is a 15th century tower with an astronomical clock.
Squares della Ragione, della Erbe and della Frutti are the heart of the medieval city and also the site of the daily market.
University of Padua
The University of Padua is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in the first half of the 13th century. Galileo, Copernicus, Harvey and many others taught and conducted research here.
A few steps away is the historic Café Pedrocchi, which has been open since 1830.
What else to see in Padua
Bridge of St. Lorenzo - a stone bridge 53 meters long.
Obelisk of Antenor - the legendary founder of Padua.
Historic gates - San Giovani and Molino.
The Church of San Nicolo is one of the most romantic places in Padua. The 16th century church is located on an old medieval square.
Venice, of course, is good in itself, but there is also a lot of interesting things in its surroundings. In other words, a trip to Venice can be diversified with one-day trips to nearby places and towns. You just have to keep in mind that living in Venice is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, if you are planning to thoroughly travel around the mainland, then it is advisable to stay not on the islands, but somewhere in Mestre, next to the corresponding railway station (read about where it is better to stay during your trip to Venice in the corresponding article), or even in Padua or Vicenza. If you do not plan on frequent trips outside of Venice, then you can live on the islands, especially if you are lucky enough to find a hotel or apartment for reasonable money.
As for transport, you can travel from Venice either by rail or by road (again, if you plan to travel by personal or rented car, then in order to save money, it makes sense to settle on the mainland). In addition, do not forget about water transport, which you are unlikely to do without if you want to visit the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. With them, perhaps, we’ll start our review of travel destinations from Venice.
When it comes to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, the first thing that comes to mind is Murano(Murano) And Burano(Burano)– without a doubt the most popular destinations for short trips from Venice. Strictly speaking, both Murano and Burano are part of modern Venice, but from a tourist point of view it makes sense to consider them separately, since they are on the periphery of all the main Venetian attractions. In addition, both islands have bright individual features and are quite different from Venice itself. Burano is especially distinctive thanks to its colorful houses.
A visit to these two islands is usually combined in one day: first Murano (closer to Venice), then Burano. Both can be reached by water. The journey to Murano takes only 10-15 minutes if you take a vaporetto from, say, Venezia Santa Lucia train station (the corresponding water transport stop is called Ferrovia) or from the Fondamente Nove promenade. The timetable can be found on the website actv.avmspa.it (see especially the following routes: Linea 3, Linea 4.1 and 4.2, and Linea 12). Burano is further. Moreover, you need to sail through Murano. The fastest way to get from Venice to Burano is motoscafo no. 12 (Linea 12) from Fondamente Nove: the one-way journey takes about 40 minutes (about 10 minutes to Murano and then another half hour to Burano).
A trip to Murano and Burano can be supplemented with a visit to another island - Torcello(Torcello), which is located near Burano (Linea 9, 5 minutes swim). This is an uncrowded and calm place; there are few attractions here, but those that exist are worth seeing.
Lovers of peace and quiet can be recommended to pay attention to the island Sant'Erasmo(Sant'Erasmo), a kind of vegetable garden among the lagoon (Linea 13, about 30 minutes from Fondamente Nove). The contrast is striking: in Venice there are usually crowds of tourists, but here, on Sant’Erasmo, the village is a village – beds, fields and vineyards. True, there is also a landmark - the Maximilian Tower (Torre Massimiliana), reminiscent of the time when Venice belonged to the Austrians - and there is even a small beach.
By the way, about the beaches. Venice can hardly be called a resort city, but you can find beaches here. From this point of view the island looks especially attractive Lido di Venezia(Lido di Venezia), where all the necessary infrastructure is available. You can get to the Lido by different routes from different parts of Venice: see, in particular, Linea 1, Linea 2 (in summer), Linea 5.1 and 5.2, Linea 6, etc. A good option for a half-day trip: in summer you can sunbathe and cool off , and in the off-season - just wander along the sand along the water. And the Lido also has its own attractions. Read more about this and other interesting places from the point of view of beach holidays in the article “Beaches of Venice”.
Before leaving the Venetian Lagoon, let’s pay attention to another interesting town. Chioggia(Chioggia) located south of Venice. Due to its obvious similarities, it is often called “little Venice.” The place is cozy, charming and not at all pompous. This is, perhaps, the value of Chioggia. You should come here not for admiration and photos against the backdrop of beauty, but to see a cute provincial town living its modest life next to its “big sister.” In addition, there is a good fish market here. And also in the adjacent place Sottomarina(Sottomarina) there is a beach. And if we talk about beach holidays in the Venice area, then Sottomarina is no worse (and perhaps even better) than the island of Lido di Venice discussed above.
You can get to Chioggia and Sottomarina by different types of public transport. The most convenient and fastest (about an hour's drive) is a bus (Linea 80E - see). A less convenient, but perhaps more scenic route is to go through the islands of Lido di Venezia and Pellestrina: first by bus Linea 11 (see) to the final stop on the island of Pellestrina, and then by vaporetto to Chioggia.
The above ideas are enough to organize a big trip under the conventional title “Venice and its lagoon”. A good option for those who are partial to Venice and want to get to know it from different sides. However, there are also many worthy places outside the Venice Lagoon. They are worth a visit to get a better idea of northern Italy in general.
(Verona) deserves much more than a day trip from Venice. You can stay here for 3-4 days, or even a week, given that Lake Garda, Mantua and other remarkable places are nearby (read more about travel routes from Verona). However, a day is enough for a quick acquaintance, fortunately, the journey from Venice is not long at all: about an hour and a half by rail (see www.trenitalia.com) to the Porta Nuova station, from where it is only 15– 20 minutes walk to the city center. The main thing is not to limit yourself to the theme of Romeo and Juliet, since Verona is by no means exhausted by this plot. Verona has the ancient amphitheater Arena di Verona, Romanesque churches, the Castelvecchio fortress, and other attractions that are worthy of close attention.
Vicenza(Vicenza) not as popular among tourists as Verona. But this is more an advantage than a disadvantage, since the city itself is wonderful. Vicenza is often called the city of Palladio, as well as the city of palaces and even the Venice of the land. All this is quite true, and many Vicenza palazzos were created by Palladio himself. If they had been in the place of other palaces in Venice, no one would have noticed the substitution. In short, a trip from Venice to Vicenza for at least half a day will not be without interest, especially if you are interested in architecture. True, in this case it is worth taking a walk into the countryside - to the Villa Rotunda (about half an hour on foot both from the station and from the center of Vicenza) - and at the same time visit Villa Valmarana ai Nani (it’s on the way) and climb the Monte hill -Beriko, with a beautiful view of the city. If you are too lazy to walk, you can take the Linea 8 bus from the railway station, where trains from Venice actually arrive. It takes only 30–40 minutes to get to Vicenza by high-speed train or a little over an hour by train.
Padua(Padova)– an ancient city with a rich history. Therefore, it is quite natural that many interesting sights are concentrated here: magnificent palaces (in particular, Palazzo della Rajone) and squares (Prato della Valle, Piazza delle Erbe, etc.), one of the oldest universities in the world, beautiful churches (primarily the Basilica of San Antonio), a botanical garden and, of course, the Scrovegni Chapel with frescoes by Giotto, as well as the famous equestrian statue of Gattamelata by Donatello, not to mention the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. And all this is within half an hour's drive from Venice, making Padua one of the most obvious destinations for a half-day trip. A few hours will be enough for a quick acquaintance with the historical center of the city. If you want to get to know Padua better, then you can safely go here for the whole day, or even two or three days (read more about where it’s best to stay in Padua).
Verona, Vicenza, Padua, and Venice itself are far from having millions of people, but they are still quite large cities. At the same time, within an hour and a half from Venice you can find many small towns that also deserve the traveler’s attention. You can get to each of them for half a day, or you can fit two or three of these cities into one day, fortunately the transport infrastructure allows (all the cities discussed below, with the exception of Asolo, can be reached by rail - see www. trenitalia.com).
First of all, let's talk about Treviso(Treviso), which is notable not only for its airport, but also for its incredibly cozy historical center. Perhaps there are no attractions in Treviso as famous as the Verona Arena or the Padua Basilica of St. Anthony, but overall the city makes a pretty nice impression. Getting here is easy: half an hour by train from Venice's Santa Lucia station and you're there.
Another cute town - Bassano del Grappa(Bassano del Grappa– located in the foothills of the Alps. The drive here is a little over an hour. Not fast. But as compensation for the time spent on the road, you will be able to see a most picturesque place, and it won’t hurt to miss a glass of grappa, for which Bassano is so famous. There is even a grappa museum here.
He is no stranger to alcohol topics and Conegliano(Conegliano), famous for another drink - prosecco. This is again the foothills of the Alps, which means picturesque views are guaranteed. The journey from Venice to Conegliano takes about an hour. Along the way you can stop in Treviso for a few hours.
No less picturesque place Asolo(Asolo), around which many historical stories are woven. True, getting there by public transport is somewhat more difficult than getting to Bassano and Conegliano. Probably the most convenient way is to go to one of the train stations located nearby (for example, to Bassano del Grappa or to Castelfranco Veneto), then take a bus to the Ca" Vescovo stop (for suitable routes, see www.asolo.it), and from there you can walk up to the historic center of Asolo (Centro Storico), or take the shuttle that runs regularly between the historic center of Asolo and the Ca" Vescovo stop.
Finally, let's look at two small fortified cities. First - Castelfranco Veneto(Castelfranco Veneto), which was mentioned in passing in the context of Asolo. Second - Cittadella(Cittadella). It makes sense to combine their visits, since it is convenient to go to Cittadella with a transfer right in Castelfranco. In Castelfranco, by the way, in addition to the fortress, it is worth paying attention to the Cathedral, where you can see the “Madonna” by Giorgione (he is believed to be from this city). It takes about 50 minutes by train to Castelfranco from Venice, and no more than 15 minutes from Castelfranco to Cittadella. Depending on the schedule of electric trains, any other combinations involving Vicenza, Padua, Treviso and other nearby cities are possible.
When choosing a hotel or apartment in Italy in general and in Venice in particular, use not only booking sites, but also price comparison services. We recommend Roomguru.ru.
You should do the same when searching for air tickets. Pay attention, for example, to Skyscanner.ru.
