| Check out our free interactive Padua holiday guide and discover Padua's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Padua before tell us your holiday tips and help other travellers enjoy great holidays in Padua, Italy. |
Padua was founded by Antenor in the 10th century and was declared by the Romans as an official ally and Roman “civies” in 43 B.C. The city was an asset to the Roman Republic because of its location and proximity to the city of Venice. The Venetians were one of the many different hands that held Padua; their reign lasted for 300 years. The city was liberated in 1797 and was once again under foreign rule in 1813, this time by the Austrians. On the 11th July 1866, the city was once again liberated.
Padua’s most famous patron was San Antonio who was lovingly called the patron and defender of the city by its citizens. St. Anthony performed various miracles including attaching lost limbs, aiding seekers of lost things and guiding pilgrims.
St Anthony died in 1231, and the people erected a beautiful Basilica di San Antonio in his memory. The St Anthony feast is celebrated annually on the 13th of June by hundreds of pilgrims who gather to pay homage to the saint’s memory.
|
|
 |
Basilica di Sant’Antonio – Located at Piazza del Santo 11, Padua. The Basilica di Sant’Antonio was built in the 13th century and dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. One of the more unusual relics in the treasury is the 7 centuries old, still uncorrupted tongue of St. Anthony. In the Saints Chapel is a marble tomb, which is a Renaissance masterpiece. The Donatello bronzes at the main alter are some of the great treasures which are houses in the Basilica. The Basilica di Sant’Antonio is open daily from 6:30am to noon and again from 3pm to 7pm. Admission is free of charge.
Chapel of the Scrovegni (Cappella degli Scrovegni) – Located at Piazza Eremitani 8, Padua. The Chapel of the Scrovegni contains remarkable Giotto Frescoes. The frescoes unfold biblical scenes and the third bottom panel is the most reproduced. It depicts Judas kissing Christ. One of the most dramatic panels depicts the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This is a truly unique and beautiful chapel and will stay in your heart for a while. The Chapel is open daily from 9am to 10pm and admission for adults are $14 and children between the ages of 6 and 18 are $5.
Palace of Law (Palazzo della Ragione) – Located at Via VIII Febbraio, Padua. This beautiful palazzo dates back to the early 13th century and is one of the most remarkable buildings in Northern Italy. The roof is shaped like the hull of a sailing vessel, which is really stunning. You climb steps to enter the grandiose Salone, which is an 82-meter hall, which contains a 15th century gigantic wooden horse. The Palace of Law is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm. Admission to the Palazzo is $6.
|
|
|
Antico Brolo – Located at Corso Milano 22, Padua. The Antico Brolo is one of the best restaurants in the city. The décor is out of the 16th century and resembles the Renaissance. There are tables set in the beautiful gardens and add to the romantic setting at night when the candles are lit. The food is delicious and there is an emphasis on the fresh seasonal ingredients from the area. Antico Brolo specialises in seafood dishes and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and again from 7:30pm to midnight.
Osteria Speroni – Located at Via Speroni 36, Padua. Osteria Speroni is located in a 16th century building. The dining rooms are antique looking, with exposed stone. There won’t be a lot of meat on the menu as the restaurant specialises in seafood. The restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and again from 8pm to 10:30pm.
|
|
Enoteca da Severino – Located at 44 Via del Santo, Padua. Enoteca da Severino is one of the oldest wine bars in the city. The atmosphere is relaxing and there is enough to keep you amused for hours. The Enoteca da Severino is the perfect place to come “people watching”.
Victoria – Located at Via Savonarola 149, Padua. Victoria is a beer tavern, which has a great atmosphere and live jazz concerts on Thursday nights. This is a great hang out if you want to drink lots of beer and eat pizza. The crowd is fairly young and the food is inexpensive. Victoria opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 2am.
Disco-Bar Limbo – Located at Via San Fermo 44, Pedua. The Disco-Bar Limbo has electronic games, recorded bands and the occasional live band for entertainment. The Disco-Bar Limbo is a great place for dancing and just enjoying an evening out.
|
|
The Botanic Garden of Padova – Located at the University of Padova, Via Orto Botanico 15, Padua. The Botanical Gardens were founded in 1545 and is regarded as one of the oldest university gardens in the world. The first gardens in the Botanic Garden of Padova were devoted to growing medicinal plants. Many of the plants in the Botanic Garden come from all over the world, with many from countries that were connected to the Republic of Venice.
Teaching, scientific research as well as the preservation of rare and endangered species takes place at the Botanic Gardens. The Gardens are open from April to October from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm daily. Entrance to the gardens is free of charge. |
|
Roberto Callegari – Located at 8 Via Davila, Padua. This speciality store is the leading jewelry shop in Padua. You will find the most exquisite little trinkets and jewelry here.
Amadio – Located at Galleria Pedrocchi 5, Padua. Amadio specializes in men’s sportswear and household furnishings. The store has been around for more than 100 years.
Outdoor Markets – Located at Palazzo della Ragione, Padua. The twin markets of Piazza delle Erbe, which sells fresh produce and Piazza della Frutta, which sells dry goods are the perfect place to stroll through and see what the locals are up to. There are some very unique and special items on sale here. This is one market that should not be missed.
|
|
|
|
