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Enchanting Padova

Padova is sadly neglected by the millions and millions of tourists who visit the Veneto each year. Most of them rush off to Venice, Verona or Lake Garda, with hardly a thought for the wonderful towns and villages that they are missing out on. Places like Asolo, Marostica and Padova are top of that "missed" list.

So, Is Padova worth visiting?

Well it's a beautiful town with lots to see and it is a very friendly place too with a great deal of energy and real Italian life going on wherever you care to look.

Perhaps it is the 60,000 students who attend one of the world's oldest universities? Perhaps it is the energy and enthusiasm for life that the locals are renowned for?

Whatever it may be it is infectious.

Soon you'll be part of the stream, rushing about on your bicycle like everyone else here. Maybe that's another reason it is such a great town; there's hardly a car anywhere in the old town - simply everyone goes by bike.

Another question we are often asked is if Padova is the same as Padua?

Answer: Yes, it is. Padova is the Italian name and Padua is the English name.

Before I forget, if you need somewhere to stay try the Hotel Belludi or the Hotel Giotto.

If you need a map of Padova click here.

Enough talking let's head off to explore Padova...

Getting About

Bicycles and the great public transport system consisting of busses and trams are the best ways to explore the town. Walking too is a pleasure here but watch out for those bicycles, they tend to silently sneek up on you as you cross the roads.

Tram in PadovaTram
Bicycles in PaduaBicycles in Padova

The Scrovegni Chapel - Padova's Number 1 Attraction

Watch the video below to get an idea of the awesome beauty of this chapel painted by Giotto. It will give you an idea, but nothing can prepare you for actually being there - the beauty is overwhelming. It brought me to tears.  Visit for yourself and you will instantly understand why this is considered one of the most beautiful works of art on earth.

At the Market

Padova has a absolutely wonderful food market. Join us on a walk through it...


Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Padova are amongst the oldest in the world, dating back to the 16th century. There's an incredibly modern greenhouse, with fascinating sections on plants from every continent, but I tend to like the old greenhouse more, it's pretty much abandoned now but it really is characteristic.

Botanical Gardens in PadovaBotanical Gardens
Greenhouse Botanical Gardens of PadovaThe Old Greenhouse
Gardens Padua
Tree in the Botanical Gardens

Prato delle Valle

Prato della Valle is one of the most pleasant parts of the city to pass a few hours. It's a bit like a huge piazza, it's a bit like a park, and it's a little like an art gallery - with seventy plus sculptures of famous people that date back hundreds of years.

Prato della VallePrato della Valle
Prato della Valle in Padua
Park in Padova
Abbazia di Santa Giustina from Prato della ValleAbbazia di Santa Giustina from Prato della Valle

St. Anthony

I love the Basilica of St. Anthony, actually it is one of my favorites in all of Italy. It looks like something from Rome mixed with something from Constantinopole. One of the most moving and magnificent Basilicas you will ever see.

St. Anthony's BasilicaRoad to St. Anthony's Basilica
Basilica di St. AntonioSt. Anthony's Basilica

Canals

Padova also has its fair share of canals. Okay, it isn't Venice but there are a lot of them and they are lovely to wander along on a summer's day.

Canal in Padua

Palazzo della Ragione

Palazzo della Ragione, and the area around here, is the heart of the city. In the morning there is a market and there's no better way to pass a morning than browsing the fascinating stalls and then enjoying a coffee while watching the world go by at one of the many cafes here.

This area is popular at night too with many restaurants nearby. Not too far away is one of the ones I really like the Trattoria San Pietro in Via S. Pietro, 95 and the Osteria Ai Scarponi in Via Cesare Battisti 138.

Social Network - PadovaSocial Network - Padova
Palazzo della RagionePalazzo della Ragione
Bar - Padova
Italian Trucks at the Market"Trucks" at the Market
Evening in PaduaA Summer Evening in Padua

Map of Padova

For our more detailed guide to Padua click here.

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More Travel Tips:

  1. Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
  2. Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
  3. Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
  4. Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
  5. Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
  6. Get peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com

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