6 Best Things To Do In Padua, Italy

Padua or Padova is located in North Eastern Italy and is the capital of the province of Padua. Located in the Veneto region, it has Venezia on one side and Verona and Vicenza on its other side.

Padua is a small city easily traveled on foot. The other ways to explore the place is to cycle around the city or board a bus or a tram to appreciate the beautiful views of the city. You may also want to drive around the city and see the place at your own pace.

1. Scrovegni Chapel

The Scrovengi Chapel is a famous church in Padua. It was completed in the year 1305 and has a fresco cycle by Giotto. The fresco is considered to be a masterpiece in the field of Western art. The walls and the ceilings are covered with frescos. What catches your attention the most is the cycles that show the Life of Christ and the Life of the Virgin. The wall through which the chapel is entered has the Last Judgement. There are also panels that show the Vices and Virtues.

2. Prato Della Valle

The Prato della Valle is an elliptical square measuring 90,000 square meters. It is the largest square not only in Italy but in the whole of Europe. The square has a green island at its centre and is surrounded by a small canal. It is bordered by two rings of statues. The square can be visited all through the year; however one can visit this place during the New Year’s Day or the Feast of Annunciation held in mid-August to enjoy fireworks and parties.

3. Battistero Del Duomo

The exterior may not be very appealing but once you enter the Battistero del Duomo you see the impressive frescos that stretch all the way from the floor to the ceiling. It is open all through the day and also has frescoes by Giusto de’ Menabuoi.

4. Torre Dell’Orologio

The clock tower is located on the northern side of the Piazza San Marco and is a building from the early Renaissance period. It contains the clock and the lower buildings built on each side. The clock has been placed such that it is visible from the waters of the lagoon.

5. Planetario Di Padova

If you are in Padua with children then this is a great place to visit. The planetariums have some amazing visual effects and the place is highly educational. There are shows conducted in English once a month. Amateur star gazers can learn a lot from a visit here.

6. Palazzo Della Ragione

A medieval town hall, the Palazzo della Ragione is a must visit during your stay in Padua. The building has a hall on the upper floor and is famous because it has the largest roofs that are unsupported by the columns. The walls have beautiful frescoes on them. The construction of the building started in 1172 and was finished in 1219.

Padua has plenty to offer to its tourists. For party lovers, there are a number of bars and cafes. For shopaholics, Padua has a plethora of shopping options that one can choose from. From gift and specialty shops to malls, one is spoilt for choice. The city also has a number of nature parks where one can soak in the beauty of nature and just relax and spend their time. Padua is a complete family destination and is captivates you with its beauty and charm.