When walking through Padua, you could be stepping on the same stones on which great artists and scientists walked.
Your journey begins in the fourteenth century, following in the footsteps of Giotto and other maestros who left us masterpieces of medieval art in an extended museum, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the Fourteenth Century Fresco Cycles of Padua.
But Padua boasts another prestigious UNESCO recognition: the Botanical Garden, the oldest university garden in the world still in its original location. Founded in 1545 for the study of medicinal plants, today it is home to rare species and continues its scientific research.
Speaking of science, your journey takes you deep into the Renaissance, to when Galileo Galilei taught at the University of Padua and conducted revolutionary research. Visiting Palazzo Bo, you can admire his desk, the Anatomical Theatre, the lecture hall and the Scala della Sapienza.
If science has left a deep mark, spirituality is no exception. The Basilica of Sant'Antonio, with its imposing architecture and the works of art it houses, is one of the most visited places of worship in the world: every year, pilgrims from near and far come here to pay homage to the relics of the saint.
After this journey through time, a break in Prato della Valle is a must. This vast garden, among the largest in Europe, welcomes you with its spectacular ellipse of statues. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, choose one of the historic cafes between Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza dei Signori, surrounded by elegant monuments such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Clock Tower. But in addition to nourishing the eyes, it is also important to satisfy the palate: amid these art treasures, the scene is completed by the local delicacies, fresh products and irresistible aromas of the Mercato Sotto il Salone, the oldest covered market in Europe.
Don’t think that there is only Padua: around the city there are villages and walled cities, each with their own stories, traditions and food and wine specialities to discover.
In this pool of learning in which Padua immerses you, there is also room for relaxation: the Euganean Baths, among the oldest in Europe, are an opportunity to pamper yourself and take care of your mind and body. The setting for this wellness corner is the Euganean Hills, a mosaic of panoramic paths, historic villages and vineyards, perfect for outdoor activities and discovering the flavours of this land.
Ever since the past, Padua and Venice have been joined thanks to a waterway, crossed by merchants and aristocrats over the centuries. Today that bond still survives along the Riviera del Brenta, where some of the splendid Venetian Villas stand, sentinels that testify to the golden age of the Serenissima Republic, with stories of ancient nobility and the absolute genius of Andrea Palladio.
