Enchanting Padova
Padova (Padua in English) 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.
What's so great about Padova?
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.
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 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
Bicycles 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
The Old Greenhouse
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 Valle
Abbazia 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.
Road to St. Anthony's Basilica
St. 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.
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 - Padova
Palazzo della Ragione
"Trucks" at the Market
A Summer Evening in Padua
Map of Padova
For our more detailed guide to Padua click here.
You'll Enjoy These...
On the doorstep of Venice summer beach fun is in full swing on the long sandy shores of Caorle.
Piovene Rocchette is a pleasant little Veneto village with an interesting old town that meanders its way up the slopes of the legendary local mountain, Monte Summano.
Aren't these Verona photos absolutely magical? There is also so much insider information on what to see and do in this most enchanting of Italian cities.
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
Veneto Italy is full of secrets, a place of great natural beauty, ancient medieval villages and two of the greatest cities on earth. Discover the Veneto...
Borghetto sul Mincio is one of Italy's loveliest villages. You won't believe how gorgeous it is! WARNING: These photos risk causing you to fall hopelessly in love with this magical spot.
Love unspoilt and one hundred percent genuine Italian towns? Borghetto sul Mincio is one of the loveliest in Italy and the home of tortellini pasta..
The Car Hire in Venice Italy Guide explores some of the better car rental options available in Italy and offers some invaluable tips.
Treviso Italy is often just the place you pass through on the way to Venice. Don't make this mistake. Spend a few days here and discover...
Join me in discovering the various wine regions of Italy and some of the best Italian wines and wine estates from these regions.
There are many gorgeous small towns scattered throughout Italy. We've made it our mission to discover some of the best. Portobuffole is one of them...
Arsiero, in the Veneto Dolomites, is a peaceful, tranquil kind of place. Here you will find some of the friendliest people on this planet, awesome scenery and history galore. .
Dolomites Holidays features some of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites. From great places to stay to special places to visit...
Breathtaking Torbole sul Garda has prime position on Lake Garda. Surrounded by huge mountain peaks it is hard not to fall in love at first sight.
Near Venice you will find one of the Veneto's best kept secrets, the village of Asolo, known as the "city of a hundred horizons."
Need a good restaurant in Padova? Well, we've discovered just the place: a little family run restaurant serving traditional dishes in the heart of the old town.
This famous Verona castle was built in the 14th century, by Cangrande “Rabid Dog” della Scala. The castle includes an escape route across...
Ever thought of starting a new life in Italy? Well the two little towns of Breganze and Thiene are worth considering.
Perched on ancient cliffs is one of the Veneto's and indeed Italy's most impressive sights. This is the sixteenth century Madonna della Corona.
A guide to Valpolicella wine and insider tips on how best to tour the magical Valpolicella region of the Veneto.
What a sheer joy Bassano Del Grappa is. Even during summer you'll find none of the crush of tourists so common in Italy and yet there is so much to see
Need a romantic getaway? Looking for a family holiday? Whatever you want Lake Garda has something suited to you. Let me share its secrets...
Sightseeing in Verona Italy - discover the real Verona not the tourist traps most tourists end up seeing. An insiders guide to this great city.
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
This is how the rich & famous of 16th century Venice Italy enjoyed there weekends and summer breaks. With a boat trip from Venice along the Brenta canal.
Please Book with Us...
Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) with the search box below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
I promise you'll get the best deal on accommodation available and the income we receive helps us to remain independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
Booking.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.