In this article, I present Padualocated 30 minutes from Venice, and I'll tell you what there is to see in this city!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Padua
- Visits not to be missed
- How to get to Padua from Venice
- Practical information to make the most of your excursion
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Padua, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Padua: article summary
Padova, the quiet city just a stone's throw from Venice
Padua - Padova in Italian - is a small town of 210,000 inhabitants, located just 40 kilometers from Venice. So you can make the most of your stay in Venice for a memorable excursion!
History of Padua
Padua's history is marked by external invasions and domination. It was in turn possessed by Rome, before being sacked by the Huns and invaded by the Goths between the 5th and 6th centuries.
In the Middle Ages, it came under the domination of the lombards and its appeal attracted lords, who vied for its possession. In 1222, the University of Padua was founded and famous students came to study in Padua. Pico della Mirandola, Copernicus and Galileoa teacher from 1592 to 1610.
During the Renaissance, Padua was controlled by the Republic of Venicewho strengthened the city's defenses by building walls and fortifications that are still in use today. It fell into the hands of the Austrian Empireand began to develop industrially. 1845 saw the construction of one of the first train lines linking Venice and Padua.
After the war years and a Fascist implementation, traces of which can still be seen today in the architecture, Padua grew stronger in the fields of industry, its agriculture and became a highly attractive hub for students.
It is now part of one of the world's largest Italy's richest (Veneto), and it's a dynamic city with no shortage of attractions.
Padua in facts and figures
- It owes its name to Saint Anthony of Paduaborn in Lisbon (whose saint he is, celebrated on June 13) and died in 1231 near Padua
- Its railway station is one of the busiest in Italy, with almost 20 million passengers / year
- Famous figures born in Padua include Tite-live (one of the greatest historians of ancient Rome), Arrigo Boito (best known for his opera librettos) and the footballer Francesco Toldo
- Legend has it that the town was founded by the Greek hero Anténorwho returned to the city after the fall of Troy. You can visit his tomb (which is symbolic, of course)
- The city is bordered by the Brenta and Bacchiglione
- It is possible to borrow padovanellaa traditional craft equivalent to venetian vaporettifor a tour of the city!
What can you see and do in Padua?
There's plenty to do in Padua, but most points of interest can be found on the following sites a restricted areaSo you can see all the essentials in just one day. Here are the city's must-sees!
Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
This magnificent basilica, dedicated to the city's saint, is as impressive for its facade as for its lavishly decorated interior. You can purchase candles to place near the relics of St Anthonywhose tomb you can touch. This is the city's most important religious monument, with a choir decorated by Donatello!
La Palazzo della Ragione
Built between the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th centuries, this is a grandiose edifice. It was the headquarters of Administration and Justiceand a lively place for commerce. For this reason, markets are still to be found in the vicinity today, on the Piazza delle erbe and Piazza della frutta neighbors.
The interior decoration is the work of Giotto, and features immense frescoes. The most impressive? The the world's largest suspended hallon the second floor! Admission costs 7 euros, but it's well worth it!
The Prato della Valle
With its 90,000 m2Prato della Valle is Europe's largest square ! A pool surrounds statues of the city's most illustrious figures, and in the evening, the whole is enhanced by illuminations that show them off to their best advantage. It's a popular gathering place for Padua's locals, who fill the bars and restaurants from the early hours of the morning. l'aperitivo.
The University of Padua
As I was saying: the University of Padua was founded in 1222This makes it one of the oldest universities in the world! It is still frequented (and appreciated) by students from the 4 corners of the globe, with a setting that makes you want to get involved in your studies. You can visit it (there are even guided tours) to discover its superb architecture, which gives it a splendid castle-like appearance.
Padua Botanical Gardens
Within the University of Padua, you can visit the world's oldest university botanical garden. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it dates back to 1545 and contains some 6,000 species of plants, ranging from the rare and exotic to the more local.
Its creation had a didactic purpose, so that pupils could recognize and/or discover species from all over the world. This was facilitated by the Republic of Venice's commercial exchanges.
The Scrovegni chapel
You can't miss the Scrovegni chapel if you come to Padua. It was built right next to a group of Roman remains and is renowned for its interior decoration, created entirely by Giottoat the height of his art.
The frescoes occupy walls and ceilings, and the harmony that emanates from the place is admirable. Reservations are required to visit the Capella dei Scrovegnifor a ticket costing 14 euros.
The piazza dei signori and its clock
This is one of Padua's central squares, and one you're sure to pass. It used to host many festive events and boasts numerous porticos on the sides, famous buildings and the Colonna Marcianasimilar to the one with the lion on Venice's St Mark's Square !
But its main attraction is the clock tower. It dates back to the 14th century, with its famous astronomical clock and atypical mechanisms.
Sainte-Justine Basilica
This is one of the Europe's largest basilicasThe church is 122 metres long and 82 metres wide. It was built over the tomb of St. Justina of Padua, who lies beneath the altar choir. The impression of grandeur that emanates from the site will enchant lovers of art and religious buildings.
How to reach Padua easily from Venice?
Padua is located exactly 38 km from Venice. In fact, it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to get there, using one of the following means of transport:
- The regional trainfrom Venice's Santa Lucia station. You can take a train to Padua, Bologna or Vicenza/Verona, for a ticket costing around 4.5 euros. Allow between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the type of train.
- By carvia the A57 and A4 freeways. It's easy and will take you about 50 minutes.
- Visit busFor an average price of 5 euros, the journey takes around 1 hour.
Why visit Padua?
Padua seems to be forgotten by touristswhich focus on its famous neighbor Venice. While it's true that there's a lot of Things to do in VeniceIt would be a shame not to treat yourself to a little outing in beautiful Padua. This is for me 3 reasons to be tempted!
For its wonders
Padua boasts numerous museums, churches and basilicas, palaces and architecture from many different periods. It's a real condensed from Northern Italy particularly attractive. And the best thing about it is that it's all in one place, making for a very pleasant walking tour!
For its calm
Far from the hustle and bustle of Venice and its many tourists, Padua is a city with a soothing atmosphere. Those who just want to relax, drink a espresso on the terrace or sip a Spritz Surrounded by Italians, you'll be charmed by this gentle atmosphere for a day or two, if you want to enjoy the evening and the lively squares.
For its gastronomy
Padua's gastronomy uses ingredients from the Veneto region. So you can enjoy radicchio pastaa delight! From an absolutely divine duck ragout to a risotto with giblets, or even small octopus cooked in lemon juice, which makes a great antipasti. If you're a gourmet at heart, you'll love Padua!
Good to know There are, of course, some excellent restaurants in Venicefor a taste of local specialities!
What other towns to visit in the area?
If Padua has seduced you and you're planning to explore the surrounding area when you visit Venice, I particularly recommend :
- Veronathe romantic city par excellence. The setting for Romeo and Juliet and a magnificent walled city, it is about 1? hours by train from Venice.
- FerraraA marvel of Renaissance architecture, with a historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is about 1 h 10 from Venice by train.
- Chioggia, beautiful coastal town in the south of the Venice lagoonwhich has a similar charm to Venice...only smaller!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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