Five reasons to visit Padua
With a close neighbour like Venice it is hard not to be overshadowed, but Padua (Padova) is a beauty in its own right. Here are five good reasons to visit Padua.
1. Seek Relief from the Crowds of Venice
Compared to the crowds of Venice it is a relief to visit Padua in Veneto and walk around the historic centre without getting entangled in guided groups of tourists. There are even a couple of canals and an elliptical ditch guarded by hundreds of students and 78 statues portraying famous citizens in Prato delle Valle.
2. Explore a World Heritage Garden
If you liked the gardens of Venice, you won’t be disappointed by the Botanical Garden of Padua that was created in 1545, and is seen as the original of all botanical gardens throughout the world, according to the Unesco World Heritage committee.
3. Pay Tribute to the Patron Saint of Travelers
American Indians, Brazilians, and Portuguese have a special reason to visit. Along with elderly, poor and oppressed people; pregnant women and people suffering from bareness and sterility, horses, swineherds, and mariners; shipwrecks, travelers; air hostesses and seekers of lost articles. Their patron Saint Anthony of Padua still works miracles from the inner sanctum of the Basilica.
4. Enjoy the Genius of Giotto
Art buffs will enjoy a privileged visit to the Scrovegni Chapel where Giotto’s frescos and a historic kiss can be admired in small groups after 15 minutes’ acclimatization in an airlocked vault. Tickets can only be booked in advance.
5. Shop Till You Drop
For a shopaholic Padua is close to paradise with lots of food markets, antique shops and designer boutiques in attractive car-free zones.
Other nearby reasons to visit Padua
Beautiful city…
It is – I really like it.
These sound like great reasons to me. I would love to spend about 3 months exploring Italy. Someday I’ll make it!
I’m sure you will. And 3 months is not a minute too much.
I would love to go to experience the markets and antique stores…I bet there’s a lot of unique finds!:-)
There certainly is. Especially if you are into religious artifacts like Madonna statues etc.
I lived in Padua for a little over a year. It’s a wonderful town!
You must be a true expert on what to see and where to go then.
Maybe you can provide some advice? My wife and I are looking at option of spending next July in Padua – using it as base from which to do day trips to various northern Italy cities. Our first time in Italy – but given the July heat – we are thinking that northern Italy makes the most sense….going back for southern Italy in better time of year. Thoughts on where to stay within Padua itself? Good public transportation? We will not be renting a car for the most part.
Thanks,
Gary – from Austin, Texas
Hi Gary, Coming from Austin Texas I wouldn’t worry about the heat in Northern Italy, but humidity around the Po delta can be high. I’d find a place to stay within the old city wall. That way you can walk to restaurants, shops and the the main attractions, and the train station is just a short bus drive away. Padua is a lovely city and a perfect place for exploring Venice, Comacchio, Ferrara, Ravenna, Vicenza, Verona, Palladio villas, etc. You’ve really got something to look forward to:)
St. Anthony of Padua has played a special role in our family and my in-laws have been planning a trip here. It looks like a wonderful town and I’m glad there’s quite a lot it offers beyond the basilica. Car-free zone shopping is always a big plus for me :)
Interesting to hear that people travel from that far away to visit the shrine. And good to know there’s more for them to see and do while they are there.
Padua sounds fantastic, Mette! I was especially intrigued by your list of visitors in #3. Sign me up as I would love to go :)
And like me, I’m sure you would deserve a miracle in the seekers of lost articles category.
Padua looks fabulous! These are all great reasons to visit. Thank you for sharing! :-)
It’s a great city with an intense and interesting pulse.
Interesting; and car-free zones, too. Generally, Italy isn’t very good at that in my experience. How far from Venice is it?
Car-free zones are becoming increasingly popular in Italy these years. Especially in the north. And the distance from Venezia S. Lucia to Padua by train is only 15-20 minutes (30 km by car)
I was in Padua last September and I can’t wait to go back. Thank you for a great memory and perfect list of what to see. It struck me as a city with class and depth…!
I’ll second that:)
These images are enough to convince anyone to visit Padua. Wonderful!
Thanks