PADUA, URBS PICTA

In 2022, the city was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 14th-century fresco cycles. In other words, Padua is a widespread museum with 8 places frescoed by 6 different artists who, over the course of 95 years, created a total of 3,694 square metres of frescoed walls. The Urbs Picta Card ticket allows you to visit all the fresco cycles. It is valid for 48 or 72 hours. The most famous of these 8 frescoed sites is the Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovegni Chapel), a masterpiece by Giotto. It is necessary to book (even if you have a single ticket); our Reception is at your disposal.

After visiting Palazzo della Ragione to see its fresco cycle, we suggest you experience the “padovanità” (Padua way of life) in the city’s squares, with markets, Spritz cocktails and cicheti (bar snacks), the typical shops “sotto Salone”, and the streets of the Jewish ghetto overlooking Piazza delle Erbe. Stop to admire the Orologio Astrario (astronomical clock) on the tower of the same name in Piazza dei Signori.

A visit to the ancient University of Padua, renowned worldwide, is not to be missed. Galileo taught here from 1592 to 1610 and his chair is still preserved there. We recommend a guided tour, which will take you to discover Palazzo del Bo, the Teatro Anatomico, the oldest permanent anatomical theatre in the world that is still magnificently preserved, and Palazzo Liviano with its ancient Sala dei Giganti (Giants’ Hall).

Caffè Pedrocchi is situated opposite the university. Built in the 19th century based on a design by Jappelli, it was the meeting place for intellectuals, academics and politicians. Treat yourself to an aperitif, a coffee, and their famous ‘Pedrocchino’ (coffee with mint cream) to embrace the atmosphere of a place preserving stories, memories and ancient legends.

Padua is also the city of faith: every year, the Basilica of Saint Anthony is the destination of millions of pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Building began in 1232, a few months after the death of the Saint, to enshrine his remains. The Basilica of Saint Giustina, which is still one of the oldest testimonies of Christian faith and architecture in the Padua area, overlooks Prato della Valle, a huge elliptical-shaped square (and the second largest square in Europe). It is surrounded by the waters of the Alicorno canal, and embellished with 78 statues of figures associated with the history of this magnificent city.

The Orto Botanico is situated very close to Prato della Valle. It was founded in 1545 for studying medicinal plants. In 1997, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the oldest university botanical garden in the world. In addition to the historical part, the Biodiversity Garden consists of several greenhouses that replicate different climatic conditions to house some 6,000 specimens with 3,500 botanical species.

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Padua is known as the City of the three withouts: the Saint without a name, the Meadow without grass, the Cafe without doors. Three places worth a visit! The “Saint” refers to the Basilica of Saint Anthony. The inhabitants of Padua simply say “Il Santo”. In the past, Prato della Valle was a paved square, therefore without grass. Lastly, the elegant Pedrocchi cafe was open all day and all night.