Padua is a cozy town with an atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Padova, Italy

The sights of Padua are distributed throughout the city with sufficient density, while three zones of their greatest concentration can be distinguished: the first is the Arena and the Scrovegni Chapel, the second is the Palazzo della Ragione, and the third is the Basilica of Prato della Valle and Sant Antonio.

All these zones are connected by one street, which stretches from the north, from railway station, to the south - to the largest city square Prato della Valle.

On its way, this city artery takes on different names: Corso del Popolo, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Via Cavour, Via February 8, Via Roma, Umberto I.

The historic center is compact, however, for a close acquaintance with the sights of Padua, it will take 2-3 days.

The first tourist office is located in the building of the railway station, the second - in a narrow alley behind the Pedrocchi cafe. There you can take free map cities and buy a discount card Padova Card.

Padova Card for 2 days costs 16 euros, for 3 days - 21. In addition to tourism offices, it can be purchased at Eremitani museums.

The Padova Card entitles you to free admission to the following attractions in Padua:

• the Scrovegni Chapel (opening hours 9.00-19.00)
• Eremitani Museums and Palazzo Zuckermann (9.00-19.00)
• Palazzo della Ragione (9.00-19.00, November-January 9.00-18.00)
• Café Pedrocchi: historical rooms and the Risorgemento Museum (9.30-12.30, 15.30-18.00)
• oratorios of San Michele (currently under restoration) and San Rocco (9.30-12.30, 15.30-19)
• Baptistery of San Giovanni (10-18 every day)
• Loggia and Odeon Cornaro (Tue-Fri: 10-13; weekends: 10-13 and 16-19, in winter 15-18).
• House of Petrarch in Arcua Petrarch (March-October 9-12.30 and 15-19, November-February 9-12.30 and 14.30-17.30)

The day off is Monday in all museums, except for the Baptistery and the Scrovegni Chapel, which are open seven days a week, and on March 25 the entrance to the Scrovegni Chapel is free (book in advance).

The card also gives discounts to other museums. For example, you can go to the Botanical Garden with Padova Kart for half price.

Padova Card holders can use public transport free of charge both within the city of Padua and on buses to the Euganean thermal baths in Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (lines: A-M-T-AT).

Buying a card definitely justifies itself if you have arrived in the city for two days or more.

If you only have a day at your disposal, then you will also easily get a plus by going to the Scrovegni Chapel, the Eremitani Museums and another museum, for example, the Palazzo della Ragione. The total ticket for the Scrovegni Chapel, the Eremitani Museums and the Zuckermann Palace costs 13 euros.

If you don't have much time, go to the Scrovegni Chapel for 10 euros and for free - to the Basilica of Sant'Antonio: these are the two most significant sights of Padua. And walk around the historic center. In this case, you can do without Padova cards.

Let's consider each of the zones in more detail.

Arena and Chapel degli Scrovegni

Leaving the station building and "getting up" on Corso del Popolo, you will soon cross the bridge over the canal and on the left you will see a low wall of white stone- the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater of the 1st century AD, or Arenas.

Map of Padua with attractions 1

On the northern side of the Arena, a park stretches along the canal.

From the south - to the ruins of the Arena adjoins Church of Eremitani(Hermits) 13th century. The entrance to the church is free. Unfortunately, in 1944 the church was badly damaged during the Anglo-American bombing. Fragments of several frescoes have survived, including the work of the young Andrea Mantegna.

Murals damaged by shell fragments

To the left of the church is the entrance to Eremitani Museums located in the building of the former Augustinian monastery. This is a single museum complex with a large courtyard in the middle, but it is called "museums" in the plural, emphasizing that it consists of two parts: the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art.

Opposite the Arena across the road is Palazzo Zuckermann, which houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, which is based on the collection of Nicolò Bottachina.

A single ticket to the Eremitani Museums and Palazzo Zuckermann costs 10 euros.

Chapel degli Scrovegni

At the box office of the Eremitani Museums, you can buy (or redeem pre-booked) tickets to the Scrovegni Chapel. In any case, 1 euro is added to the ticket price - as if for a reservation. In the high tourist season, it is definitely worth booking a ticket ahead of time on the website http://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it/index.php/en/

If you are traveling in the low season, then it is quite possible to buy tickets at the box office (better, after going to the choir's website, make sure that there are tickets for the session you need).

Chapel degli Scrovegni was built at the beginning of the 14th century by order of Enrico Scrovegni and was connected to the palace of the Scrovegni family (the enterprising Scrovegni used the stones of the Roman Arena to build their palazzo; but at the moment there is nothing left of the palace).

From 1303 to 1305 the walls of the chapel were painted by Giotto. A starry sky is depicted on the arched vault. On the walls in three rows there are frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus: in each row there are several paintings separated from each other by panels. The lower row of frescoes is an allegorical depiction of vices and virtues. On the end wall is a picture of the Last Judgment.

A visit to the chapel is organized by sessions. First, visitors are kept in a "pre-trial detention cell", showing a short film about the chapel, then they are led into the chapel for 15 minutes.

After visiting the chapel, you can buy books with photographs of frescoes.

In the Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto created an ideal example of a finished interior space (the Mausoleum of Placidia in Ravenna makes a similar impression in its completeness), which they later began to imitate. In Padua, you will meet more than once with “caskets” painted on the inside. The themes of the frescoes are very different: religious, mythological, astrological, domestic, symbols, zodiac signs, animals and plants are very common. And in search of these buildings, we will go to the next part of Padua.

Palazzo della Ragione and historic center

From the Arena in 5 minutes we reach Piazza Garibaldi. This place once housed the forum of the ancient city of Patavium. From the forum there was one column, on which the statue of the Madonna is now erected.

On the left (eastern) side of the square, between the buildings, you can see the medieval gates of Altinate, which were part of the first belt of the fortress walls that surrounded Padua in the 13th century.

Via Altinate begins outside the gate. On this street you will find two notable churches: the sumptuous baroque San Gaetano and the darkly austere Santa Sofia. Santa Sofia is one of the oldest churches in Padua.

We return to Piazza Garibaldi and continue along Via Cavour, which brings us to the center of medieval Padua.

Map of Padua with attractions 2

Cafe Pedrocchi

The first landmark object on this path will appear before us Cafe Pedrocchi- the most famous cafe in Padua.

It was built in 1831 on a lively place. At that time, it became fashionable to drink coffee, and on the wave of this fashion, a coffee house appeared, which gained popularity and became a meeting place for the public of all strata: from nobles to students. In it, Stendhal wrote The Parma Monastery. One of the desserts served in this cafe even bears his name now - "Zabaione Stendhal".

Cafe with opposite sides has portals with columns. Entering one entrance, you can pass through three halls and exit through another. The feeling of openness and openness was exactly what the founders of the cafe wanted. It worked around the clock and was affordable in terms of prices - in one of the halls you could just sit and read without ordering anything. During the Austrian domination, conspirators and fighters for a united and free Italy gathered in the Pedrocchi cafe.

There is still a cafe on the first floor. On the second floor of Pedrocchi are Museum of the Risorgemento and historical halls decorated in different styles: Moorish, Greek, Egyptian, Etruscan, Gothic, Baroque. Entrance to the museum - 6 euros, or free - with Padova-kart.

Palazzo del Bo, or University of Padua

Diagonally from the cafe, on the other side of the street, stands Palazzo del Bo, which houses the University of Padua, one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1222 by scientists from the University of Bologna, who left the walls of the alma mater due to a conflict with the leadership and settled in Padua.

There are guided tours of the palace in Italian and English. The cost of a 40-minute tour is 7 euros. Tickets start selling 15 minutes before the show starts. The padova card is not valid.

Schedule of excursions to Palazzo Bo

During the tour you will see

— Cortile Antico, the courtyard of the university, surrounded by two tiers of open galleries, decorated with numerous coats of arms of teachers and graduates,

- front halls of the university: Aula Magna,

Aula Magna

— Forty Hall with portraits of outstanding students of the University of Padua (including the Russian physician, translator and philosopher Pyotr Vasilyevich Postnikov, who was sent to Padua to study Peter I. By the way, he made the first translation of the Koran into Russian). There is also a wooden pulpit, knocked down from rough boards, from which Galileo Galilei lectured (Galileo taught at the University of Padua for 18 years, from 1592 to 1610).

- amazing anatomical theater. Those who have been to the University of Bologna remember the elegantly designed anatomical theater intended for a small circle of people. The local anatomical theater has 6 tiers, and it accommodated about 200 observers. The tiers have the shape of an ellipse, fenced with a wooden balustrade. Standing places.

Model of the anatomical theater at the University of Padua

We, the sightseers, were shown the theater from below - from where the dismembered body lay. In the Middle Ages, it was forbidden to dissect bodies, so autopsies were carried out secretly, and it was important to quickly hide the corpse in a secluded place in case of unexpected guests. It was from this secluded place that we looked at the rising rows of the theater. It is a pity that it was impossible to look at the theater from the upper tier.

Taking pictures at the University of Padua is prohibited, but they do not strictly monitor this.

Opposite the Palazzo Bo rises a two-tiered building lined with marble, behind the front facade of which a whole conglomerate is hidden. municipal buildings. Here is the Podesta Palace, and the Council Palace, and the Palace of the Elders with a high brick tower. Sometimes this collection of buildings is called the Palazzo Communale.

On the left there is an entrance to the courtyard, you can enter and climb the solemn stairs of the Elders.

Palazzo della Ragione

Behind the Palazzo Communale adjoins Palazzo della Ragione, or the Palace of Justice: a massive, rectangular building, covered with a high, humpbacked wooden roof, which has been compared to the inverted bottom of a ship. Outwardly, the Palazzo Ragione resembles the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza.

Open galleries stretch along its long sides on the second floor. The palazzo itself was built in 1218-1219, and the wooden roof and loggias on the sides were added a century later.

On one side of the Palazzo della Ragione is Piazza delle Erbe (herbal or vegetable market), on the other - Piazza della Frutta (fruit market). Markets exist to this day. Fortunately, in the evening they are removed, and you can admire the ensemble of squares without interference and with beautiful illumination.

The entrance to the Palazzo Ragione is up the steep stairs from Piazza Grass. Ticket - 6 euros (free with Padova-kart).

First, visitors climb the gallery, admire its painted vaults and look at the square from above.

Then they enter a huge, deserted hall, covered with a “ship” roof. Moreover, there are no columns, props, rafters in the hall - the roof rests only on the walls.

The walls of the hall are covered with frescoes. The principle of placing images is the same as in the Scrovegni Chapel: the walls are lined up in rows, in each row the pictures follow each other, separated by panels. There are 333 pictures in the hall. The main motif of the paintings is astrological, there are also religious scenes and court scenes (after all, the city court was located here).

Giotto took part in the original painting of this huge hall. The hall was painted for 4 years, from 1314 to 1318.

On February 2, 1420, a terrible fire broke out in the palace, which destroyed, among other things, the frescoes of Giotto. What we see today is the work of Stefano de Ferrara and Nicolo Miretto. The "author of the idea" is the astrologer Pietro d'Abano.

A meridian is laid on the floor in the center of the hall, and above it, high on the wall, hangs a golden mask with a small hole through which the sunbeam enters the building and glides along the meridian. Foucault's pendulum swings in one of the corners.

At the far end of the deserted hall there is a figure of a wooden horse, built according to the drawings of Donatello.

Piazza dei Signori

Leaving the Palazzo della Ragione, we go around it and along Via Fiume (literally "River Street") we go to Piazza dei Signori. I remember when I first came to the center of Padua, I was fascinated by this bunch of squares. I am used to the isolation of large squares, but in Italy the flow of squares - each with its own ensemble of beautiful old buildings - is found everywhere (and often with the same names, such as Piazza Duomo - Piazza Erbe - Piazza dei Signori).

Just now we were standing in Piazza delle Erbe, in front of the marble fountain, and admiring the graceful arcades of Palazzo Ragione, and now we are in Piazza della Signori, and there is also something to admire around.

Palazzo Ragione is now obscured church of Clement(12th century).

Piazza della Signori is adorned with a fountain and a column crowned with a winged lion, the symbol of San Marco and Venice, which ruled Padua for four centuries.

The most prominent building on this - Palazzo Capitanio, with the Clock Tower in the middle. The pallazo housed the captain - governor of the Venetian Republic.

Previously, the Reggia Carraresi, the palace of local senior rulers, was located on this site. The Carraresi family (Da Carrara) ruled Padua from 1318 to 1405. Therefore, the square in front of their residence became known as the Signor's Square. Carraresi's possessions occupied a whole block, from Piazza dei Signori to Piazza Duomo.

To the left of Palazzo Capitanio is Loggia del Consiglio, or Loggia del Gran Guardia.

The loggia was built at the beginning of the 16th century, after the Palazzo Ragione was damaged during a fire, and it was necessary to place part of the city services somewhere.

Under the Austrians, it housed the headquarters of the guard. Now you can go into the Loggia and look at the main hall with frescoes on the second floor (the author of the frescoes is Pier Antonio Torri, 1667).

Via Monte di Pieta runs between the Signoria and the Loggia del Consiglio, the fastest way to Piazza Duomo.

You can slightly lengthen the path by passing through the arch in the Clock Tower. By the way, according to the schedule of sessions on the door, you can climb the Clock Tower. It was closed for us.

Behind the arch begins a narrow, long Piazza Capitnato, on the left side of which stands Palazzo Liviano. The palazzo is named after the historian Titus Livius, a native of Padua. Liviano Palace was built in the last century (1932-1943) on the initiative of the rector of the University of Padua. It houses the humanities faculties of the university, and on the third floor there is a museum of Archeology and Art.

This modern building is connected to Palazzo Capitano rebuilt from the Palazzo Carraresi. Remained from the original palace Hall of Giants with frescoes from the 14th century. Among the most valuable frescoes is the image of Petrarch, who in the last years of his life was a private guest of Francesco da Carrara.

One of the ways to get into the Hall of Giants is to go to a concert that is held in this hall. They say that the acoustics in the hall are excellent.

Duomo and baptistery

And we, having rounded the quarter of the former possessions of Carraresi, go out to Piazza Duomo.

The Cathedral of Padua was designed by Michelangelo. Inside, it is rather faceless, and I remember it first of all for its touching presepe.

Next to the Duomo, the Baptistery of San Giovanni rises, and it is he who is the main attraction of this square. Built in the 12th century as the family mausoleum of the Signors da Carrara, it was painted in 1378 by the Florentine artist Giusto de Menabui, a follower of Giotto.

Entrance to the baptistery - 3 euros (with Padova-kart - free of charge).

Exile from Paradise

Judas (with black halo) kissing Christ

dome of the baptistery

On the left side of the Duomo - Bishop's Palace, which now houses the Museum of Church Treasures, Diocesano.

To the right of the Baptistery rises a white marble arch of Vallaresso, which we at first mistook for Roman.

It turned out that the arch was erected in 1632 in honor of the city ruler Alvise Vallaresso, who saved the city from the plague (he saved it by introducing quarantine, ordered the dead to be buried outside the city and follow certain hygiene rules).

To the right of the Arch of Vallaresso adjoins the Palazzo del Monte di Pieta of the 13th century. It now hosts exhibitions.

Behind Piazza Duomo begins the area in which the ghetto was located in the 17th and 18th centuries. Padua ghetto was limited to the streets: via Barbarigo, Manin, S. Canziano, Roma and Marsala. At nightfall, the Jews had to return to the ghetto. At night, the gates (there were 4 of them) were locked with a bolt.

Now this area is not much different from the rest of the historical center. Maybe a little more density, narrowness and curvature of the streets.

There is also a synagogue here. If you go from Piazza Duomo along Via dei Soncin, you will pass right by it.

Via dei Soncin leads to a busy Via Roma where there are many cafes and shops. Of the attractions there is a church Santa Maria dei Servi.

A covered gallery stretches along the long side of the church.

If you follow Via Roma in a southerly direction, you can quickly reach Prato della Valle. However, it is more interesting to go there along Via San Francesco. Therefore, I propose to go north along Via Roma, return to the University of Padua and go east from it.

Via San Francesco

The first area on our way - Piazza Antenore. On one side of the square stands the building of the Prefecture, on the other - a charming, completely in the Venetian style Palazzo Romanin Yakur, on which hangs a sign that the house honored Dante with its presence.

In the middle of a secluded, forested square, a sarcophagus rises on high legs. The remains resting inside are attributed to the Trojan Antenor, who, after the fall of Troy, managed to get out of the city alive and, having reached these shores, founded a settlement that later became a Roman city called Patavium. Whether this was the case or not is unknown. But when in 1274 an ark was discovered with the body of a warrior with a sword, dressed in ancient armor, they decided that it was none other than Antenor himself.

Behind the high sarcophagus of Antenor lies a smaller sarcophagus - its owner is quite certain: this is the poet Lovato dei Lovati, who just put forward a hypothesis about who the found remains of the warrior belonged to and wrote an epitaph to Antenor.

A couple of nice buildings follow the square. And now you can see a low square tower, and behind it - the Palazzo Zabarella. Now it belongs to the Bano Foundation, which uses the halls of the palace for art exhibitions (in our time there was an exhibition of the Impressionists).

After the church, don't miss the first turn to the right. It will be Via Galilei Galileo, and there is a house in which Galileo lived for 18 years, from 1592 to 1610 (you will recognize the house from the plate - it hangs at the level of the second floor).

After looking at the house of Galileo, we return to Via San Francisco, but the next turn to the right - to Via Cesarotti - you will not miss in any way and, one might say, will be drawn into this street, seeing the domes and towers of the Basilica of Sant'Antonio.

Loggia and Odeon Cornaro

However, on the same street, not reaching the basilica, there is another attraction - Loggia and Odeon Cornaro, a Renaissance complex of the 16th century, consisting of two buildings: the Loggia, or "Ancient Theater" (years of construction 1524-1537) and the Odeon (1544), intended for music, poetry evenings and scholarly disputes. The complex was created by Giovanni Maria Falconetto commissioned by Alvise Cornaro.

The ticket costs 3 euros, with Padova Kart it's free. Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 10-13. Weekends: 10-13 and 16-19 (in winter 15-18).

I don't know how this timetable is followed. When we approached the loggia, the cashier told us that she would open the gate at 12 o'clock. We waited 10 minutes. During this time, another person approached, and she led the three of us to the territory of the complex, a rectangular, grassy area, at the far end of which stood a loggia, and to the right, a marble-lined Odeon. The inside of the building is covered with frescoes.

Inside the Odeon are several small halls. The central hall is octagonal, with a dome.

Basilica of Sant'Antonio and Prato della Valle

However, we quietly approached the third center of concentration of attractions - the Basilica of Sant'Antonio and Prato della Valle.

Map of Padua with attractions 3

Basilica del Santo

Basilica del Santo (that's the name of the Basilica of St. Anthony for short) is the first religious value of Padua. More than 6 million visitors visit it every year. It is believed that St. Anthony helps in finding children and their health. The sarcophagus of the saint is hung with leaves with words of gratitude from people who, after visiting the basilica, were able to give birth or cure a child. Often, a photo of a baby is attached to such leaves. It's very touching.

The building itself is impressive. Outwardly, it is a semi-Romanesque, semi-Byzantine structure, with seven domes, with narrow towers similar to minarets.

The interior space impresses with its size and luxurious design. I remember that on my previous visits (before that I had been to Padua twice) it was not possible to take pictures. This time everyone around me was photographed. I was surprised by these changes.

The church in honor of St. Anthony of Padua began to be built a year after his death, in 1232 (immediately after canonization), and it took 78 years to build. Subsequently, there were partial changes. This explains the mixture of various styles in the design, which, for example, in no way interfered with my perception.

Adjacent to the basilica are courtyards and the Anthony Library with priceless old manuscripts.

Piazza del Santo

The square in front of the Basilica is called Piazza del Santo, Saint's Square. No need to explain which saint - of course, Anthony of Padua.

On Piazza del Santo stands the famous work of Donatello - an equestrian monument to the condottiere of Narni, nicknamed Gattamelata.

On the other side of the square are two uniform brick chapels connected by a two-story white building.

Of interest is the left chapel - Oratorio di San Giorgio with frescoes of the 14th century.

At the entrance to it, you buy a ticket for 5 euros, which also includes a visit to the neighboring white two-story building - Scoletta di Santo.

The employee, in addition to the ticket, gives you a sheet with a description of the frescoes (there is a description in Russian). Then he escorts you to the scoletta and leaves them there alone until you have seen enough. In scoletta, going up to the second floor, you will find yourself in a low spacious hall with coffered ceilings. The walls of the hall are painted with frescoes, three of which were painted by the young Titian in 1511 (he was then 23 years old).

Prato della Valle

Having admired the frescoes, we go out to Prato della Valle(“prato” in Italian means “meadow”), one of the most wonderful squares I have ever seen. Actually, my interest in Padua arose after I saw Prato della Valle in the photographs.

Once upon a time there was a swampy meadow. This vast space, unsuitable for the construction of houses, was used for urban needs. There was a Roman theater and a market here, criminals were executed here, races, jousting tournaments, and festivities were held. Finally, in 1767, they decided to drain the meadow and improve the place. The mayor Andrea Memmo took care of this.

An ellipse-shaped canal was dug in the square. The island formed in the center was named after the initiator of the work - the island of Memmia.

Sculptures of prominent residents of Padua were placed along the edges of the canal (there were 78 of them, among them: Petrarch, Galileo, Torquato Tasso, Andrea Mantegna). The island was decorated with alleys converging in the center. Bridges were built across the canal. They installed lights. It turned out very nice.

Here's what you can do from the swamp:

Prato del Valle is always busy. One evening we saw a nutria swimming through the canal. I believe the water in the canal is clean enough.

There are 3-4-storey buildings along the perimeter of the square. Under the arcades of one of them - Palazzo Amulea- Two more statues stand apart: Dante and Giotto. In life they were friendly. And today they stand close to each other.

Basilica of Santa Giustina

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is almost invisible from here. But another church, standing at the far end of the square, attracts attention - Basilica of Saint Giustina.

The basilica inside is very bright and just huge. This is one of the most big churches Italy. In addition to Saint Justina, who was martyred in 304, the remains of other early Christian martyrs are kept in the church. In a separate chapel there is a shrine with the relics of the Evangelist Luke.

Frankly, I was surprised that the relics of the evangelist attract believers much less than the relics of St. Anthony. I think that there is some uncertainty and speculation about the Evangelist Luke.

Ortho Botanico

Between two basilicas: Giustina and Antonia - hiding Ortho Botanico, the oldest botanical garden in Europe, founded by the efforts of physicians at the University of Padua in 1545 for the cultivation and study of medicinal herbs. In 1997, Orto Botanico was included in the UNESCO list.

A ticket to the garden costs 10 euros (with Padova cards - 5 euros). The great advantage of this facility is that there is no siesta here, which, generally speaking, is simply the scourge of a tourist in Italy. Siesta is strictly observed: from 12 to 15 most of the attractions of Padua are closed. So, if you have a siesta somewhere in the Prato della Valle area, you can go to Orto Botanico. (And if on the other side of the city - to the Eremitani museums, they are open from 9 to 19, except Mondays. In the center, you can spend a siesta in the Pedrocchi cafe: first have lunch or drink coffee, and then visit the museum).

The historic core of the garden is a circle surrounded by walls.

Inside the circle is divided into numerous palettes.

Outside the circle, paths are laid that lead to various pretty corners, for example, to the top of a small hill, which you climb among the bushes and descend among the bamboos.

Plant compositions are successfully complemented by the domes of one or the other basilica.

Having crossed a narrow canal (or a river?), you get to open space, along the edge of which a structure with transparent walls stretches.

Going inside it, you successively pass through the tropics, subtropics, Mediterranean vegetation and the desert. You can go below or above.

Ortho Botanico left a good impression.

La Specola Observatory

From Prato della Valle we will return to the center along Via Umberto 1st and, having reached the canal, we will turn left. Let's go along the canal, and soon it will appear ahead torlong tower- the only surviving tower of the Castelvecchio castle. For a long time, prisoners were kept in the tower. Under the Venetians in 1761, at the initiative of scientists from the University of Padua, the tower was converted into an astronomical observatory, and now it houses Museum of La Specola.

For tourists in La Specola visits are organized on weekends, one session a day, in winter at 16 o'clock, in summer - at 18 o'clock. Group size - 25 people. The tour takes place on Italian. During the tour, the group goes upstairs, enters the halls of the observatory, looks at astronomical instruments and portraits of astronomers.

In the upper domed room of the tower, you can go outside and go around the tower around the balcony.

If your goal is to look at Padua from above, choose a time of year so that the day is authentic. I don't know why not do this tour early. We ended up and, in general, were disappointed.

Oratorios of San Michele and San Rocco

Opposite Thorlong's tower, on the other side of the canal, stands a modest Oratory of San Michele- another attraction of Padua. As you might guess, inside the oratorios is also painted with frescoes.

On the doors of the oratory hangs a notice that it is closed for restoration. However, tickets to La Specola are sold just in this oratory of San Michele. Forty minutes before the start of the tour, a queue forms at the doors of the oratory. The cashier sits inside. Having bought a ticket to La Specola, you can then see the frescoes of San Michele and even photograph them freely.

Another Oratory - San Rocco- located near the Palazzo Ragione. If you go from Piazza della Frutta along Via Stefano Breda, then on the left you will see the church of Santa Lucia and next to it is the inconspicuous oratory of St. Roch. During our stay in the oratory, the second floor was being repaired, so the first floor (where, in fact, the frescoes are located) was launched free of charge. And they gave a leaflet with a description of the frescoes.

In the course of my story, you realized that one of the main attractions of Padua is the frescoes of the 14th century. Giotto, with his paintings in the Scrovegni Chapel, set the track, which his followers developed and deepened. At the moment, the works of Giotto and his followers in Padua are candidates for inclusion in the UNESCO list. All of them pass in the nomination "Padova urbs picta". Here is a list of frescoed buildings included in this nomination:

Cappella degli Scrovegni e Chiesa degli Eremitani

Palazzo della Ragione, Battistero del Duomo, Cappella della Reggia Carrarese

Basilica del Santo, Oratorio di San Giorgio

Oratorio di San Michele

So there is a possibility that a second UNESCO site will soon appear in Padua (the first is Orto Botanico).

The article turned out to be long, although I tried to write briefly about each attraction, and perhaps I missed something else. In any case, there is something to see in Padua. I hope that those who are going to Padua will find useful information for themselves, and those who were not going to may want to see this city. The splendor of neighboring Venice leaves Padua in the shade, and yet all its (very significant) virtues remain with it.

Padua- a city located in northern Italy between and Verona. According to archaeological data, human settlements existed in this place as early as the 11th-10th centuries BC. e. After the fall, Padua was also destroyed and reborn only in the 11th century AD. e.

Did you know? According to legend, the first city, bearing the name of Patavius, was founded in this place by the Trojan leader Antenor after the fall of Troy.

Despite its small size, Padua is of interest to tourists in the cultural and architectural sense. Most of the sights are concentrated in the very center of the city, and in its vicinity you can see magnificent villas of the Venetian aristocrats.

Squares of Padua

Padua is often referred to as "the city of amazing squares". And this is no accident, because there are a huge number of squares, and visiting them will not leave indifferent any tourist.

• Prato della Vale- the largest area in and one of the largest in the size of 90 thousand sq.m. In its center is a green island surrounded by a canal and two rows of sculptures. The area is surrounded by ancient architectural monuments, such as the abbey of Santa Giustina, Palazzo Angeli, Loggia Amulea, which attract the attention of tourists.
• Piazza dei Signorii- the most beautiful square in the historical center of Padua, founded in the XIV century. Its architectural composition is crowned in the west by the building of the Clock Tower, and in the east ancient church San Clemente. In the past, this place was the heart of the city, in which life was in full swing, festivals and knightly tournaments were held.
• Piazza delle Erbe- in past shopping mall cities. The main building of the Palazzo della Ragione square, built in the 13th century, today serves as the building of the city hall. In addition to trading operations, public executions were also held here in the past, as evidenced today by two statues of Justice holding a sword and scales in their hands.

Prato della Vale

Piazza dei Signorii

Other squares in Padua:

• del santo square;
• Piazza della Frutta;
• Piazza Capagnato.

Architecture

Despite the more than three thousand years of history of the city in Padua, almost no monuments of ancient architecture have been preserved. But it will delight tourists with classic Italian buildings of the late Middle Ages:

• Palazzo della Ragione- one of the main architectural monuments of Padua, dividing the Herb Square and the Fruit Square, with which it forms a single composition of the Padua Market. The building is famous for its central hall, which has no additional supports, which is considered the largest of its kind. In addition, its roof, made in the form of a ship's hull, and walls decorated with copies of frescoes by Giotto on astrological themes also attract attention.
• Cafe Pedrocchi- this institution is famous primarily for the fact that it has worked without interruption for 85 years since 1831. Today, 3 halls are available for visitors, painted in the colors of the Italian flag on the ground floor: white, red and green, and 8 historical halls on the second floor. The museum of the Risorgimento movement is also open here.
• University of Padua- one of the oldest educational institutions in medieval Europe, the first mention of it dates back to 1222. The new building, which has survived to this day, Palazzo del Bo, was founded in 1552 on the 60th anniversary of the unification of the faculties and is made in the classical style of the Italian Renaissance. At one time, Nikolai Copernicus, Francis Skorina, Pico della Mirandola, Torquato Tasso and other outstanding personalities studied and taught in this place.

Cafe Pedrocchi

There are also many architectural monuments in the vicinity of Padua:

• Viña Contarena,
• Villa Moline,

• Villa Valle,
• walled city of Cittadella.

iconic architecture

The religious buildings of Padua are very richly presented and attract the attention of tourists not only with architectural forms, but also with internal decoration. No wonder, because such great masters worked on the creation of some temples of this city, such as Michelangelo And Giotto.

• Basilica of Santa Giustina- a church on the site of the death of the martyr Justina in 304. The building is located in the heart of the city on Prato della Vale and belongs to the monastic order of the Benedictines. A piece of the relics of the Apostle Matthew and many saints of the city of Padua are kept here.
• Basilica of Sant'Antonio- dedicated to St. Antonio, the patron saint of travelers, which attracts tourists to it. This building, originally built in the Romanesque and Byzantine style, was added to the side aisles in the Gothic style, and even later - a chapel in the Baroque style. All this created a unique architectural ensemble of the building. Interesting and main altar church, decorated with works by Donatello and other Italian painters.
• Scrovegni Chapel- one of the central places of the city, attracting many tourists. The main attraction of this chapel is the frescoes by Giotto from the early 14th century.

Scrovegni Chapel

Other temples of Padua:

• Church of San Francesco d'Assisi;
• ovetari chapel;
• Church of Santa Sofia;

• Cathedral of the Duomo di Padova;
• Church of San Clemente.

Parks and gardens

Padua has a large number of green spaces, and some of them are even world class attractions. In addition, parks equipped with attractions and recreation areas are one of the best places for recreation in this city.

• Botanical Garden, based in 1545 year - the oldest academic botanical garden in the world. It was founded for the purpose of growing medicinal herbs for the Faculty of Medicine and gained popularity as a place for walking only in the 18th century. At the same time, fountains with sculptures and a sundial appeared here. This site, which includes more than 600 plant species, many of which are extremely rare, has been on the list since 1997. world heritage UNESCO.
• Giardini dell'Arena- a park adjacent to the Scrovegni Chapel. Here, tourists will find many ponds with clear water, floral ornaments, trees, and the main attraction of this place is the remains of the gladiatorial arena, preserved since antiquity.
• Della Rotunda- a garden laid out around a cylindrical water tank, thanks to which it got its name. The park was opened in 1925 and is divided into 5 terraces with round fountains in the middle, in which water lilies float.

Botanical Garden

What to see in Padua in 1 day

Tourists planning to visit the sights of Padua on their own should be aware that administratively the city is divided into 6 parts, and almost all the main tourist sites are located in the central part, therefore, you can have time to see all the places in one day.

• Start your tour from three squares Piazza dei signori, P. dell'Erbe, P. della Frutta in the center of Padua.
• Here you will see the first attraction - Palace of Justice.
• One of the first European universities is located near the Palace of Justice - Universita degli Studi di Padova.
• Continue to Piazza Duomo where you will see Padua Cathedral.
• Leaving the cathedral through the northern exit, you will find yourself on Dietro Duomo street, passing through which you will find yourself on the very large area Italy - Prato della Valle.
• Near the square you can visit Botanical Garden And Basilica of Saint Anthony.
• The last point of your route will be the best attraction of the city - Scrovegni Chapel(Cappella degli Scrovegni)

Important! One of the most popular modes of transport in this city and a good solution for tourists is a bicycle.

Beautiful Italy - the city of Padua (video)

In this video you will see an excerpt from documentary film Beautiful Italy about the city of Padua and its attractions. Enjoy watching!

What to see in Padua with kids

Padua is an industrial city, it is not very developed in the field of entertainment. Most often, tourists stay here because of cheap accommodation, preferring entertainment in neighboring cities. However, it has a few places where you can go with children:

• Parco Padovaland water park;
• Parco Città dei Bambini;
• Amusement Park water park;

• game center E' Fantasia;
• botanical garden Orto Botanico di Padova.

Parco Padovaland water park

Surely children will also be interested in such places as natural museum Vivente degli insetti, and planetarium Planetario di Padova.

Perhaps our readers will be able to suggest their own options for places to walk with children in Padua? Be sure to write about them in the comments!

Every fan of Italy must visit a tiny town in the east of the Padua Plain - Padua! Here, in a small area of ​​only 92 km?, you can truly plunge into Italian history, see the magnificent basilicas, where there are ancient frescoes made by Giotto himself, touch the relics of St. Anthony, see an ode to the largest and most colorful squares in Europe, to visit the oldest functioning university, where Copernicus and Gallileo taught, to see a beautiful botanical garden and much, much more. Along with the historical values ​​in Padua, you can also make a pleasant shopping experience, as well as try real Italian cuisine in numerous cafes and restaurants in the city center.

About the city of Padua

It is rather difficult to name the year of foundation of the city of Padua. The first mention of this city was in the poem "Aeneid". According to the work, Aeneas' friend Antenor founded a city here after the Trojan War and named it Pattavia (in honor of the river Padus). The official date of foundation of the city is 1183 BC. In the history of Padua there were ups and downs, and prosperity and decline, but, nevertheless, this beautiful piece of Italy was able to preserve that spiritual part that can only be felt by visiting it.

One of the most important historical moments of the city of Padua was the foundation in 1222 of the famous University of Padua, which gave a huge impetus to the development of the city.

Padua is administratively divided into 6 parts, the main one being the central square. In this square, for the most part, all the sights are located. All of them can be bypassed on foot, as the center covers an area of ​​just over 5 km². Also in the central part of Padua there is the main part of hotels, shops and cafe-restaurants. The territory of the city is streaked with channels from two rivers called Bacchiglione and Brenta.

Below we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the location of the main attractions in the city of Padua on the map.

Most tourists visit Padua as a "starting point", since from this city it is quite easy to get to Venice and Verona and even Milan.

Distance from Padua to Venice is only 48 kilometers, which allows you to visit these two cities together even on the same day. You can get to Venice both by car and by train. Moreover, it will be much faster to get there by train, especially since trains depart from Padua station every 40 minutes.

Verona is located to the west of the city. The distance from Verona to Padua is 90 km. The best way to get to the city of Romeo and Juliet is by car or by train with a change in Bologna.

If you want to combine sightseeing vacation with shopping in Milan, you need to know that the distance between the cities of Padua - Milan is more than 200 km. Therefore, in this case, it is best to get from Padua to Venice, where you can use the services of air carriers, but you can also travel by train with a change in Bologna.

Do you want to visit not only Padua, but all over Italy? Then you should definitely read about to know where and how else you can go.

If you want to buy an apartment in Padua, you can find out how to do it.

To live in Padua, you need to find a job. Follow the link to find out how to do it.

Sights of Padua

The first question of a tourist who has arrived in the city suggests itself: “What to see in the city of Padua?”. Padua, though small, is home to some of the greatest treasures of Italian history. The great Giotto worked here, Copernicus and Gallileo, Nikolai Kuzansky and Francis Skorina and many others made their discoveries... Tourists wishing to visit all the sights of the city should purchase a special Padua tourist card.

It entitles you to discounts on visits to the main attractions of the city and free travel on public transport. The cost of such a card is 16 euros (for 48 hours) or 21 euros (for 72 hours). You can buy it at tourist offices located in:

• Padova Railway Station (Stazione FS Piazzale Stazione Ferroviaria 13/A);
• Montegrotto Terme (Viale Stazione, 60 35036 Montegrotto Terme);
• Galleria Pedrocchi (Galleria Pedrocchi 35122 - Padova);
• Abano Terme (Terme via Pietro d'Abano 18 - 35031 Abano Terme).

By the way, a popular mode of transport in Padua is a regular bike. The city is fully adapted for movement on a two-wheeled vehicle. A trip on it will not only speed up the movement between attractions, but also provide an opportunity to visit the nooks and crannies of the central part of the city.

Scrovegni Chapel in Padua and Giotto

The most famous attraction in Padua is, of course, the Scrovegni Chapel (Capella degli Scrovegni). Exists interesting legend about the greedy and greedy pawnbroker Reginaldo, about whom Dante himself wrote in The Divine Comedy. According to this legend, the son of Reginaldo built a small church to atone for the sins of his own father. According to some reports, this church was designed by the famous Italian artist Giotto. He is also the author of the famous frescoes in the chapel. There is another name for this chapel, namely the Chapel del Arena. This name apparently comes from the name of the area (Arena di Padova), which was owned by Enrico Scrovegni (son of the same Reginaldo). The surprising thing is that from the outside the chapel looks completely unremarkable. An ordinary rectangular building, without chic decoration. But inside you will find a bewitching spectacle of frescoes by Giotto, which can be viewed for hours.

Not far from the Chapel del Arena there is a complex of museums of Chviko Eremitani, where you can look at the archaeological values ​​​​of the city of Padua and admire some of the works of famous Italian artists and sculptors, including Giotto, Titian, Bellini and others.

Attraction address: Italy, Padua, Giardini all'Arena, Piazza Eremitani, 8. Geographically, the Scrovegni Chapel is located on the banks of the canal in the Arena di Padova park.

There is a huge queue for a tour of the chapel, so tickets for a visit must be taken in advance, it is even better to book them on the official website of the chapel. Only 15 minutes are allotted for viewing the interior decoration, but even these 15 minutes make an indelible impression. The cost of visiting is: for adults - 13 euros, for students and schoolchildren (upon presentation of a student card) - 6 euros, for children - 1 euro.

University of Padua or Palace of Bo

As mentioned above, the university was built in 1222 (possibly earlier). It was founded by teachers and students who left the equally famous university in Bologna (a city north of Padua). The heyday of the University of Padua fell on the Renaissance. Then it happened here greatest discoveries in such sciences as medicine, astronomy, physics and others. The university itself is located on the territory of the old hotel "U Vola". That is why the University of Padua is also called the Palace of Bo. The university is a classic Renaissance building with a huge number of steps and passages. The walls of the main building are decorated with ancient coats of arms and portraits of university rectors.

Now thousands of students of various specialties study at the University of Padua. Entrance to the territory is absolutely free and free. It has several museums and, of course, the most famous anatomical theater.

Attraction address: Italy, Padua, Via Prosdocimo Beldomandi 1. Geographically, the University of Padua is located 10 minutes walk north of the main square of the city - Prato della Valle.

Botanical Garden in Padua

The botanical garden in Padua is the oldest in Europe. It was originally created at the University of Padua to grow various medicinal herbs and plants used for teaching. After some time, the botanical garden was surrounded by a high wall to prevent vandalism. After a while, they installed in it beautiful fountains and a sundial that still functions to this day.

Interesting is the structure of the botanical garden in Padua. It has the shape of a square inscribed in a circle. The botanical garden in Padua is also called the "closed garden", and its appearance is an allegory of identification with the Virgin Mary.

In the late 90s, the Botanical Garden in Padua was awarded the title of "Prototype of all botanical gardens" and listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Attraction address: Italy, Padua, Via Orto Botanico 15. Geographically, the botanical garden is located behind the building of the University of Padua. It works on weekdays from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00. Entrance 5 euros.

Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua and monument to Erasimo Gattemalata

The construction of this basilica began a year after the death of Anthony of Padua, a famous preacher of the 12th century, on the site of the former monastery of Santa Maria Mater, where he preached. Anthony became famous throughout Italy and even Europe for his eloquence and the miracles taking place in his sermons. That is why the canonization of Anthony took place within a year after his death. The construction of the church was completed after 19 years, and the relics of the Saint were placed in the main building of the basilica.

Basilica of St. Anthony (Basilica del Santo; Basilica di sant'Antonio) is the largest church in Padua. It has the richest decoration, not only of external facades, but also interior decoration. In the building you can see the details of different centuries, as the basilica was constantly improved and completed.

Attraction address: Italy, Padua, Piazza del Santo 11.

In front of the Basilica of St. Anthony there is a copper statue of a horseman. This is a monument to one of the rulers of Padua - Erasimo da Narni. The statue was commissioned by Narni's relatives and is a 9-meter-high copper sculpture that sits on a plinth that has two doors, symbols of life and death. The monument was made for 10 years by the famous sculptor Donatello.

Erazsimo received the nickname Gattemalata from his friends for his ability to diplomatically resolve all conflicts and squeeze into any gap. Literally, Gattemalata translates as "sweet-tongued cat."

To fully immerse yourself in the Italian atmosphere, stands in the national language.

Fairs often take place in Prato della Valle. you can find out what you can buy in Italy as a gift to family and friends.

When is the best time to go to Italy on excursions? interesting places waiting for you!

Prato della Valle in Padua

One of the most beautiful places in Padua. Piazza della Valle is the largest square in Italy. It is a huge oval surrounded by a canal. There are 78 statues around the square, which are somehow connected with the history of the city of Padua. The architect of the square was Domenico Cerato, who was able to turn this place into a true decoration of the city.

Attraction address: Italy, Padua, Prato della Valle.

Now every weekend on Prato della Valle in Padua there are various fairs and exhibitions. Here, not only tourists like to walk and take pictures, but also the indigenous people of Padua. On big holidays, various entertainment events take place on the square.

Initially, 88 statues were installed on Piazza della Velle, but by decree of Napoleon, 10 sculptures of the Doge known in Padua that were objectionable to him were destroyed and only 78 remained.

Basilica of Santa Giustina

The basilica is world famous for its seven bells. These bells are among the heaviest in Europe. The Church of Santa Giustina (Basilica di Santa Giustina) was erected on the burial site of the great martyr Justina of Padua. The relics of St. Luke are also kept in the temple.

The Basilica of Santa Giustina is located near Prato della Velle in Padua. The square offers a magnificent view of its bell towers. The building looks like a cross, measuring 122 by 82 meters. This is the largest church in Italy.

Attraction address: Italy, Padua, Via Giuseppe Ferrari 2A. Geographically, the Basilica of Santa Giustina is located southeast of the main square of the city - Prato della Velle.

I hope we helped you with the answer to the question: "What to see in Padua?". In addition, we suggest that you watch a video about the beautiful Italian town of Padua.

Weather in Padua

The climate in Padua is continental, characterized by high humidity (about 72%). In winter, the city is relatively cool (from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius), in summer it is quite hot (the temperature can rise to 27 degrees Celsius). The ideal period for a trip is the end of May - the beginning of June and the month of September. late autumn and in early spring Due to the high humidity in the city, fog is a frequent occurrence.

Shopping in Padua

To visit Italy and not skimp on various trifles? Yes, it's impossible! Padua is no exception in this regard. Most of the shops are located in the historical center of the city. Most often, tourists buy goods in shops along the streets of Piazza Eremitani, via Zabarella and via del Santo. In this place boutiques of famous brands are concentrated. In the northern part of the city, via San Fermo and via dei Borromeo are located, where you can also easily and profitably shop.

Often guests of the city are interested in fairs held at Prato della Velle. Here you can buy both exclusive goods and pleasant little things in the form of a set of spices.

Separately, I would like to note the outlets in Padua. Outlets are the so-called towns of boutiques, usually located somewhere outside the city or far from the center, so as not to create much competition for boutiques in the city center. In outlets you can buy real branded items at a 40-50% discount. The main outlets in Padua are located at:

• Donatello Srl - Via Martiri della Libert?, 15 Padova, Italy +39 049 875 3836
• Negozi Pellizzari S.R.L - Via Venezia, 106 Padova, Italy +39 049 807 2088
• La Rinascente S. R. L - Via Calvi 7 Padova, Italy +39 049 876 0166
• Max Mara - Via San Fermo, 35/a Padova, Italy +39 049 663500
• Pavin Elements - Via San Fermo, 40 Padova, Italy +39 049 875 8706
• Hermes Italie S.P.A - Via del Risorgimento, 38 Padova, Italy +39 049 662199
• Stefanel S.P.A. – Via Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, 1 Padova, Italy +39 049 658393

In order to profitably buy things and shoes, you need to know when they happen not only in Padua, but also in other cities.

The most basic information about the Italian currency has been collected. It is very important to know the exchange rate at the time of the trip.

Where else can you go shopping in Italy?

Padua is a small Italian city located near Venice. This proximity to the famous center of tourism only plays into his hands. Padua has also rapidly developed as a tourist destination in recent years. Private hotels are being built, service is developing. The town itself is interesting for its preserved architectural buildings the Renaissance. We will tell you what to see in Padua in one day and why you will get unforgettable impression.

What sights in Padua are worth seeing? We'll go into more detail below.

Palazzo della Ragione

One of the symbols of Padua in Italy is the Palazzo della Ragione, the guide indicates that the building is located between the squares of Fruit and Herbs, where from time immemorial they have been selling a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. market thieves, so that the townspeople expressed their contempt and discontent to them.

Roof "Mind Palace", as the Italians call the Palazzo della Ragione (Padua) is made in the form of an inverted ship. It is this original idea that attracts the eyes of tourists. In addition, the building is decorated with copies of Giotto's frescoes, and the walls of the main hall are decorated with a painted composition on a religious theme. It is also of interest that in this hall, despite the large area, there is not a single auxiliary support.

More this monument of Italy is known as the "Chapel of Sokrovegni". There you can see voluminous frescoes painted by the great Giotto, they cover the walls and partly the vault of the church. All this splendor is revealed to tourists unexpectedly. Outside, this is a very strict, ascetic building.

The altar is decorated with three statues of the famous Italian sculptor Pisano. You can visit the chapel around the clock, night visits are cheaper. It's not easy to get there during the day. It is better to pre-register online. To preserve the frescoes, people are allowed inside the building in small groups to maintain a stable temperature regime. For those with a PadovaCard, admission is free.

Basilica of Saint Anthony

This is the most influential Church in Italy, directly controlled by the Vatican. St. Anthony, whose name the basilica bears, was canonized only a year after his death. This church accommodates the largest number of parishioners when compared with other basilicas. The date of construction is the 13th century.

Since then, the building has undergone numerous alterations and restorations, so that it is now difficult to determine the style to which it belongs. Entry to the chapel is free for everyone. Visits are allowed from 9 am to 6 pm. Tourists should dress appropriately for the occasion. Bare parts of the body and an uncovered head in women are unacceptable.

University of Padua

The building was founded at the beginning of the 13th century by part students and teachers from the University of Bologna who left their temple of knowledge because of the controversy. The maximum peak of demand for an educational institution fell on the Renaissance. Inside it is decorated with family coats of arms and portraits of famous students and teachers.

The most famous alumni University were Galileo, Copernicus, Skaryna. This temple of science was also distinguished by the fact that a woman became its graduate for the first time. It happened in 1678 and was an unheard of event for Europeans. The university also holds the lead in the creation of an anatomical theater.

The size of this square is considered one of the most outstanding in Europe. Its name is translated as "meadow in the valley", and distinguishes it perfect ellipse shape bordered by a channel. On the map, you can see that the channel is crossed by bridges in several places, and along it are rows of statues of prominent citizens who lived in the past. Once upon a time, theatrical performances and horse races were held at this place.

Prato della Valle is crossed by two perpendicular alleys, and in the center there is a magnificent fountain. On the territory of the square there are many old mansions and buildings of historical value.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Padua is considered one of the oldest in Europe and has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1997. Initially, the Senate of Venice, which was the founder of this garden, planned to grow medicinal plants and herbs on its squares, their seeds were collected all over the world. So first this landscape complex called the "Garden of Apothecaries".

Later they began to work here study different types of flora, to conduct experiments and research of various plants. Today important direction in the work of this garden is the preservation of rare and endangered species of vegetation. On the territory of this realm of greenery today there are more than 6 thousand species of flowers, shrubs and trees. The territory is decorated with fountains and marble statues. The oldest trees from the Botanical Garden of Padua are several centuries old.

Tours to Padua from Moscow

Tours to Padua for two people in Moscow can be purchased for the coming months at a price of 80 thousand rubles. The cost of a burning ticket will be much lower. Travel to Padua provide the following tour operators:

• Coral Travel;
• Polar Tour,
• Biblio Globus;
• Natalie Tours;
• paks.

You can book a tour on the Internet, a specialist will call you back and agree on all the details. All that remains is to pack your suitcase and wait for a meeting with sunny Italy.

Padua is a unique city. Being in close proximity to the world-famous Venice and Verona, Padua has its own identity and architectural style.

In small Padua you will find so many attractions that one day will not be enough for a simple cursory inspection. One University of Padua is worth what, but the Botanical Garden, basilicas and churches?

Traveled to Padua

There are no such tourist crowds as in Verona and Venice, so the pleasure of exploring the city is guaranteed. Accommodation in Padua is much more profitable than in its famous noisy neighbors, and you can get to them in a maximum of an hour.

How to get to Padua

Direct flight to Padua will not work, the city does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are located in Venice, Treviso and Verona.

From Russia, most flights arrive at the international airport Marco Polo(Venice). Treviso Airport serves, as a rule, low-cost airlines and small airlines. The airline's planes fly to Verona from the capital of Russia S7.

Consider several options for how to get to Padua. It is convenient to search on the Aviasales website, it will help you choose convenient and cost-effective connections.

From Moscow to Venice you can fly directly by flights Aeroflot or Alitalia, you can take a difficult route through Riga, Chisinau, Istanbul, Berlin and other cities. A ticket for a complex route is often cheaper than a direct flight. Aeroflot sells tickets for a direct flight to Venice at a price from 13 thousand rubles. Alitalia may request from 17 thousand. Difficult routes cost you from 8 thousand. How much does a trip through Riga cost ( Aeroflot And AirBaltic), on the way you will stay about 6 hours.

To Padua from Venice

Directly

From the Venetian Marco Polo airport to Padua, it is better to take the bus of the company FS Busitalia-Veneto. Website: fsbusitaliaveneto.it Here is immediately given a page with a link to the bus schedule. Travel time - 1 hour. Tickets are worth 7-8 euro.

Stop right outside the arrivals hall. Look carefully at the racks indicating the car company, it should be written Busitalia, look for a sign on the windshield of the bus Padova.

The airport is connected with many settlements Veneto region and works with different companies. You can buy a ticket in the airport building and from the driver.

With a layover in Venice

Another option is to get to Venice or to Venice-Mestre by bus (shuttle or regular). You can travel from Venice to Padua by bus or train.

from the station Venice-Santa Lucia on almost any train you will reach the place in 25-50 minutes. Time and price depend on the class of the train: the train takes longer, but costs 4.25 euros, trains Frecciarossa And Frecciargento they will house you in half an hour and EUR 14.90-16.90. From Mestre the train stops 3.45 euros, on my way 35-40 minutes, high-class trains arrive in Padua 15 minutes after departure, but stop 18 euro. Information about timetables and ticket prices on the website: trenitalia.com.

Company trains Italotreno go every hour or two, reach the Padua station for 14 minutes, the ticket costs EUR 9.90. Website: italotreno.it

Buses from Venice leave from Piazzale Roma, from Venice Mestre from the square next to the train station. You can get to Padua by bus companies:

• ACTV S.p.a(website: actv.avmspa.it)
• Busitalia(website: fsbusitaliaveneto.it)
• Baltour(website: baltour.it)
• FlixBus(website: flixbus.it)

On the way, you will stay from 45 minutes to an hour with a little. Schedules and prices can be found on the websites. Ticket prices within 10 euro.

To Padua from Treviso Airport

Small airlines and low-cost airlines fly to Treviso, but our tourists often fly to Italy through this airport.

The company's buses run from Treviso Airport to Padua twice an hour. Busitalia And Mobility di Marca(website: mobilitadimarca.it). Travel time is within an hour. The exact cost of tickets can be found on the websites. On average, it does not exceed 7-8 euro.

Can you get from the airport to central station Treviso (this is very close), from there take a train to Venice-Mestre and transfer to a train to Padua. The transfer lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. Travel time, including transfers, is from an hour to an hour and a half, the ticket price is from 5 to 21.45 euros(depending on train class).

To Padua from Verona

This option is a little more difficult. There are no buses to Padua from Verona airport. You have to get to the bus station. From it and the nearby train station, you can get to Padua by both bus and train.

Buses FlixBus go to Padua daily in the morning, afternoon and evening, on the way are from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, the ticket costs from 5 to 13.90 euros. You can use the services Busitalia: travel time - 1:30-2:10 h., price - approx. 8 euros.

The train will reach Padua in hour and a half, the trip will cost you 7.30 euros, trains Frecciarossa will be delivered for 42 minutes, the ticket will cost from 13 to 19.90 euros.

What to see in Padua in 1 day

Look here, do not review. I will tell you about the most important sights, which you cannot pass by.

Like many cities in Italy, Padua has a tourist Padova card. Buy this card and you will be able to visit many Padua museums for free or at a discount, use public transport.

Two types of map: for 48 hours costs 16 euros, for 72 hours - 21 euros. Information about the map on the website: turismopadova.it.

Map of Padua with attractions

Fetching directions......

First of all, study the map of the city. Our route will start at the square in front of the railway station.

Exit the station building, turn right and go straight to the wide street running perpendicular to your path. Turn right and walk straight along this street until (it will take 10-15 minutes) until you see a medieval wall ahead. A river flows under the wall, a bridge leads through it to the gate. This mill bridge gate (Porta Ponte Molino). The wall is real, historical, XIV century.

It is from here that acquaintance with the beauties of ancient Padua will begin.

From the gate deep into the city goes Via Dante Aligheri. Walk straight along it until you reach Piazza Duomo. To your right will rise the Duomo of Padua and next to it the baptistery.

local guide

Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Refers to the small basilicas. The current building is the third one built on this site. The first cathedral stood here from 313 to 1117 until an earthquake destroyed it. A little over 60 years later, the new building of the Duomo in the Romanesque style was consecrated. And from the beginning of the 16th century, work began on the design of the cathedral building, which stands on the square today. The cathedral was consecrated only in the 18th century.

According to legend, Michelangelo himself took part in the work on the project.

The floor and walls of the Duomo keep the remains of their predecessors: mosaic details of the floor of the first cathedral, columns from the second. The most interesting details are located in the chapels. Paintings and sculptures by Padua and French masters, a shrine with the relics of St. Gregorio Barbarigo, a list from the 13th century Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child - these treasures fill the Padua Duomo with an atmosphere of holiness and peace.

The cathedral is open to the public daily - from 7:30 to 12:00 And from 15:45 to 19:30.

On weekends and holidays - from 7:45 to 13:00 And from 15:45 to 20:30.

Free admission.

Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista

It stands to the left of the Duomo. The building was built in the XII century, so we can safely say that the baptistery is older than the cathedral itself, given the history of the construction of the Duomo. The Baptistery looks a little more remarkable than the Cathedral: decorated with blind arches Round Tower, which stands on a cubic base.

Inside the baptistery is completely frescoed. Artist Giusto di Manabuoi painted the dome and walls of the baptistery with paintings on themes from the Old and New Testaments, presented Heaven and Hell, described the Passion of Christ and the Last Judgment. From the very first second, the creations of the 14th-century masters will immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, transfer you to a world that you will never visit in reality.

Baptistery open from 10:00 to 18:00.

Entrance - 3 euros.

Photography is not allowed inside the baptistery.

After exiting the Duomo and the Baptistery, return back along Via Dante Alighieri literally a couple of blocks. To your left will rise Torre dell'Orologio (Clock tower) - built in the XIV century with the first for that time astronomical clock. On the right will lie Piazza dei Signori- Piazza della Signori.

Piazza dei Signori is the main square of Padua, its "heart".

Clock tower

This is the center of a large complex, more precisely, two palaces adjacent to the tower. Left - Palazzo del Capitanio (Palace of Capitanio). Capitanio is a representative of the Venetian Republic, to which Padua has been subject since the 15th century. On right - Palazzo dei Camerlenghi (Palace of the Camerlengo). Camerlengo (or chamberlains) in the Venetian Republic were called magistrates who controlled the financial and economic life of the state.

There is an arch in the center of the tower; it was built in 1532 by the architect Giovanni Maria Falconetto.

The signs of the zodiac on the dial are not represented in full: no Libra. According to legend, the customer did not fully pay the fee to the master, and he "stole" one sign.

Standing with your back to the arch, you will see Signor Square in all its glory. To equip the square, they demolished an entire block. In the 15th century, a market worked here, street festivities were held, bullfights were held, and performances were given. Today there are several cafes on the square.

On the right, a white stone building rises - La Loggia del Consiglio o Gran Guardia (Loggia of the Council). The City Council met here, which lost its meeting place after the fire. Architect Annibale Maggi created a light and openwork marble miracle with arches and stairs. There is no free access to the halls of the Loggia. They are designed for meetings and cultural events.

Opposite the Clock Tower, at the opposite end of the square, rises the façade Church of Saint Clement, one of the oldest churches in Padua. It was built in 1190, in the 16th century the facade was rebuilt and statues were added. Paintings are kept inside. Luca Ferrari and Pietro Damini.

Palazzo della Regione

Cross Piazza della Signori and go around the church of St. Clement on the right. After a few meters you will come to a grandiose building Palazzo della Regione (Mind Palace). Grand Palace looks like lacy a large number columns and arches. From above, it resembles a ship turned upside down. The building was erected in the XII century, courts and magistrates were located here. Until the beginning of the 15th century, on the top floor, in a huge hall called the Salon, the City Council met. The hall was decorated with a large number of frescoes, some of them, according to legend, painted Giotto. Today in the hall you can see frescoes restored after a fire, a wooden statue of a horse, a “stone of shame”, on which debtors were punished, four main staircases: the Staircase of birds, the Staircase of metal products, the Staircase of fruits and the Staircase of wine.

The palace is open to the public every day except Monday - from 9:00 to 19:00.

Entrance - 6 euro.

This palace stands between two ancient squares - Piazza dell'Erbe (Grass Square) And Piazza della Frutta (Fruit Square). From ancient times to the present day, these squares have been market squares. True, today the market has mainly remained on Fruit Square. Both areas are interesting. On each you will find a lot of details of past centuries: a column, a fountain, a stone with weights engraved on it.

You can go from one square to another through Volto della Corda (Rope Arch) - covered passage in the building Palazzo Ragione. This place is called so because in ancient times it was punished with scourging and flogging of debtors and swindlers.

Go to Fruit Square, go left along the street Via Guglielmo Oberdan. After a few tens of meters you will find yourself at a crossroads. To your right will be the city hall building - Palazzo Comunale o Moroni (City Palace or Moroni Palace), on the left - a beautiful building with many neo-Gothic spiers. This is an old Padua cafe Pedrocchi.

Cafe Pedrocchi

It exists since 1831, is popularly called the "cafe without doors", because until 1916 it worked for days on end.

Today Pedrocchi not only a cafe, but also one of the most important attractions in Padua, not inferior, for example, to the Neapolitan Gambrinus. The prices in it are not too democratic, but not exorbitant either.

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 24:00, Friday and Saturday - until 01:00.

Palazzo Bo

The cafe will be on your left, and the walls will rise right in front of you. Palazzo Bo- the main building of the University of Padua.

The University of Padua is one of the oldest in Italy, and indeed in Europe. It was opened in 1222.

Palazzo Bo houses the university in 1492. The name "Bo" is translated from the Venetian dialect as "bull". Once in the building of the palace there was a meat restaurant. The restaurant itself has been gone for a long time, but in memory of it, the name and emblem - a bull's skull - remained in the residence of the university.

The palace was often and for a long time rebuilt, the building annexed neighboring houses. In the central courtyard, you will see a huge number of coats of arms on the walls and ceiling: according to tradition, each student and teacher who left the university left his coat of arms. This tradition was interrupted in the 18th century due to the inability to accommodate the coats of arms of everyone.

In general, there is something to see in Palazzo Bo, there are guided tours.

Winter schedule (November - February):

• Monday - 14:30 - 15:30;
• Tuesday - 10:30 - 11:30;
• Wednesday - 14:30 - 15:30;
• Thursday - 10:30 - 11:30;
• Friday - 14:30 - 15:30;
• Saturday - 10:30 - 11:30 - 12:30.

Summer schedule (March - October):

• Monday - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
• Tuesday - 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30;
• Wednesday - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
• Thursday - 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30 - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
• Friday - 14:30 - 15:30 - 16:30;
• Saturday - 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30 - 12:30.

Prices:

individual ticket - 7 euro, in a group of 10 to 35 people - 4 euro.

Palazzo Bo page on the university website: unipd.it .

After walking around the Palazzo Bo on the right side, move along Via San Francesco. This is a rather long street with covered sidewalks - footpaths are laid under the second floors of buildings and are separated from the roadway by arches and columns. On the vaults you can often find frescoes.

The street passes through a small Antenor Square. In the middle of it stands an old and rather strange stone structure. This tomb of Antenor, the mythical founder of Padua, the legendary escaped Trojan. Read more about it in the section below. "History of Padua".

In 1274, the remains of an armed man were found at this place, and gold coins were found nearby. The Padua poet Lovato Lovati immediately decided that this was the ashes of Antenor, convinced himself and everyone of this so much that a stone tombstone was erected on the square, which has survived to this day.

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the largest and most popular cathedrals in northern Italy.

When, after 10 minutes of walking, the line of houses breaks and a large space opens up to your right, turn right. After going forward about 300 meters, you will find yourself in front of a grandiose cathedral - Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua. The cathedral does not have a single style: there is Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine. But all the elements merge in absolute harmony. Padua call this place simply - "holy". This is about Anthony himself, and about the cathedral.

The temple began to be built in 1232, literally a year after the death of St. Anthony, over the chapel in which he was buried. It turned out to be a huge cathedral-monument to the people's favorite. The best artists and sculptors worked on the decorations of the interior of the temple: Donatello, Titian, Giotto and many others.

In the cathedral there is the Museum of St. Anthony, several courtyards and an extensive library. It must be said that the huge and beautiful temple looks like a whole complex dedicated to one person: many transitions and turns are provided with signs, and each of them is marked - S. Antonio.

Basilica of St. Anthony is open daily - from 6:30 to 19:30 summer and until 18:30 in winter.

Free admission.

Coming from the square in front of the Basilica Via Beato Luca Belludi literally in 4-5 minutes will lead you to Prato-della-Valle.

Prato-della-Valle is the hallmark of Padua. This perfect place for meetings, walks, solitary recreation

In Roman times, there was a theater here and the Field of Mars was located, in the Middle Ages horse races were held and fairs were held. Then the place turned out to be swampy. In 1775 the architect Domenico Cerato created what became one of the symbols of Padua and its hallmark.

Oval in plan, Prato della Valle consists of a large elliptical canal, over which bridges are thrown. The banks of the canal are adorned with a double row of statues depicting famous Padua. These statues were created from 1775 to 1838. Among them are images of Petrarch, Galileo, Tasso and others. Around the square are the Basilica of St. Giustina, the Palazzo Angeli and the Loggia Amulea.

Padua Botanical Garden

Returning by Via Beato Luca Belludi, turn left on Via Donatello. On it you will very soon come to Orto Botanico di Padova(Padua Botanical Garden).

The garden is considered the world's oldest operating botanical garden.

It was founded in 1545. Initially, it was intended for the cultivation of medicinal herbs for the medical faculty of the University of Padua.

The territory of the garden is clearly structured: in geometric terms, it reproduces the "order of the Universe" - one circle is inscribed in another, both are divided into four parts, each of which consists of four sectors. In the center of this plan is a fountain.

IN botanical garden more than 6 thousand species of plants grow. Among them there are famous trees - for example, goethe palm, sitting under which the poet and naturalist pondered the theory of plant metamorphosis.

The garden is open to the public:

• in May, April - daily from 9:00 to 19:00 ,
• June to September - from 9:00 to 19:00(closed on Mondays)
• in October - until 18:00(every day except Monday)
• November to March - until 17:00(daily except Monday).

The ticket costs 10 euro.

Capella degli Scrovegni

On the way back, make a small detour: from the crossroads at the university and the Pedrocchi cafe, go straight along Via Cavour, which will then merge into Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi. The path will take 5-7 minutes to walk. By right hand you will see hermit gardens, and in them - quite common ancient building of red brick with a gable roof. This Capella degli Scrovegni(Scrovegni Chapel).

The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni to commemorate his father, a man rich and unprejudiced enough to be mentioned Dante in one of the Songs of "Hell" from "Divine Comedy".

From 1303 to 1305, the walls of the chapel were painted by Giotto and created colossal in depth of thought and execution frescoes on the themes of the life of Christ and the Last Judgment.

The chapel is open daily - from 9:00 to 19:00.

Possibility of evening visits from 19:00 to 22:00 but they must be ordered.

The ticket costs 13 euro.

Museums

Among other sights of Padua that can be put into a one-day itinerary, I would name Palazzo Zuckermann With Museum of Applied Arts And Museum Botacin(the exhibition presents weapons, numismatics, painting and sculpture of the 19th century). This palace is located opposite the Scrovegni Chapel.

Open daily - from 10:00 to 19:00(except Monday).

Ticket - 10 euro.

Very interesting Museo del Risorgimento.

Risorgimento - a term meaning the historical process of the reunification of Italy into a single state.

The Padua Museum presents the history of Padua in the 19th century from Austrian rule to the entry of the city into a single Italy.

The museum is located very close to the Pedrocchi cafe at: Piazzetta Capellato Pedrocchi.

Open daily - from 9:30 to 12:30 and with 15:30 to 18:00(except Monday).

Ticket - 4 euro.

old lock

Castelvecchio has risen above the old city walls since the 13th century. True, only the Loggia, where the Galilean Academy is located, part of the wall of the Loggia of the Guard and the Specola tower, which houses the observatory and its museum, have survived from the entire castle. The easiest way to get to the tower is from the Duomo along Via S. Gregorio Barbarigo.

Museum address: Vicolo dell'Osservatorio, 5.

Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00 except Monday.

Group visits by appointment. Individual excursions held without registration at 16:00 October to April and at 18:00 from May to September.

Ticket - 7 euro.

Padua cuisine

Padua cuisine is the "kitchen of the yard and garden", that is, "what we grow, we eat."

There are a lot of vegetables in the dishes. Poultry dishes are very popular. For example, it is worth trying bollito misto alla padovana- cutting from a variety of boiled meats. A typical Padua dish is bigoli pasta with goose meat sauce L'Oca in Onto. This sauce is often served as a separate dish.

Padua's cafes and restaurants offer a variety of local sweets. The rice cake deserves a special mention. Figassa.

Places where you can have a snack or a hearty meal in the historical center will come across to you at almost every step. But remember the main rule: eat where the locals eat. That is, go off the tourist trail more often and turn the corner - there will be better cuisine and lower prices.

Where to stay in Padua

Padua, unlike the same Venice, can please with affordable housing prices.

Often in search of inexpensive housing on various resources, you can find exactly Padua, as an option for budget accommodation. But housing in the center is still expensive. A night in a hotel located in the center can cost around three thousand rubles. Guest House Appartamento Savonarola offers a single room at a price 1878 rubles. Hotel Arcella located behind the station, for a single room they ask from 2404 rubles. However, Padua is a small city, so don't worry if you're offered a good value accommodation outside of the Old Town. You will get to it quickly.

To find a place to stay that is convenient in all respects, use the sites: airbnb.ru- apartments and rooms in apartments, booking.com- hotels, hostels, guest houses, apartments.

Discount table

History of Padua

Archaeologists claim that the places where Padua stands were inhabited as early as the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. It is impossible to name the exact time of the founding of the city. The legend connects him with Antenor, a Trojan prince who escaped after the fall of Troy. According to Virgilius, Antenor arrived here and founded the city of Patavius. From the 2nd century BC. Patavius ​​became a Roman municipality, becoming an important transport and commercial center.

During the Middle Ages, Padua was destroyed several times to the ground and rebuilt. Often changed owners. Among the tyrants who ruled it, one can name the families Rock And Carrara.

In 1405, the Republic of Venice conquered Padua, and until the fall of the latter in 1797, the city was under the control of Venice. Then came the period of Austrian rule, which ended in 1866, when Padua became part of the unified Italian state.

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