Padua, Italy - detailed information about the city. Padua travel guide: popular attractions with photos and descriptions.

City of Padua

Padua - city in Italian province Veneto, located in the Po Valley, 20 km from the Venetian Lagoon. It is a beautiful old City, where you will find many attractions, original and interesting places and delicious cuisine. It is very convenient to stop here when traveling in northeastern Italy, as Padua is conveniently located near tourist mecca- Venice and Verona, and the prices for hotels and meals are significantly lower here.

History of Padua

The founding of Padua dates back to between the thirteenth and eleventh centuries BC and is associated with the civilization of the ancient Greeks.

There is a legend that after the mythical Trojan War one of the leaders of Troy, Antenor, escaping from the Greeks, sailed down the Po and founded the village of Padus (from Greek - swamp) on a swampy area.

During the time of the Roman Empire, Padus, later called Patavium, became an ally of the Romans and became rich due to its favorable location at the intersection trade routes. Padua has become one of the largest cities Empire.

In 601, Padua was razed to the ground by King Agilulf, and then again in 800 by the Huns. After that, the city was almost abandoned - the inhabitants scattered around the neighborhood, many went to Venice.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory fell under the rule of the Lombards. They completely changed social structure and introduced feudalism.

At the same time, Catholicism began to gain strength. Temples began to be built in the city, Padua began to revive and grow rich. At the beginning of the 11th century, defensive structures were erected in the city, public and religious buildings were built.

At the beginning of the 13th century, a university was founded in Padua. In the 14th century, Padua became one of the cultural capitals throughout Europe - Giotto worked here, Averroes and Avicenna taught.

At the beginning of the 15th century, Padua came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. For almost two centuries, the city has become one of the cultural centers the entire region.

After Napoleonic Wars the city and the region fell under the influence of the Habsburgs and remained under it until the unification of Italy.

How to get to Padua

Padua is located almost in the center of the Veneto region between the cities of Treviso and Venice. If you get to Padua by plane, then there are three options - airports in Venice, Rimini and Milan. The closest is Marco Polo Airport in Venice.

If you go by car, then from the side of Milan and Venice - this is the A4 highway, from the south of Italy - A13 (Bologna).

tourist tax

As in many cities in Padua, there is a tourist tax, which may or may not be included in the price of accommodation (need to be specified when booking). In 2016, the following tourist tax is established:

• four stars and above € 2.85
• three stars € 1.90
• two stars € 1.40
• one star € 0.95

Urban transport

Public transport in Padua is represented by buses, trams and taxis. Tickets can be bought at numerous kiosks.

Accommodation in Padua

In Padua you can find hotels, inns and guest houses for every taste and budget. In the city and its environs a large number of colorful hotels. We recommend booking accommodation in the historic center or in the surrounding villages of Padua.

Kitchen

The cuisine of Padua is represented by ancient culinary traditions. In addition to pizza, which is traditionally associated with Italy and is found everywhere, we recommend trying horse meat dishes, cheeses, bigoli, Padua chicken, focaccia, false parsuto, pazientini and zaleti sweets. From alcohol - local wines.

Sights of Padua

As in most ancient cities, the main attractions of Padua are located in the historic center. This is especially true for most Italian cities because they often developed around ancient Roman or medieval defensive walls.

Despite the rather decent size, all the main attractions of Padua are located within walking distance. Although, if necessary, you can use buses that will take you to all the sights. But we recommend taking walks, as it is pleasant to walk around the city. There is no abundance of tourists here as in Rome, Venice, Verona, Milan, you can safely enjoy the city and its interesting places. There are also a lot of pedestrian areas.

Eremitani Square in Padua

Eremitani Square is an old square in Padua. Here is a large regional museum, which contains interesting collections of the Roman, pre-Roman, Etruscan and early Christian periods. Valuable works of art are also exhibited here. Among them stands out Giotto's masterpiece - the Crucifixion.

Another attraction of the square is the Scrovegni Chapel, built at the beginning of the 14th century and painted by the brilliant Giotto. Many of the original frescoes are well preserved.

Also on the square is an old church of the 14th century, the Zuckermann Palace and the Museum of Applied Arts.

Address: Piazza Eremitani, 35121 Padova PD

Piazza San Antonio and Basilica of St. Anthony

Square in the historic center of Padua, adjacent to the main cathedral of the city - the Basilica of St. Anthony. Basilica - the main architectural dominant of the historical center and the largest cathedral of Padua, main center veneration of St. Anthony of Padua. The basilica was built in the 13th century in the Baroque style. Altichiero da Zevio, Jacopo d'Avanzo, Stefano da Ferrara, Girolamo Tessari took part in its painting.

To the left of the basilica is Donatello's masterpiece - bronze equestrian monument,dedicated to the Venetian commander.

Address: Piazza del Santo, 35123 Padova PD

Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle is the most big square Italy and one of the largest in Europe, almost 90,000 sq. meters. This is main square Padua, located in the southern part of the historic center.

The square got its unique shape at the end of the 18th century thanks to the Venetian governor Memmo. This is a huge green island, surrounded by a canal that crosses 4 bridges, and in the center there is a fountain. Sculptures along the canal famous people- scientists, artists, doctors, politicians who lived, worked and worked in Padua.

At the very edge of the square rises the Abbey of Santa Giustina - a magnificent example of the Renaissance, built at the beginning of the 16th century. impressive architectural structure with a 82 meter bell tower with foundations from the 12th century dominates the architecture of the square. However, it looks just as impressive on the inside!

Not far from the square is an old Botanical Garden, which contains more than 6,000 plants. On the southeast side the square is an ancient basilica of the 16th century.

Address: Piazza Prato della Valle, 35121 Padova PD

Specola - old astronomical observatory, one of the symbols of Padua. There is an astronomical museum here, and a wonderful view of the city opens from the top. Once upon a time, the great Galileo himself conducted research here.

Nearby is also the Oratorio di San Michele, closely associated with recent years the life of the famous Petrarch, as well as the 13th century castle of Carraresi.

From the specola it is easy to get to the city center, along the way looking at the church of San Tommaso, Piazza Duomo and the magnificent baptistery, painted with beautiful frescoes.

Heart of Padua - squares della Ragione, della Erbe and della Frutti

Square della Ragione is the second largest square in Padua. Here is the most beautiful Palazzo della Ragione or Salone (great hall), one of the symbols of the city.

On the southwest corner of the square there is a 15th century tower with an astronomical clock.

squares della Ragione, della Erbe and della Frutti are the heart medieval city and also the location of the daily market.

University of Padua

The University of Padua is one of oldest universities Europe, founded in the first half of the 13th century. Galileo, Copernicus, Harvey and many others taught and researched here.

A few steps away is the historic Café Pedrocchi, which has been open since 1830.

What else to see in Padua

Bridge of St. Lorenzo - a stone bridge 53 meters long.

Obelisk of Antenor - the legendary founder of Padua.

Historic gates - San Giovanni and Molino.

Church of San Nicolò is one of the most romantic places in Padua. Church of the 16th century located on an old medieval square.

Padua - ancient italian city. Located near the Venetian Lagoon and the Euganean Hills. Scattered throughout the city attractions that attract tourists.

A tour of Padua will certainly be interesting. Basilicas and cathedrals of the era early medieval, stone palaces with fine decorations, luxury botanical garden, well-groomed streets, unique museum exhibits will reveal many secrets to the guests of the city.

Padua Cathedral

The main temple of Padua was built according to the drawings of the great Michelangelo. The building has an unusual architectural appearance: a basilica and chapels attached to it. Externally, the cathedral looks quite modest. The interior is much more interesting..

AT cathedral are the relics of St. Gregorio Barbarigo. Inside is another relic - list from the famous icon "The Virgin and Child".

The Cathedral is located in the central part of Padua, on Piazza Duomo.

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

One of the most revered and powerful churches not only in Padua, but throughout Italy. The ancient building is well preserved despite its venerable age. The basilica was built in the 13th century.

interesting appearance medieval temple. There is a Romanesque style, Baroque, Gothic elements. The basilica is the largest church in the city.

Italians revere Antonio, the patron saint of Padua. His relics are in the chapel. Thousands of pilgrims come here for absolution and healing.

Entrance to the basilica is free. You can visit the temple from 9:00 to 18:00. Break from 13:00 to 14:00.

Note! Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees. Respect traditions and feelings of believers. For women, a headscarf is required.

The basilica is located at: Piazza del Santo, 11.

Padua City Map and Photos of Attractions

Basilica of Santa Giustina

This church building is a place of pilgrimage for parishioners from all over Italy. The basilica was erected on the tomb of St. Giustina of Padua. The relics of St. Luke, the author of the gospel also located under the vaults of the basilica.

The building is over 400 years old. The temple was built over the course of a century. The building looks like a huge cross. It differs from many churches and temples located on the territory of Padua.

The main style of the solemn, majestic building- renaissance. You can catch light Byzantine motifs.

The basilica is located in the center of the city. Address: Via Guisseppe Ferrari, 2a.

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Mind Palace

stone palace built in early XIII century, remained the same as several centuries ago. The building has a unique style, and easily recognizable among the many palaces in Italy.

Mind Palace Features:

• roof of an unusual shape;
• Fruit and Herb Squares, forming a local market;
• floral ornament on the walls;
• ancient frescoes depicting all the seasons of the year;
• Foucault pendulum;
• sundial.

Zuckerman Palace

What Italian city would do without a museum?! In Padua, visit the exposition that tells about the traditions of Italy and the development of the national applied arts for several centuries. Products of Italian masters amaze with elegance and attention to detail.

From the abundance of exhibits and the diversity of collections, eyes run wide. It is impossible to pass by indifferently:

• traditional women's and men's costumes worn by townspeople in these places in the 18th-19th centuries;
• antique jewelry from various materials;
• a unique collection of ceramic products;
• a large collection of medieval weapons;
• handicrafts made of stone, bronze, silver;
• collections of inlaid furniture preserved from the 18th century.

Not far from the entrance to the Museum of Applied Arts, the remains of masonry are visible. Once upon a time there was an ancient theater on this place.

Zuckermann Palace is located at: street Garibaldi, 33.

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Botanical Garden

Well-groomed, luxurious garden spread over an area of ​​20 thousand square meters. m. This is a miracle landscape design considered one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.

Back in 1545, the first medicinal plants for the needs of medical students of the local university. Now more than six thousand species grow here.

Today, the Botanical Garden of Padua is an oasis where you can relax after walking through the streets of the city and study rare plants. There are gazebos all over the place., benches. The garden is decorated with dozens of sculptures and fountains.

Landmark - the building of the University of Padua.

Another attraction of Padua - unusual view public transport - bus or single-rail tram. You will not hear the usual sound of wheels on rails.

Basic weight vehicle transferred to ordinary car wheels with tires. The rail on the central axis only directs the movement. Ride on such a tram - pure pleasure.

You have decided to spend a few days in Padua and see as many interesting places as possible and architectural monuments? Buy after coming to town special card tourist. The ticket is valid for two or three days.

By paying the cost of a convenient Padova Card, you can:

• visit ten main attractions on a single ticket;
• get a discount in souvenir shops;
• unlimited use of public transport.

You will save enough money.

While traveling in Italy, take a look at the cozy, original city of Padua. Here you can see many medieval monuments of architecture. A trip to Padua will be informative and interesting.

We offer you to watch a video about the popular attractions of Padua:

In contact with

Here is a detailed map of Padua with street names in Russian and house numbers. You can easily get directions by moving the map in all directions with the mouse or by clicking on the arrows in the upper left corner. You can change the scale using the scale with the "+" and "-" icons located on the right side of the map. The easiest way to adjust the image size is by rotating the mouse wheel.

What country is Padua in?

Padua is located in Italy. It's wonderful beautiful city with its own history and traditions. Padua coordinates: northern latitude and east longitude(show on the big map).

virtual walk

interactive map Padua with sights and other tourist sites is an indispensable assistant in independent travel. For example, in the "Map" mode, the icon of which is located in the left upper corner, you can see the city plan as well detailed map highways with track numbers. You can also see the railway stations and airports of the city marked on the map. Nearby you see the "Satellite" button. By turning on the satellite mode, you will consider the terrain, and by zooming in, you can explore the city in great detail (thanks to satellite maps from Google Maps).

Move the "little man" from the lower right corner of the map to any street in the city, and you can make virtual walk by Padua. Adjust the direction of movement using the arrows that appear in the center of the screen. By turning the mouse wheel, you can zoom in or out on the image.

Italy is a beautiful country with a long and great history and many beautiful cities that are rich in sights. A huge part of the historical monuments belongs to the period of the Roman Empire, and tourists and travelers from all over the world come to see them. Among the interesting cities of the country, Padua can be distinguished, which is an old Italian settlement with a developed canal system similar to the Venetian one.

General information about the city

Padua, in English transcription spelled Padova, Italy represents administrative center province of the same name in a region called Venice. Located in the northeastern part of Italy on a plain 30 kilometers from Venice. The population is 210 thousand people who live on an area of ​​93 square kilometers. Official language region - Italian.

Padova, Italy, central part

The first human settlements appeared here at a time that corresponds to the 9th-10th centuries BC. In the era of the Roman Empire, the settlement was called Patavius ​​and was inhabited by a people called the Veneti. At this time, the city actively participated in the wars of the empire against the Gauls and became a municipality, while receiving active development. In 1405 Padua became part of the Republic of Venice and lost its former power and development. During these times, the settlement was often attacked and was fortified with massive outer walls, which fragments have survived to this day. Padua was captured in 1797 French troops under the leadership of Napoleon and annexed to the kingdom of Italy. During the Second World War, Padua, Italy was one of the main strongholds of the partisans, students and teachers of the city's university actively took part in it. For this, the university was presented with an award for valor.

Weather and climate

Padua is located in a zone with a continental type of climate. Has hot summers and cool, with large quantity winter moisture. Due to the increased humidity in the city, fogs often occur and summers are hot and humid. Rains are approximately equally possible throughout the year, in summer thunderstorms occur more often, sometimes hail falls. The average humidity throughout the year is about 72 percent.

Note! best time to visit Padua is the spring-summer period, when precipitation is relatively rare and the temperature is comfortable for walking and traveling.

Average temperature and rainfall monthly:

Infrastructure

The Venice region is very popular with tourists and travelers. For the comfort of living and moving tourists visiting the region, a very high-quality and developed infrastructure has been created and operates, which makes it easy to get to anywhere in the country using a huge range of modes of transport. There is no airport in Treviso, almost all tourists arrive at Venice airport. The following modes of transport run in the city and region:

• Bus. It is one of the most common modes of transport in Italy, allowing you to comfortably move around the city or the country. All more or less large settlements have bus stations;
• Railway transport. Trains run between Venice and Padua every half an hour. With a change in Venice, you can go almost anywhere in the country by high-speed or regular train. The trains are clean and comfortable, allowing you to move around easily;
• Taxi. A convenient mode of transport for moving from the airport or traveling around the city;

Note! Taxi just on the streets at the request of the passenger can not be caught. To do this, you need to call the taxi service and call it to a convenient place or find a car in specially equipped parking lots.

• Transfer. The transfer can be pre-booked with a package tour, or it can be booked independently in advance or upon arrival at the airport. Some transfer desk staff speak Russian;
• Rent a Car. The most convenient and fastest mode of transport available in Genoa. You can rent a car at a special point in the airport or at many points in the city. There are the largest car rental networks from Europe and the world.

Attractions and excursions

Padua in Italy, whose sights are known all over the world, are distinguished by the famous canal system, similar to the Venetian one. They were the basis of the city's economy at all times, mills were located on them and there was a direct water access to a more developed and rich Venice. Travel time along the Brenta River took about three hours. Today, the canals serve as a good protection against floods in Padua.

Palazzo della Ragione in Padua

Among the sights and monuments of architecture, the following can be distinguished and their description can be made:

Location on the map

On the map, Padua is located in the northeast of Italy, at a distance of 30 kilometers from Venice. It is the center of the province of the same name.

Padua on the map of Italy

Interesting facts and information about the city

We can highlight the following facts and information about Padua, which will be of interest to tourists and travelers before visiting:

• The asteroid (363) Padua was named after the city in 1893;
• City Day is celebrated very colorfully and beautifully every year on June 13;
• Since 2007, the city has been running a tram on tires, which is quite a rare species transport.

Padua is an interesting tourist town in the Venice region. Recommended for visiting lovers of ancient sights and architecture.