Best Historic Locations in Padua

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua is a revered Catholic church in Padua, Italy. Dedicated to Saint Anthony, a renowned Franciscan friar, the Basilica serves as a pilgrimage destination for millions worldwide. Construction began in 1232, shortly after Saint Anthony's death, and was completed by 1310. The Basilica's architecture blends Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic styles. Inside the tomb of Saint Anthony, you can find a collection of frescoes that are truly worth admiring. This church is a must-visit for history as well as art lovers.

In Padua, Italy, stands the Chiesa degli Eremitani, also known as the Church of the Hermits. Founded in the 13th century, this Gothic-style church is famous for its valuable artworks. Inside, the walls feature frescoes painted by the renowned artist Giotto and his students. Additional frescoes by Guariento add to the church's artistic importance. Sadly, parts of the Ovetari Chapel suffered damage during World War II. However, restoration efforts have preserved much of the remaining artwork, allowing you to admire the chapel's former beauty. A museum within the church complex displays intriguing artifacts and historical items, offering a deeper insight into the church's rich history.

Together, with the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Palazzo della Ragione is a symbol of the city. Built in the 13th Century CE, it is called the Salone, because of its large room with its wooden vaulted ceiling (destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries), making it the largest undivided hall in the world. The piazza and the bustling daily market are dominated by its loggia. It was a real layman's center in the city. Justice was carried out in the upper rooms, adorned with frescoes of astrological depictions (perhaps even by Giotto). If the sentence was serious, the accused would be taken to one of the local prisons. The building also houses a large wooden horse that Annibale Capodilista had made for a merry-go-round and then donated to the city. On the ground floor, traditional commercial activities took place, as they still do today.

Home to the university since the 16th Century, the building dates back to the same time, and was then renovated in the 20th Century. The best-preserved area is the interior courtyard, with its porticoes decorated with coats of arms of the noble families, to which the students belonged. It housed the first anatomical theater in the world (1594) and the desk of Galileo Galilei, a teacher of mathematics. Hours vary as per season and guided tours are also available on weekdays and subject to availability.

This castle has a long history and above all it has been used for different purposes during the centuries. Has been builded at the base of a mountain.Has been aouse than a castle then a villa veneta and during the ages the structure has been enriched with the Torre Ezzeliniana that has been used for defensive purposes. In 1981 the property passes in the hand of the Regione Veneto that creates various museums and a library.

Prato della Valle is a square located in the city of Padova, Italy. Spread over a vast area of 90,000 square meters (968751.94 feet), the oval-shaped square is one of the largest in the country. The square came into existence in the year 1635, when a temporary theater was built here. Thereafter, in the year 1775, the entire area was reconstructed to give the square its current appearance. The square is beautifully designed with an island of grass in the center, surrounded by a ring of water. A total of 78 statues are placed on each side of the water ring. Today, the square forms an ideal meeting place with a large number of people visiting the square to take a walk, skate, or study. Festivals too are celebrated at the square.

Originally constructed between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, Palazzo Zabarella served as a residence for the Zabarella family, a prominent Paduan family. The building's facade reflects its medieval origins, featuring crenellations and a corner tower. Over the centuries, the palace underwent renovations. In the 17th century, architect Thomas Sforzan redesigned the layout. Today, the palace is no longer a private residence. Instead, it has been transformed into a cultural center known as the Fondazione Bano. The Fondazione Bano utilizes the Palazzo Zabarella as a venue for hosting internationally renowned art exhibitions. These exhibitions showcase works by established and emerging artists. The foundation also provides educational programs and public amenities.

Piazza della Frutta is a charming historic square that dots the landscape of Padua. The Peronio Column is one of the identifying features of this square. This column was probably used for commercial purposes or even as a marker for arranging the benches in the square. Some of the oldest shops still exist in the area, overlooking this historic square, including an apothecary store and a pastry shop. Moreover, the square hosts one of the largest markets in Italy which has been a magnet for both locals and tourists.

The house has been builded around 1200 and donated to the poet Petrarca who assisted to the work of restauration. The result has been a beautiful house divide into two levels, one for Petrarca and his family and one for the servants. From 1875 onward is property of the city of Padua that organizes guided tours through the old studio of the poet, with original chair and bookcase and the mummy of Petrarca's cat. To not miss the beautiful garden that surrounds the house.

The foundation takes its name from an old senator who decided philantropically to leave his property for the benefit of the community. The foundation includes the Villa Breda, that hosts temporal exhibitions and a permanent collection of artistic object and a park of 75.000 mq where are still raised horses. The foundation offer assistance for old people, disabled and a primary school for 150 children.