t Statues lining the lake in Padua’s Piazza Prato della Valle
Padua (Padova) is a university town with an illustrious academic history. Rich in art and architecture, it has two particularly outstanding sights. The magnificent Cappella degli Scrovegni, north of the city centre, is famous for Giotto’s lyrical frescoes, and forms part of the complex incorporating the Eremitani church and museums. The Basilica di Sant’Antonio is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Italy.
t Statues lining the lake in Padua’s Piazza Prato della Valle
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t Fresco of Christ by Giusto de' Menabuoi in Padua's Duomo
The Duomo was built in 1552 to designs partly drawn up by Michelangelo, on the site of an earlier 14th-century cathedral. Beside it stands a domed baptistry (c.1200). The interior is decorated with frescoes by Giusto de’ Menabuoi. Dating from around 1378, they depict episodes from the Bible, including the Creation and the Crucifixion.
The “Palace of Reason” was built in 1218 to serve as Padua’s law court and council chamber. The vast main hall was originally decorated with frescoes by Giotto, but fire destroyed his work in 1420. Frescoes painted by Nicola Miretto now cover its walls.
The Eremitani church, built from 1276 to 1306, contains magnificent roof and wall tombs and frescoes (1454–7) by Andrea Mantegna. The Museo Civico Eremitani holds a collection of rare Roman medallions, a set of Venetian coinage, an archaeological section and an art gallery.
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eat Belle Parti Tradition reigns at Belle Parti, from the candlelit white-clothed tables to the suited waiters. The sommelier is on hand to match every dish with local wines. ⌂ Via Belle Parti 11 ¢ Sun \\\ Osteria Dal Capo The menu here truly delights, with seasonal dishes such as lasagne with radicchio, or black tagliatelle with chestnuts and pumpkin. ⌂ Via Obizzi 2 ¢ Sun & Mon \\\ |
This exotic church, with its Byzantine domes and minaret- like spires, is also known as Il Santo. It was built from 1232 to house the remains of St Anthony of Padua. Inside, the high altar features Donatello’s magnificent reliefs (1444–5) on the miracles of St Anthony.
Beside the entrance to the Basilica stands a great work of the Renaissance: a statue of the soldier Gattamelata by artist Donatello, made in 1452.
Padua’s botanical garden is one of the oldest in Europe (1545). The gardens were used to grow Italy’s first lilac trees, sunflowers and potatoes.
Five frescoes, including the earliest documented paintings by Titian, are to be found here, including two scenes from the life of St Anthony, painted in 1511. The works in the San Giorgio oratory are by Altichiero da Zevio and Jacopo Avenzo, painted in 1378–84.
The historic main university building originally housed the medical faculty, renowned throughout Europe. Guided tours include Galileo’s pulpit and the oldest surviving medical lecture theatre in the world, built in 1594.