An economic center of crucial importance for the whole of Veneto, the largest interport in northern Italy, Padua absolutely deserves a visit more for the artistic heritage it contains, for the intellectual fervor that you breathe, for the wealth of events and facets that characterizes its everyday.

Padua, between art and culture, history and faith

When you arrive in Padua there is only one thing to do: establish an order and immediately start visiting its wonders. Between squares, churches, universities and architectural beauties, your eyes will run wildly on the surfaces of each building to impress so much beauty and majesty in the memory.

Padua, a place of worship, art and spirituality

The Basilica of Sant’Antonio, protector of Padua, is the symbol of the city. Majestic, enchanting, a riot of different styles that intertwine perfectly: if the outside of the Church enchants, the inside seduces and conquers. This masterpiece, recognized by the Holy See as an international sanctuary, is also one of the most famous and popular places of worship in Christianity.The Romanesque and Gothic styles create strong and at the same time harmonious contrasts, which make the whole extremely original. From the Chapel of the Ark, at the center of which stands the altar-tomb of St. Anthony, to the Chapel of the “Madonna Mora”; from the Chapel of the relics and the treasure in sumptuous Baroque style, to the presbytery and high altar with Donatello’s masterpieces, every detail of this Basilica deserves attention and generates amazement.

Among the churches to visit, the fourteenth-century Scrovegni Chapel, decorated by Giotto and gone down in history as a masterpiece of the late Middle Ages. Even the Basilica of Santa Giustina does not go unnoticed, sculptural and majestic at the end of Prato della Valle.

Squares, Parks and Gardens: Padua’s green vein blends perfectly with art and architecture

Prato della Valle is one of the largest squares in Europe: it is a huge oval that encloses a spectacular circular canal, decorated along the entire perimeter by a double ring of imposing statues. Here you will find students intent on repeating the lesson, tourists with cameras in hand, young people and adults intent on reading a good book in the shade of a tree or chatting with friends because this is an important meeting point for the city.

In fact, the squares of Padua are famous for being the heart of city life: Piazza Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza dei Signori form a diagonal along which the fervor of everyday life in Padua takes place all year round.

Another paduan institution, which has become a tourist attraction not to be missed, is the huge Botanical Garden, the oldest in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1545, for university purposes, for the cultivation of medicinal herbs, then enriched through the introduction of decorative varieties and rare and ancient species: today it is one of the best-known realities in the sector in Europe, a place of discoveries, innovations and experiments.

The Astronomical Observatory, seat of the University Astronomical Institute of Padua, is also worth a visit. Here you can admire, in addition to the most recent technological discoveries, also optical observation instruments dating back to past centuries.

Padua , a lively and proactive university city

Dotted with academic sites, this wonderful city is known for being home to one of the oldest universities in Europe ( it was founded in 1222). In particular, the Palazzo del Bo is worthy of note, where the Faculty of Law is located, very famous internationally for the rigor of its teaching.

University students are the unmistakable note of the city folklore: the most characteristic hour is that of the aperitif, in which thousands of university students gather in front of a “Spritz” to savor the Paduan evenings in every season.

Padua contains so many architectural beauties and symbolic places, such as Palazzo della Ragione and Caffè Pedrocchi, to justify a visit even just to stroll along the streets of the center. Don’t worry if the weather is not the best: the legendary arcades, which adorn much of the historic center, allow you to discover and admire the city without an umbrella.

Fiera di Padova, crossroads of events and exhibitions

The activity of the Fiera di Padova in the current location began in 1949 and, until today, represents a strategic position in the North-East of Italy, an ideal location for all types of events in an area rich in entrepreneurial tradition that offers, in the at the same time, the possibility of spending a few days in a city full of artistic and monumental treasures.

Padova Fiere is located in a logistically favorable area with respect to city services and hotel accommodation and offers event organizers a wide range and type of spaces and services that can add value to any business proposal. The exhibition center, with a rich and constantly growing program, offers 155,000 square meters of total surface, in an area in the immediate vicinity of the city center, 11 pavilions, 2,000 indoor parking spaces, 6 entrances to the district, with fixed reception or can be set up.

In a year of exhibitions and events in the exhibition center, over 3,000 people work, for a total turnover of 150 million euros.

 Among the many events that come to life inside it, every year in November there is “Artepadova”, an Exhibition of Modern and Contemporary Art.

From genuine products of the earth to the delicacies of the Paduan tables

Among the many ancient inns, restaurants and modern trattorias it is difficult to choose where to stop, but if they have the following dishes on the menu then the choice will become easier.

From the peasant tradition come the Bigoli, sardines and capers with an intense flavor, just like the Tagliatelle radicchio, bacon and taleggio’s cheese . Second courses include the Baccalà alla Padovana, prepared with anchovies, raisins, pine nuts, cinnamon and bay leaf, and Mixed Boiled Meat, flavored with mustard, green sauce or horseradish, depending on the Chef’s inspiration.

And finilly, the Pazientina Cake, an historic dessert that seems to have been born around 1600 in a convent in the city, of which there are a couple of versions on the origin of the name: some say that it derives from the sick to whom it was given as a tonic, and who, on the other hand, believe that “patience” is hidden behind the name as an indispensable virtue to prepare the recipe for this super elaborate cake.  Composed in several layers with an almond shortcrust pastry and sponge cake stuffed with zabaglione, the final touch are the many chocolate flakes that cover it: a real treat for the palate!

Two in Padua, to experience the city side by side

Walking hand in hand through the historic center of Padua is an excellent solution to spend a weekend that is different from the usual. The first stop could be the Scrovegni Chapel among bright lights and colors; the second the Basilica of Sant’Antonio where you can get lost for hours reading historical passages, traits of life and past miracles; the third is the Botanical Garden with centuries-old plants and microclimates enclosed in the crystal.

Here’s a tip: make a list of places to visit together and remember to intersperse each experience with food and wine emotions, including traditional dishes and local wines.

Parks and boats to experience the city discovering its nature

Even in Padua you can stay in close contact with nature, as well as in the parks and the Botanical Garden, even aboard a traditional wooden boat expertly restored, thanks to excursions that retrace ancient river and lagoon routes.

Padua also offers routes for those who love trekking, relaxing walks or long bike rides to discover hidden glimpses and wonders.