Holiday apartment in Padua – Frescoes, history and canals

In the Palazzo della Ragione, Padua preserves a medieval astrological fresco cycle with 333 panels. Construction began in 1218; at the same time, the Palazzo della Ragione is one of the largest unsupported halls in Europe. Today, the building serves as a venue for exhibitions and cultural gatherings and retains a central role in the public life of Padua.

Culture and history

The Scrovegni Chapel was frescoed by Giotto between 1303 and 1305. Its pictorial cycle depicts episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary and Christ and culminates in a monumental Last Judgment. A new access building with an air-conditioned waiting room also enables larger visitor numbers to enter and protects the delicate frescoes. In addition to the Scrovegni Chapel, Padua Urbs picta includes seven other monuments with significant examples of painting of comparable artistic value.

The Basilica del Santo was built from 1231 onwards as an extension of the old chapel that housed the mortal remains of Saint Anthony. In the first decade of the 14th century, Giotto decorated the chapel now known as the Cappella delle Benedizioni in the Basilica del Santo with frescoes. The Oratorio di San Giorgio was entirely frescoed by Altichiero da Zevio with scenes from the life of Jesus and stories about Saint George, Saint Lucy and Saint Catherine.

The Basilica di Santa Giustina also combines sacred significance with a long building history. It was built as a cemetery basilica in honour of the martyr Giustina of Padua. Its construction history begins in the early Christian period and continues uninterrupted beyond the Renaissance. The Museo Archeologico documents the continuity of settlement in the area of Padua from prehistoric times to the Roman period in 14 rooms.

Science and collections

The MUSME presents the history of medicine from an ancient discipline to modern science, with a particular focus on the medical school of Padua. Ancient artefacts, interactive exhibits, videos and multimedia games explain the mysteries of the human body in the order in which they were discovered over the centuries. In doing so, the MUSME combines a traditional collection of artefacts with a modern science centre. It is located in the monumental complex of the former Ospedale di San Francesco Grande, the first municipal hospital in Padua, which was built in 1414.

Pilgrimage routes

The Cammino di Sant'Antonio is a 25-kilometre route between Camposampiero and Padua that traces Saint Anthony's final journey. It is almost entirely a walking route. Pilgrims who complete the Cammino di Sant'Antonio receive a Latin certificate bearing the rector's signature in the sacristy of the Basilica.

Nature and water

In the Garden of Biodiversity, greenhouses are capable of simulating tropical, subhumid, temperate and arid climate zones. Around 1,300 plant species representing the flora of our planet are cultivated there.

From Padua railway station, the city centre is easily accessible on foot. The Anello fluviale di Padova is an easy hike that begins at the Porte Contarine and reaches the Scrovegni Chapel shortly afterwards. It follows the artificial, 11-kilometre-long Piovego Canal, the Venetian city walls and the university district, then continues along the San Gregorio and Scaricatore canals.

Food and city life

The Mercato Sotto il Salone is located beneath the Palazzo della Ragione and is considered the oldest trading centre in the city of Padua. It offers a wide selection of local and regional products, including cheese, cold cuts, ham, meat, fish, wine, fruit and vegetables.

Other location pages for Padua: Abano Terme, Albignasego, Anguillara Veneta, Arquà Petrarca, Baone, Cinto Euganeo, Este, Monselice, Montegrotto Terme, San Siro, Teolo, Torreglia, Treponti, Villa Di Teolo, Villalta, Stanghella, Rubano, Piove Di Sacco, Padua, Ospedaletto Euganeo, Mira, Mestrino, Maserà Di Padova, Limena, Conselve, Cittadella, Camposampiero, Campodarsego, Bovolenta, Santa Maria, Ponte San Nicolò, Carmignano Di Brenta, San Giorgio In Bosco, Levada, Vo', Valle San Giorgio, Villanova Di Camposampiero, Montagnana, Piazzola Sul Brenta, Galzignano Terme, San Giorgio Delle Pertiche, Cadoneghe, Borgoricco, Noventa Padovana, Piombino Dese, Saccolongo, Curtarolo, Cornoleda, Lozzo Atestino, Vigonza, Boara Pisani, Masi, Due Carrare, Bassa, Fontaniva, Ronchi Di Campanile, Codevigo, Pernumia, Brugine, Trebaseleghe, Sant'antonio, Rovolon, Busiago, San Martino Di Lupari, Megliadino San Vitale, Bagnoli Di Sopra, Terradura, Sant'elena, Pontelongo, Pelosa, Vescovana, Selvazzano Dentro, Casette, Feriole, Solesino, Fornace Laterizi, Massanzago-Ca' Baglioni, Sant'angelo Di Piove Di Sacco, Vigodarzere, Conche, Sarmeola, Correzzola, Lissaro, Agna, Legnaro, Casalserugo, Tribano, Polverara, Grantorto, Ghetto, Cartura, Loreggia, Santa Margherita, Villa del Conte, San Giorgio In Brenta, Saletto, Campodoro, Pontecasale, Sant'Urbano, San Salvaro, Granze, Pozzonovo.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Veneto.