This short break guide about Padua, Italy will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Padua and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Padua, Italy
Padua is located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Its population comes in around 212,000 although it is sometimes included in nearby Venice's population of 1.6 million. It also boasts the typical Venetian canals that wind throughout the town. The area is touched by the Bacchiglione and Brenta rivers, the rolling Venetian Plain and the celebrated Euganaean Hills. The pictorial landscape is continued throughout the city by way of arcaded streets filled with piazzas, bridges and ancient moats. The area is so beautiful that it was hailed by the likes of Luca, Petrarch and Shelley and is also the setting for Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Not only is Padua one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy, it also claims to be the oldest. It has been dated back to Virgil's Eneide and was later revived by Trojan prince Antenor in 1183BC. It became a great and powerful place, known for its prideful warriors, excellent horse breeds and near perfect wool from homegrown sheep. It fell hard after an invasion from Attila the Hun and was then passed through various rulers and empires for some time until it came under Venetian rule where it remained from the 15th through the 18th centuries. Afterwards it was over taken by the Austrians for a spell.
In 1915 Italy entered the Great War. The Austrian government was thrown from Padua. There was a silver lining - Padua's industry started a post-war boom. However, civilians suffered and found it difficult to get back into the swing of things and the city came under fascist rule. Industry continued to pick up and fascist architecture abounded, and can still be seen today all over the city. This continued until after the World War's, when the city continued to rocket skyward in its economic and communications industries, this time without Fascism present. It continues to be a leading economic and communications hub of northern Italy and is heaped in centuries of culture.
What is on in Padua in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Padua lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Padua, Italy when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Padua.
1. Scrovegni Chapel - Certainly one of Padua's most beloved landmarks, this chapel houses exquisite frescoes by mastermind Giotto that date back to 1305. It was commissioned by its namesake, the Scrovegni family who used it as their personal chapel for several decades. Even entrance into the chapel is elaborate. It takes nearly 15 minutes to travel through the climate controlled vault that stabilized the outdoor air with the air inside the chapel. It is noted that wait times can be over 4 hours, especially during the summer months so booking a ticket ahead is recommended. Hours are 9:00am - 6:00pm. Admission is 12EUR, 5EUR for a student ticket.
2. Palazzo della Ragione - The building was begun in 1172 and completed in 1219. It is said to be the largest roof that is unsupported by columns in Europe, a notable feat for the era in which it was built. The upper floor walls are covered with frescoes in some of the chambers and filled with art displays. Below a centuries' old market place still thrives today.
3. St. Anthony's Cathedral - One of the most visited tourist attractions in Padua, this is the very site that millions make a mass pilgrimage to each year to pay homage to the beloved saint. The Cathedral was built right after his death in the 13th century and houses his tomb as well as many relics. The main alter is astounding as it was done by famed artist Donatello in honor of St. Anthony. Hours run from 6:30am - 6:00pm. Admission is free.
4. Prato della Valle - One of the largest (90,000 square meters) and most stunning squares in Europe, Prate della Valla was originally a historic Roman theater. It changed occupation to a fairground and was then refinished in 1775 as a square. It plays host too many markets, concerts, fairs and other Padua events throughout the year. Santa Giustina Basiclica and Marty's Hall are also located on the wayside of the square.
5. Roman Ruins - A small amount of ruins are available for perusing. They date back to antiquity when the Roman Empire had its hand in Italy. The Arena is the most well preserved of the ruins and often holds open-air movies during warmer months.
6. The Duomo and the Baptistery - This late medieval style building was designed in part by the brilliant Michelangelo. Alongside the Duomo is the Baptistery which holds striking frescos by Giotto. Both buildings close during the lunch hour but our open daily during daylight hours.
7. Botanic Garden - This is the first botanical garden in the entire world. It was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and is well worth a visit.
8. Palazzo del Bo' - This is thought to be the second oldest university in Italy, one of the oldest in the world. It is where the gifted Galileo taught his students in the late 16th century.
9. Eremitani Civic Museum - This museum holds works from some of the world's most important painters including Tizian, Giotto and Bellini.
10. Arqua Petrarca - This tiny town is nestled in the rolling hills a stone's throw from the city limits. It is a wonderfully preserved medieval town that holds the tomb of renowned Italian poet Petrarch.
It is easiest to see most of these sites by purchasing a Padua Card. This card allows guests to visit nearly all of the churches and museums by way of public transportation for 15EUR.
Recommended Padua Hotels
Hotel review website Trip Advisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Padua hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Padua hotels recommended by review are:
1. Holiday Inn Padova
2. Hotel Al Cason
3. Albergo Verdi
4. Admiral Hotel
5. Europa Zaramella
6. Best Western Hotel Biri
7. Campanile Padova
8. Majestic Hotel Toscanelli
9. Belludi 37
10. Hotel Antenore
Padua Airport
Padua does have a private plane airport but it does not cater to commercial flights. However there are three international airports that are under half an hour's drive from the town.
Padua Hotels
Page: 1
| Accommodation in Padua | Distance to Centre | Star Rating |
| AC Padova | 1.8 miles |  |
| Accademia Palace | 0.8 miles | |
| Al Giardinetto | 1.2 miles | |
| B4 Padova | 2 miles | |
| Belludi 37 | 1 miles | |
| Best Western Hotel Biri | 1.1 miles | |
| Campanile Hotel Padoue / Padova | 3 miles | |
| Casa A Colori | 3 miles | |
| Diamantino Town House | 0.7 miles | |
| Holiday Inn | 1.5 miles | |
| Hotel Admiral | 3 miles | |
| Hotel Al Cason | 0.47 miles | |
| Hotel Alla Fiera | 0.44 miles | |
| Hotel Antenore | 3 miles | |
| Hotel Autostrada | 1.7 miles | |
| Hotel Corso | 0.13 miles | |
| Hotel Europa Zaramella | 0.36 miles | |
| Hotel Galileo Padova | 0.8 miles | |
| Hotel Garibaldi | 3 miles | |
| Hotel Giovanni | 1 miles | |
| Hotel Grand'Italia | 0.17 miles | |
| Hotel Ibis Padova | 3 miles | |
| Hotel Igea | 0.8 miles | |
| Hotel Milano | 0.9 miles | |
| Hotel Sagittario | 3 miles | |
| Methis Hotel | 1.2 miles | |
| Monaco | 0.22 miles | |
| NH Mantegna | 0.51 miles | |
| Plaza | 0.7 miles | |
| Sheraton Padova | 2.5 miles | |
| Small Hotel Royal | 1.6 miles | |
| Verdi Hotel | 0.7 miles | |
Page: 1
