Sightseeing in Padua
Padua on a weekend
In order to be able to enjoy Padua in its full splendour and visit a good number of the amazing sights we recommend a two-day stay in the city. Weekend visits in particular are an excellent way to experience the city’s atmosphere in addition to a normal city tour. Starting with the major markets during the week and on Saturday and continuing with cultural events in the evening and individual museums, you will have enough time to get to know to the city in all its facets.
Weekend trip to Padua
Those wanting to visit Padua over the weekend or who are planning a multi-day trip to the city will have enough time to delve into the life of the city and also take in attractions away from the main tourist routes. Purchasing the Padova Card for 48 or 72 hours, which can save you a lot of entry fees, travel tickets and parking fees, is recommended no matter what you opt for.
Day 1 in the morning:
- The tour starts at the Giardini all'Arena with the first highlight in Padua: the Scrovegni Chapel and the famous frescoes by master Giotto. After visiting the chapel you can reach the the Museo Civico agli Eremitani through one of the cloisters where, in addition to a remarkable collection of paintings, there is also an archaeological museum.
- Also in the immediate vicinity of the Cappella degli Scrovegni is the Chiesa degli Eremitani, which was completely rebuilt after the Second World War and which houses a photo exhibition.
- Now walk down the Corso Garibaldi and the Via Cavour to the Caffè Pedrocchi. It was here that students and intellectuals of the 19th century mulled over revolutionary ideas of an independent Italy. Since the prices are very reasonable here, it makes sense to stay a little and enjoy the ambience of the historic building.
Day 1 in the afternoon:
- Just a few metres from Caffè Pedrocchi is the Palazzo Bò, the third oldest university in Italy, where Galileo Galilei taught. Particularly impressive are the arms collection and the lecture halls inside.
- Right by the Palazzo Bò on the Piazzale Antenore, visitors will find the tomb of the legendary founder of the city of Padua, the Trojan Antenor.
- If you turn right at the Palazzo Bò, you will arrive at the Piazza della Frutta and at the Piazza dell'Erbe after a few metres. In the midst of the two squares is the Palazzo Ragione, the secret landmark of Padua. On Saturdays there is a large market which is great for exploring.
- Those interested should make a short detour to the Piazza dei Signori and the rather austere cathedral of Padua from here.
At night, after a delicious dinner, a short walk along the Via Roma and the Via Umberto I to the Prato della Valle is recommended.
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