If you are visiting the north-eastern regions of Italy, then the most popular choices are usually Venice or Verona. However, these are also two of the most expensive options. A great alternative when you want to explore this part of Italy is to stay in Padua. Not only is this city a lot cheaper, it also has a wide range of attractions for visitors without them needing to venture elsewhere.
1. Palazzo Zuckerman Museum
This museum is so vast and has so much on display that you may need to visit several times to take in everything there is to see. The artefacts on display include items used by Italians in their everyday lives over several centuries.
2. Capella Degli Scrovegni
The Scrovegni Chapel was built in 1305 and is most famous for its fresco by Giotto. It is surrounded by a Roman Amphitheater. It is a busy attraction and visitors are allocated a time slot to visit. Therefore, it makes sense to book a visit to this attraction in advance.
3. Prato della Valle
This is an oval with a fountain in the center and surrounded by statues. While it is a very visually appealing spot and a great place to sit for a rest, most people come here to visit the market. This is divided into two sections; one is a flea market and the other sells fresh produce, such as fruit and vegetables.
4. St. Anthony’s Basilica
St. Anthony’s Basilica is one of the most prominent structures in Padua and its towers and domes are a wonderful sight. Located in the historic part of the city, this church is worth visiting for both its external architecture and internal décor.
5. Museo del Risorgimento
The focus of this museum is the history of the Risorgimento. It is housed in a beautiful building and many of the exhibits are enlightening to the history of Padua. Attached to the museum is Caffe Pedrocchi which is a great place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing bowl of gelato.
6. Basilica of Santa Giustina
Basilica of Santa Giustina is a typical example of an Italian church. One difference is that the church is also home to a small shop. This is unusual in that it sells only products made by the monks.
7. Botanical Gardens
Orto Botanico, the botanical gardens, have been an important feature of Padua since 1545. It is worth noting that this is the oldest botanical garden in the world that is still located on the same site as when it was founded. This is a fantastic and interesting place to visit for all the family.
8. Piazza delle Erbe Market
It is worth devoting a day to retail therapy while you are in Padua and the best place to do this is Piazza dell Erbe market. It is a wonderful place to buy fresh, local produce and sample some of the local delicacies and traditional dishes. It is also a good place to pick up some souvenirs of your visit to Italy. The stalls sell almost everything, from leather goods to clothes. The market is surrounded by small cafes, bistros and restaurants, so you can sit to rest your feet and enjoy some lunch.
9. Pago Pizzeria
People assume that all the best pizza is in Naples, but there are some fantastic places to eat pizza in Padua. Although each person has their own opinion about which pizzeria produces the best pizzas in the city, Pago Pago Pizzeria is a popular choice amongst locals and visitors alike. This restaurant has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and makes some of the most delicious pizzas in the area.
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- Main Image: Eaters Collective on Unsplash
