- The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is the second-oldest university in Italy and one of the oldest in the world.
- In 1678, Elena Cornaro Piscopia became the first woman in the world to receive a university degree, graduating from the University of Padua.
- The city's astronomical clock in Piazza dei Signori is one of the oldest mechanical clocks in existence.
- Padua was the site of the first permanent anatomical theater in the world, built in 1594.
- Galileo Galilei taught at the University of Padua for eighteen years, which he described as the best years of his life.
About Padua
Padua is one of Italy's oldest cities, defined by its academic heritage and medieval architecture. It hosts the University of Padua Botanical Garden [4079], established in 1545 as the world's oldest academic botanical garden still in its original location. The city's intellectual history is complemented by artistic masterworks, most notably the frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel [3417]. The scale of urban life centers around the massive Prato della Valle [43003] and the spiritual significance of The Basilica of St. Anthony [31579].
Highlights of Padua
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Visit one of the largest squares in Europe, surrounded by a canal lined with 78 statues.
Temples
View the foundational cycle of frescoes painted by Giotto in the early 14th century.
Parks
Explore the oldest academic botanical garden in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Temples
Visit the pilgrimage site famous for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture and Byzantine-style domes.
Museums
Admire the massive medieval hall featuring one of the largest unsupported roofs in Europe.
Historical places
Observe the 14th-century astronomical clock located in the heart of the city's social life.
Historical places
Experience the traditional open-air market stalls that have occupied this space for centuries.
Museums
Explore extensive collections of Roman artifacts and medieval art within a former convent.
Top things to do in Padua
The 510 highest-rated places in Padua, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Prato della Valle is the largest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, spanning approximately 90,000 square...
2
Temples
The Basilica of St. Anthony is a major international pilgrimage site housing the tomb and relics of Saint Anthony of Pad...
3
Temples
The Scrovegni Chapel houses a complete fresco cycle by Giotto, painted between 1303 and 1305, which is considered a foun...
4
Historical places
Piazza dei Signori is a central historic square in Padua dominated by the 14th-century Torre dell'Orologio. The square s...
5
Parks
Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei is a volcanic mountain group located in the Veneto region, characterized by distinct c...
6
Parks
The Orto Botanico di Padova is the world's oldest academic botanical garden still in its original location, established...
7
Venues
Gran Teatro Geox is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Padua, Italy, designed to host international concerts, theatrical pe...
8
Historical places
Piazza della Frutta is a central historic square in Padua, distinguished by its position adjacent to the Palazzo della R...
9
Museums
Villa Pisani is an 18th-century Baroque villa located along the Brenta Canal, originally commissioned by the aristocrati...
10
Historical places
Villa Contarini is a sprawling 16th-century Venetian villa complex located in Piazzola sul Brenta. Originally commission...
11
Historical places
Castello del Catajo is a 16th-century fortification located in Battaglia Terme, built by the Obizzi family on the slopes...
12
Museums
Palazzo della Ragione is a medieval civic building in Padua, Italy, known for its massive suspended upper hall, the Salo...
13
Parks
The Garden of Villa Barbarigo is a 17th-century Baroque garden located in Valsanzibio, designed as a symbolic path to sp...
14
Parks
Parco Urbano Termale is the primary central green lung of Abano Terme, designed to integrate the town's thermal heritage...
15
Temples
Abbazia di Praglia is a 11th-century Benedictine monastery located at the foot of the Euganean Hills near Padua. The cur...
16
Historical places
Villa dei Vescovi is a mid-16th-century Renaissance villa located in the Euganean Hills, commissioned by Bishop Francesc...
17
Zoos
Butterfly Arc in Montegrotto Terme is Italy’s first living butterfly exhibition, featuring three climate-controlled glas...
18
Museums
Palazzo Zabarella is a private exhibition space located within a historical 12th-century palace in the center of Padua....
19
Places of interest
The Baptistery of the Cathedral of Padua, also known as the Battistero di San Giovanni Battista, is a 12th-century struc...
20
Parks
Parco Iris is an expansive municipal park located in the eastern district of Padua, covering approximately 80,000 square...
21
Museums
Casa del Petrarca is the final residence of the poet Francesco Petrarca, where he lived from 1370 until his death in 137...
22
Venues
Teatro Verdi is a historic 18th-century opera house in central Padua, designed by architect Antonio Piermarini and inaug...
23
Temples
The Abbazia di Santa Giustina is a monumental Benedictine abbey located at the edge of the Prato della Valle in Padua. T...
24
Museums
The Eremitani Museums, located within the former monastery complex of the Eremitani church, house the main archaeologica...
25
Parks
Parco d'Europa is a large urban green space located in the eastern district of Padua, known primarily for hosting major...
26
Historical places
Porta Portello, also known as Porta Ognissanti, is a monumental Renaissance city gate constructed in 1518 as part of the...
27
Museums
MUSME is a science museum located in the historic 15th-century San Francesco Hospital building in Padua. It focuses on t...
28
Museums
Castello di San Pelagio is a medieval castle converted into a museum dedicated to the history of flight, famously servin...
29
Parks
The Adventure Park Fiorine is an aerial obstacle course facility situated within the Euganean Hills Regional Park in Teo...
30
Venues
Stadio Euganeo is the primary multi-purpose sports venue in Padua, serving as the home stadium for the Calcio Padova foo...
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Padua on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Padua
Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and suitable for walking the historic center.
2-3 days to explore the historical core, key basilicas, and museum collections.
The city center is compact and highly walkable, supplemented by a modern tram line and an extensive network of buses.
The historic center near Piazza dei Signori is ideal for proximity to major sites, while the area near the railway station provides excellent connectivity.
Mid-range; while luxury options exist, the city offers many affordable regional trattorias and value-oriented accommodation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 510 curated attractions in and around Padua, ranked by traveller ratings.
Prato della Valle is the highest-rated place to visit in Padua right now.
The largest category is temples, with 157 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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