Situated just in the heart of the Paduan – Venetian plain, between the Rivers Brenta and Bacchiglione, Padua is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in Italy due to the inestimable historic, artistic, religious and cultural heritage it cherishes. The seat of one of the oldest universities in the world and the birthplace of St Anthony, the famous Franciscan Friar who lived and died there, Padua catches the attention of thousands of tourists.
To visit the city, it is advisable to stay at a central hotel
situated in the heart of the old town and surrounded by the most beautiful buildings. The city offers a wide range of comfortable 3-star hotels, which make the ideal base for visiting the city, as well as of elegant and fine 4-star hotels which are able to suit even the most demanding requirements. The numerous cheap guesthouses the city boasts allow people to visit the city at reasonable prices.
Padua is deeply affected by the presence of two waterways which cross the city giving it outstanding landscapes and fascination. They provide enchanting sceneries and give people the opportunity to enjoy the perfect harmony the city boasts between land and water, nature and man-made delights.
The centre is encircled by impressive fourteenth- and sixteenth-century city walls which protected the ancient village.
Among the most appreciated sights is Piazza del Santo, dominated by the Basilica of St Anthony, a traditional pilgrimage destination, the Scuola del Santo (School of the Saint) and Donatello's magnificent Equestrian statue of the Venetian general Gattamelata.
The Basilica was built in 1232 to house the remains of St Anthony of Padua, a preacher who modelled himself on St Francis of Assisi. The influence of Byzantine architecture is clearly visible in the Basilica's outline, with its minaret-like spires and domes; the facade combines Gothic and Romanesque elements. The Basilica is the main religious symbol of the city together with the Cathedral, built between the 9th and 10th centuries to plans partly by Michelangelo.
Rich in art and architecture, it has one particularly outstanding sight: the magnificent Scrovegni Chapel, north of the city centre, which is famous for Giotto's lyrical frescos. It was commissioned by the Scrovegni family in 1300 as a private chapel once attached to its palace. The fresco cycle has been acknowledged by many to be one of the most important fresco cycles in the world.
The Castle of Padua stands where the Bacchiglione River forks to give birth to the inner ship canal. Erected in the Middle Ages as a defensive bulwark, it was fully restored by Ezzelino in the 12th century and still retains two towers dating back to that age.
Padua boasts a lot of remarkable sights which allow visitors to discover the essence of a city where the present and past merge in pleasant harmony.
Thursday 08 January 2009
