Probably better known as the city of St. Anthony, Padua is
one of the most important Art Cities in Veneto. In
12th century Padua is a free Commune: during the two following
centuries it knows a quick development and with the Seigneury
of the Carrara family (1338-1405) it reaches the height in its
political power, expanding its domination to a large part of
central Veneto.
The art panorama is dominated by the figure of Giotto, leaving
in Padua his masterpiece, the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel.
The enlightened Seigneury of the Carrara family terminates in
1405: Padua is incorporated in the mainland dominions of Venice.
But the artistic primacy continues during the first half of
the 15th century, thanks to Donatello and Mantegna.
In the 16th century, under the government of the Serene Republic,
Padua knows a great renewal. The town is surrounded by a formidable
ring of walls and bulkwards that establishes the definitive
urban shape.
The magic scenography of Prato della Valle rounds off, at the
end of the 18th century, the four centuries of Venetian domination.
Padua passes to Austria until the annexation to the Kingdom
of Italy (1866).
Scrovegni Chapel
Cappella degli Scrovegni. The
decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua
(between 1303-1305) has been universally recognized
as the most significant and most paradigmatic creation
of Giotto. The dates of construction and decoration
are documented between 1303 and 1305.
The frescos are smaller than those in Assisi.
On the back wall, the florentine artist painted a single
grandiose scene, the Final Judgement.
Palazzo della Ragione. Located
just south of the historic Caffè Pedrocchi, and
a necessary and inevitable destination for those meandering
about the historic center of town, the picturesque open-air
markets of Piazza delle Erbe (Square of the Herbs) and
Piazza della Frutta (Square of Fruit) frame this massive
13th-century palazzo at their center. Together they
have stood as the town's political and commercial nucleus
for centuries.
Activities: city walk sightseeing, dining, shopping
Chiesa degli Eremitani. On March 11,
1944 this church was completely destroyed by allied
bombs and with it 15th century wall paintings, which
unfortunately cannot be replaced. The church has since
been rebuilt and only fragments of the original frescoes
are on display. When visiting the church you will be
able to see a very interesting fragment, which is situated
right of the altar and describes the dragging of St
Christopher’s body.
The church is open Mon-Sat 8am -12pm and 4-7pm –
Sun and religious holidays 9.30am – noon and 4-6pm.
Orto Botanico. The Botanic Garden (Orto
Botanico) of Padova dates back to 1545 and is regarded
as the most ancient university garden in the world.
Beginning from its foundation, it was devoted to the
growth of medicinal plants, since they made up the majority
of the "simples", i.e.the remedies directly
obtained from nature without any further concoction:
for this reason it was named "Hortus Simplicium".
University of Padova Via Orto Botanico, 15
Tel. 049/656614 - Fax 049/656614
In
12th century Padua is a free Commune: during the two following
centuries it knows a quick development and with the Seigneury
of the Carrara family (1338-1405) it reaches the height in its
political power, expanding its domination to a large part of
central Veneto.
Cappella degli Scrovegni. The
decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua
(between 1303-1305) has been universally recognized
as the most significant and most paradigmatic creation
of Giotto. The dates of construction and decoration
are documented between 1303 and 1305.
Palazzo della Ragione. Located
just south of the historic Caffè Pedrocchi, and
a necessary and inevitable destination for those meandering
about the historic center of town, the picturesque open-air
markets of Piazza delle Erbe (Square of the Herbs) and
Piazza della Frutta (Square of Fruit) frame this massive
13th-century palazzo at their center. Together they
have stood as the town's political and commercial nucleus
for centuries.
Chiesa degli Eremitani. On March 11,
1944 this church was completely destroyed by allied
bombs and with it 15th century wall paintings, which
unfortunately cannot be replaced. The church has since
been rebuilt and only fragments of the original frescoes
are on display. When visiting the church you will be
able to see a very interesting fragment, which is situated
right of the altar and describes the dragging of St
Christopher’s body. 
Orto Botanico. The Botanic Garden (Orto
Botanico) of Padova dates back to 1545 and is regarded
as the most ancient university garden in the world.
Beginning from its foundation, it was devoted to the
growth of medicinal plants, since they made up the majority
of the "simples", i.e.the remedies directly
obtained from nature without any further concoction:
for this reason it was named "Hortus Simplicium".