Padova Things to Do

The Palazzo della Ragione (can be translated into Widsom's Palace) was the meeting room of the former City Council. Its contruction began in 1218 but, in 1306, Giovanni degli Eremitani gave it the present look, outstanding for such a period. The big saloon is really huge (it streches for 81 meters with a width of 27 meters and 27 meters high) and the dark wooden ceiling, reminds to a ship's bottom. Original frescos should have painted by Giotto, but were destroyed by fire in 1420. Nowadays frescos are younger but still quite ancient (XV° century).

There is a geogeos wooden horse, a copy of Donatello's horse and two egyptian sfiges. On a corner, you can see a Foucault's clock, which represents the strong connection between Padova and scientists (the University of Padova is very well renewed for scientific studies).

The Palace divides the most important squares of Padova and in one of its part, is nowadays location for the local administration.

Entrance fee without reduction: 4 euros

1 more image

If you like astronomy you cant miss this!!! The original building was the tower of a Padova castles started on the 1200. In the 1700 the Venetian republic decided to give to the Padova's university a astronomic observatory and they used the old tower to buikd it saving some money!!
Lately the old observatory have been restored and turned in a museum. The visit cost 5 euros and they will show you old instruments and you will know the story of this old building. Lots of people believe that Galileo Galilei worked here, but he taught in Padova university many years before this place was converted in a observatory so this is a metropolitan legend he he, but this place is still very interesting :-)

Even if you are not so interested in astronomy, well, the view from the top of the tower worth the visit itself!!!

Two amazing historical sites are sadly overlooked when visiting Italy - the tomb of St. Luke, located in the Basilica di Santa Giustina, and the tomb of Saint Anthony (Sant' Antonio) located in the basilica that carries his name. Each of the churches possesses a stunning beauty. Santa Giustina overlooks Prato della Valle - one of the largest piazzas in all of Europe - encompassing a park encircled by statues of noblemen of the city. With its unfinished facade, Santa Giustina may not seem as ornate as other cathedrals. However, one step inside, and you can see the profound Byzantine and Romanesque architecture incorporated into the design of the church and the characteristic domes that cap its structure. Similar in design to Santa Giustina, Sant' Antonio is a magnificent structure, housing the tomb of St. Anthony, who, after years of seeking personal peace, found his place in Padova and fearlessly proclaimed good to the people of the city. His remains were exhumed in 1981 and some of his relics, including his bottom teeth, are on display in the chapel of the relics.

Padova is a city of water, many canals surround the center giving you nice and peaceful views. Some of them can be sailed and there is organized tour starting from the center and going along the old walls or in Venice direction, sailing along the Brenta Riviera, where many important Venetians villas are.
Check the website for much more information.

The Grand Hall or Salone is reached by ascending either of the 2 staircases to the right of the palace - entering from Plazza della Erbe. Near the top of the steps You'll find the ticket desk.

This was run by quite an intimidating woman, who seemed quite impatient as I struggled to find my purse. I tried to explain that my Padova card had just expired, but she said it was OK, and let me in for free.
I think it's 8 euros otherwise - so perhaps she was kinder than I'd first thought!

Clutching the 2 sheets of info I'd been handed with my ticket, I entered the Salone - Phew It was huge! As I was the only person there I felt quite awestruck!.

My second impression was of the walls, entirely covered with astrological frescoes (apparently 217 linear metres of artwork!)

After taking in this view, I spotted the wooden horse at the far end of the hall - just visible in my photo - if you enlarge it You get a bit of a better view. (Though it's a poor photo)

The info sheet mentioned that on the Southern wall is a relief of a golden sun, which at mid day, has a ray of sunlight beaming through its mouth, striking the floor on the meridian line! This was designed by Bortolomeo Ferracina in 1761.

Well, it took me a while to work out which was the Southern wall, and even longer to find the sun relief.

After asking the curator, I found it! If You look on the floor, You'll see the meridian line - just follow this up the wall, and there it is!

I'm afraid my photos are quite dark, so they don't show this hall to its advantage.

Open 0900 - 1800 from 1st November to 31st January
0900 - 1900 from 1st February to 31st October

Closed Mondays except public hols 25-26 December, 1st January and 1st May.

Padova card = free admission. If there is a temporary exhibition taking place a reduced entrance fee must be paid.

Please see my following tips for more info and pics on this impressive hall

4 more images

One of Paduas main attractions, and the reason I'd first decided to visit Padua.

I was aware that You have to book Your alloted 20 minutes prior to Your visit - This can be done on the internet, but I wasn't sure of my exact travel plans.

I left it until I arrived in Padua and arranged it quite easily at the tourist info office.
I purchased my Padua card at the same time, so just had to pay the booking fee. (see my Padua card tip).

Relieved at how easy it was to book, I arrived just before my allotted time, after getting lost trying to find the grounds - I was intending to have a leisurely picnic with the goodies I'd purchased in the markets earlier, but didn't have time.

I found the ticket desk in the museum, and got my ticket - after being approached by the rather officious attendants, who 'escorted' me to the desk, then kept pointing me to the cloakroom to leave my bag.

I then had some trouble finding the entrance, I'd seen a gate with people seated near the chapel, in the park, so thought this was where I should be.

I later found out that I had to walk down the path, in front of the ticket office, to my right, which led me to seats in front of the glass entrance door, where a small crowd was assembled.

After a short wait, the glass door swung open, 2 men silently checked our tickets, and we entered a room with chairs in front of a screen.

Once we were assembled, the 2 men wordlessly exited the room, and the doors shut - a bit un-nerving!

I was a bit miffed to see that others in the room had their bags with them, I wish I'd hung onto mine which contained my guide book!

A short film started about the Scroveni chapel, and some of the interesting paintings.

After about 15 minutes, the film ended, and the doors opened - we headed for the chapel.

It was probably smaller than I expected.

I wanted to find the painting of a woman crying that I'd seen on the film. I asked the 'guide' stationed near the door where it was - this involved me miming, as she didn't understand English. She did understand my mimes, and pointed out the woman in one of the paintings.

After 15 mins a bell rang, and we were herded out.

I was slightly disappointed - Although the paintings were stunning, I wish I'd known I could have carried my bag with guide book, and it would have been better with a (multi - lingual) guide there to give a short talk about the paintings, or at least to be able to answer questions.

I went to collect my bag, and was given a poster! I was hoping it was of the chapel, but it was for a forth coming exhibition.

I bought some post cards and a book about the Scroveni Chapel, and one about the Ghetto in Padua (I'd been fascinated about the Ghetto in Venice earlier in my trip) as I'd seen a sign for the Ghetto earlier.

I then decided to wander around the park surrounding the chapel

In the North Eastern corner of the huge hall is to be found the "Pietra del vituperio" or the Stone of Shame. A flat topped urn shaped stone on stone steps

This was possibly placed here in 1231, on the orders of Saint Anthony. It's purpose was to punish or ridicule insolvent debtors, before they were exiled.

Wearing only their underwear, the debtors were required to sit on the stone three times, and speak the words "Cedo bonis" (I renounce my worldly goods). They were then banished.

If they dared to return to the city and were caught, they had to go through the same procedure, but in addition 3 buckets of water were poured on their heads (I've also read that flour was thrown onto them)

Earlier, I'd witnessed some students graduating from the University, undergoing a similar humiliating ritual, whilst, reading from a large sheet of paper, drinking from a bottle of wine, and dressed in costumes - fellow students intermittently poured water over them, or threw flour - So I wondered if this tradition was being carried on here!!

2 more images

The University is central to Padua - its thousands of students give the city a lively atmosphere!

While I was visiting there were graduation ceremonies, celebrations and lots of 'traditional student stunts'!!

This historical University has had world renowned students and lecturers pass through its hallowed walls - Francesco della Rovere Pope Sistus 1V, Stephan- the 1st Bathory king of Poland, Nicholas Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, William Harvey, Giovanni Lucrezia Cornaro - the first female in the world to earn a degree to name just a few.

"The Bo" comes from the Veneto form of the Latin expression "Hispotium Bovis" which was found on an inn sign along with an Ox's head. This inn was acquired by the University at the end of the 15th Century. The Bo is now the name of the whole University and its institution.

Tours of the University take place Mon Wed Fri at 15.15, 16.15 and 17.15
Tue, Thur, Sat at 09.15, 10.15 and 11.15

I think it costs 5 euros for adults (2007)

Buses 3, 8, 12 and 18 stop nearby as does the Hop on Hop off bus

I didn't get to see the tour, However there is still plenty of interest to be seen wandering around for free.

I wandered through the doorway, not realising this was the University, but spent over an hour wandering around the courtyards and staircases. I'll cover the main attractions separately.

Well Worth a visit!