Vacation Packages to Padova

General Information about Padua

Are you looking to travel to Padua? Then, here we tell you everything about this wonderful destination.

Padua is a city in northeastern Italy. It is located in the Veneto region, about 40 kilometers west of Venice. The city has a long history, dating back to the Roman Empire, and it has been an important center for art, culture, and learning since the middle Ages.

Padua is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, which is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics from around the world. The city is also home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, the University of Padua, which was founded in 1222 and is still one of the most prestigious universities in Europe.

Other notable landmarks in Padua include the Scrovegni Chapel, which features frescoes by the artist Giotto, the Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval palace with a large covered market, and the Prato della Valle, one of the largest public squares in Europe.

Padua is also known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food markets offering traditional Italian cuisine and local specialties, such as risotto alla Paduana and pasta e fagioli.

Overall, Padua is a beautiful and historic city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of attractions to explore.

Top 10 Sites of Interest in Padua

Padua is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and there are many sites of interest to explore. Here are some of the top attractions in Padua:

1. Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua: This is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics from around the world. The basilica contains the tomb of Saint Anthony and is decorated with beautiful frescoes and artworks.
2. Scrovegni Chapel: This chapel is famous for its frescoes by the artist Giotto, which are considered to be some of the most important works of art of the Italian Renaissance.
3. Palazzo della Ragione: This medieval palace is located in the heart of Padua’s historic center and features a large covered market on the ground floor.
4. Prato della Valle: This is one of the largest public squares in Europe and is surrounded by beautiful buildings and gardens.
5. University of Padua: Founded in 1222, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and see the famous anatomical theater.
6. Botanical Garden of Padua: This is the oldest botanical garden in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features a collection of over 6,000 plant species from around the world.
7. Eremitani Civic Museum: This museum features a collection of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by famous artists such as Donatello and Mantegna.
8. Orto botanico di Padua: This is another beautiful botanical garden in Padua that is home to a wide variety of plant species from around the world.
9. Prato della Valle Market: This is a popular market where visitors can buy fresh produce, flowers, and other local goods.
10. Piazza dei Signori: This historic square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Typical Food and Drinks of Padua

Padua, like the rest of the Veneto region, has a rich culinary tradition that includes a variety of dishes and drinks that are typical of the area. 

Some of the most popular dishes in Padua are Risotto alla Paduana, a creamy risotto dish made with local radicchio, which gives it a distinctive bitter flavor, and Pasta e Fagioli, hearty pasta and bean soup that is a staple of Venetian cuisine.

Also, a popular option is Sarde in Saor. This is a dish of marinated sardines that are served cold. The sardines are typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, onions, and raisins, which gives them a sweet and sour flavor.

And we recommend you to try Polenta. This is a popular cornmeal-based dish that is served in many different ways in Venetian cuisine. It can be served as a creamy porridge or grilled and topped with cheese, sausage, or mushrooms. 

As for drinks, a good option is Spritz, a popular aperitif drink that originated in the Veneto region. It is typically made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, and is served over ice with a slice of orange.

Also, we recommend you to try Prosecco, a sparkling wine that is produced in the Veneto region. It is typically light and refreshing, with floral and fruity notes, and Grappa, a traditional Italian spirit that is made from the leftover grape skins and seeds from the wine-making process.

And if you are a lover of sweets, you must try Tiramisu. This is a classic Italian dessert that is made with layers of ladyfingers, espresso, and mascarpone cream. It is typically dusted with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate on top.

Festivals of Padua

Padua hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and theater to food and wine. Here are some of the most popular festivals in Padua:

1. St. Anthony’s Day: This is the most important festival in Padua, celebrated on June 13th to honor the city’s patron saint, Saint Anthony. The festival includes processions, fireworks, and special church services.
2. Festa del Redentore: This festival is held in mid-July and celebrates the end of a devastating plague that swept through Venice and the surrounding region in the 16th century. The festival includes a large fireworks display and a boat procession across the lagoon.
3. Padua Jazz Festival: This annual music festival features jazz performances by local and international artists and takes place in various locations throughout the city.
4. Festival of Santa Giustina: This festival celebrates the city's other patron saint, Santa Giustina, and takes place in October. It includes a religious procession, as well as a market selling local crafts and food.
5. Festa del Radicchio: This festival is dedicated to the local radicchio di Chioggia, a type of red-leafed chicory that is used in many local dishes. The festival includes food tastings, live music, and cultural events.
6. Fiera del Bovolo: This festival celebrates the historic Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, which is famous for its spiral staircase. The festival includes music, theater performances, and guided tours of the palace.
7. VinNatur: This wine festival celebrates natural and biodynamic wines from Italy and around the world. It takes place in May and features tastings, seminars, and workshops on natural winemaking.

These festivals are a great way to experience the local culture and traditions of Padua and the Veneto region.

How Is the Culture in Padua?

The culture in Padua, like much of Italy, is rich and diverse, with a long history and strong traditions. 

Padua is home to many important works of art and architecture, including the Basilica of Saint Anthony, the Scrovegni Chapel with its famous frescoes by Giotto, and the Palazzo della Ragione, a historic town hall with a large open-air market.

Also, Padua is a deeply religious city, with many churches and religious sites. The city’s patron saint, Saint Anthony, is celebrated each year with a large festival and processions.

Padua has a vibrant music and theater scene, with many concerts, operas, and other performances taking place throughout the year.

The city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Padua, which was founded in 1222. The university has a long history of scientific and academic excellence, and has produced many notable scholars and researchers over the centuries.

Overall, the culture in Padua is a blend of history, tradition, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on art, religion, food, and education.

What to See and Do in Padua

Padua is a wonderful destination due to its historical heritage and its fascinating architecture.

In turn, due to its proximity to Rome and Florence, many travelers combine their visit to Padua with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible history? Do you want to know about a fascinating culture? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Padua, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!