Situated in North-East Italy’s Veneto region, Padua is a city known for its stunning Renaissance art and architecture, museums, bridges, etc. However, Padua is also renowned for its role in Scientific Renaissance.
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Prato della Valle
Italy’s largest elliptical square and also one of the largest squares in all of Europe.
This 90,000 square meter city square is actually oval, showcasing an elliptical canal with a double ring of statues of illustrious men of the region.
Iconic University of Padua
Founded in 1222, this ancient university happens to be Italy’s second-oldest university and the fifth oldest surviving university in the world.
Touted as the Center of Scientific Renaissance, the famous scientist Galileo Galilei studied here. The university's great halls, anatomical theatre, legendary alumni list, and overall historic grandeur continues to mesmerize the generations.
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Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
One of the largest churches in the world, this eight-dome church was built in the early 1300s. Dedicated to Saint Anthony, the church is visited by scores of pilgrims every year.
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Padua Astronomical Clock
One of the oldest working clocks in the world, this ancient, majestic clock was built in 1344. At the center of the clock is the Earth. The interesting feature of this ancient clock is its missing Libra sign.
At noon, the hands of the clock point straight down because the clock is a 24-hour dial, instead of 12-hour dial.
Palazzo della Ragione
Originally, this medieval town hall happened to be a court building. Today it houses lots of stores on the ground floor.
This building has the largest hall in Europe on the upper floor to have an unsupported roof. It is one of the largest medieval halls in the world.
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Padova Cittadella: Fortified Citadel
Cittadella is a walled town in Padua built in the early 1200s as a protective fortress. The medieval walls, the four main towers, the huge gates, and the walkway continue to attract tourists.
The view from the walls is simply stunning and worth the tedious and intimidating walk along the walkway.
Scrovegni Chapel or Arena Chapel
Though small and simple from the outside, this chapel houses some of the most iconic masterpieces of Western Art.
Frescoes of the lives of Mary and Jesus Christ were painted on the walls and ceiling of this chapel by the artist Giotto di Bondone in the early 1300s. Unfortunately, there’s a 15-minute time limit on the visit inside the chapel.
MUSME: The Museum of History of Medicine in Padova
This unusual but highly piquant museum is a recent (2015) interactive museum that revolves around the history of medicine. Padua has a glorious and rich history in the medical field. The first human heart transplant was attempted in Padua.
Orto Botanico: Botanical Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this legendary botanical garden opened in 1545, happens to be the world's first botanic garden.
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This garden is the symbol of Padua’s great contribution to the world of science, botanical research, and even experimentation. The garden’s herbarium and library are also one of the most iconic ones in the world.