centro storico

Loved the atmosphere of the Centro Storico ... its many cafes, restaurants and the wonderful street market. It is a walkable city and all the sights are within easy reach. Well worth a visit. We were staying in Venice and took the local train to Padua.

We went here for a few days. And we loved it. Our two sons as well. Most of the time we explored the city by foot. And loved the different sights, small alleys, the restaurants. It's not crowded by tourists and you almost feel like a real Italian.

Many great old historic building, great shopping area for clothing and food and some excellent coffee and food shops (e.g., Caffe Pedrocchio).

Padua, a small city has more than its share of historical and artistic sites all located in its centro storico (best translated as historical center). A day or two here will be a wonderful treat!

I knew before we went that Padua was an ancient city with a famed university, but still I was not prepared for how beautiful its historic centre is! Every street held beautiful centuries-old buildings, and we'd turn a corner and there would be another wonderful square or arcade. Despite the history though, it's a town centre that's very much alive with markets, shops and cafés and students coming and going on their bicycles. One of the highlights of our holiday!

The historic center of Padova is worth a visit. It is pedestrian friendly, and rich in architecture and historic interest. The beautiful Prato della Valle, with its is a rare combination of green grass, canals, and marble sculptures, is a wonderful place to relax.

We enjoyed walking around the historic downtown, visiting markets and checking out the architecture. We spent two days between the Scrovegni and the basilica - and really enjoyed the city. There are so many options.

Has an amazing atmosphere, both during the day and after dark. All generations are seen strolling around the area together in a safe, elegant and civilised setting.

Padua is a beautiful city centre: every building is ancient, there are old arcades along many of the pavements and the vast hall of the 13th century Palazzo della Ragione is unmissable. Beneath it are lovely old market shops, and look out for the old standard measures used in the city in the 1200s, carved into the stone wall at the base of the building. In the Piazza dei Signori is one of the world's oldest public clocks, showing 24 hour time and the current sign of the zodiac; at the time this clock went up the rest of Europe still had primitive water clocks so it is something special. The open squares of Padua are a delight in the evening with their many bars and lively atmosphere.

Padua or Padova ( as Italians says..) is a wonderful city, modern all around, with famous University, a reference in Medicine, and Medical Treatment. Also an important center of Italian Religious Culture, in reference of Santo Antonio di Padova, one of the most cultivated Saints in the Catholic Church. A lot of pilgrims goes to the Church of Santo Antonio ( Saint Antony of Padua ) to pay promises, pray, and admire the beutifull church and paintings. The TRAM really works, and if you buy a Ticket for all Day, you can ride ANY transportation system ( TRAM, buses, etc..) for 24 hours.) In Centro Strorico ( Hystorical Center ) you can walk freely, no cars are alloud. You can park in 3 or 4 Parking Spaces ( payed)

Galileo Galileo lived 18 years of his life in Padua. The University of Padua is one of the oldest universities in the world (the seventh in the world and third in Italy), founded in the year 1222. The Botanical Garden of Padua, one of UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the oldest university botanical garden in the world, founded in 1545. San Antonio had the desire to die in Padua, but died on the way.

There is a huge court of justice with large balconies overlooking 2 large street markets (fruit and vegetable plus "stuff") , one on either side, and indoor shops specializing in wonderful local cheeses, hams, fresh meat, cakes, etc etc etc. Beautiful location for buying your picnic ingredients.

If you stay in Venice you should go one day in Padua. Just take the train, it is very close (approx 30 min). Here you can visit the Cappella degli Scrovegni, the old ghetto and many nice churches. You should also visit the two main places divided by a very nice old building : piazza delle Erbe. If you have some time left, go for shopping in the hip street of Padua : Via San Fermo. here you can shopwind Louis Vuitton, Luisa Spagnoli and an old family owned shop called Valigeria Marchesini. When you go inside the smell of real leather is rather strong, but they have the best quality and hand made Italian handbags (women and men), wallets, belts and of course luggage in case you shopped too much :)

It is a real pleasure to walk through the clean, car-free cobbled stoned streets of Padova, among the finest architectural wonders of Italy, buildings are as old as from the 13th century.

It was a very hot day when we were there so we cheated a little and just followed the suggested route in the Dorling Kindersley guide book. I would like to have had longer to take everything in.