TOP 5 THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU’RE IN PADOVA, ITALY

Padova, Italy is a city layered with history—dating all the way back to the Trojans. As you walk its quiet streets, you’re quite literally stepping through centuries of art, religion, and academia.

If you’re planning a visit, two nights is plenty to see the highlights. I stayed three nights only because my husband and I took a day trip to Venice. Padova is calm and beautifully understated—and that’s exactly what makes it special.

Here are the top 5 things you should do while you’re there:

5️⃣ Scrovegni Chapel

In the early 1300s, Giotto painted the frescoes inside the Scrovegni Chapel, and they are nothing short of breathtaking. The colors, detail, and emotion still feel incredibly modern centuries later. Tickets are timed and limited, so booking in advance is essential.

4️⃣ University of Padova

Founded in 1222, this is the second-oldest university in Italy and the fifth-oldest in the world. Galileo once taught here, which alone should earn it a visit. Even just walking through the courtyards makes you feel the intellectual weight of the place.

3️⃣ Palazzo della Ragione

They say it’s not a complete visit to Padova unless you’ve seen the massive wooden horse inside Palazzo della Ragione. Built in 1466, the horse sits inside a building that dates back to 1218—an impressive reminder of how seamlessly Padova blends architecture and history.

2️⃣ Orto Botanico

Padova is home to the oldest botanical garden in the world, founded in 1545. The collection is wild—in the best way. Think leaves larger than toddlers and plant species from every corner of the globe. It’s peaceful, educational, and surprisingly jaw-dropping.

1️⃣ Attend Mass at the Basilica of Saint Anthony (Even if You’re Not Catholic)

Mass at the Basilica of Saint Anthony is incredibly moving. The acoustics alone fill the space—and your soul. Regardless of religious background, the experience is powerful, grounding, and unforgettable.

✦ WHERE WE STAYED IN PADOVA

Our Airbnb in Padova was an experience in itself. In the backyard, our host had a traditional Masonic temple—the kind with windows lining the top of the structure, designed to let light in from above.

Each floor represented something different, and even without fully understanding every symbol, you could feel the intention behind the design. It was quiet, mysterious, and oddly grounding—one of those places that makes you pause and just take it all in.

Staying somewhere with that kind of history and symbolism felt very Padova. Thoughtful, layered, and deeply connected to the past in a way that never feels performative.

Padova doesn’t scream for attention the way other Italian cities do—and that’s its charm. It’s thoughtful, historic, and quietly beautiful. If you slow down and let the city unfold, Padova will leave a lasting impression long after you’ve moved on to your next destination.

Pro tip: purchase tickets for the Scrovegni Chapel in advance to see Giotto’s frescos without the crowds.