Prato della Valle

With this tour in tour to Padua with a local guide you will walk through the city to discover the most important corners, squares and monuments. Firstly we will see Prato della Valle, the largest square in the city of Padua and one of the largest in Europe. With its 78 statues Prato della Valle is a kind of album of the most important people of Padua. Afterwards we will reach the Basilica of St. Anthony or “Il Santo” (the “The Saint”), destination of millions of pilgrims every year. This magnificent basilica is a romantic blend of styles and cultures from all corners of the world and will leave you speechless, but most importantly it houses the remains of the Franciscan monk Anthony. He died in Padua in 1231 and was declared a saint the following year. Then, along cobbled streets and medieval arcades we reach the heart of the historic centre. We will see the city’s Old Ghetto, which with its narrow streets and small bars has become a meeting place for young students from Padua University. We will then reach Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, overlooked by Palazzo della Ragione. Here mornings are enlivened by the stalls of the local market and the bustle of people under the ‘Salone’, the city’s ancient covered market. The tour to Padua with a local guide will continue to Piazza dei Signori where the residence of the city’s lords once stood, now a meeting place for Paduans for the ritual of the aperitif. Finally, we will stop at Palazzo Bo, the seat of the University of Padua, founded in 1222, which has always attracted students from all over the world. We will conclude the tour with a Paduan tasting, the choice is yours between a typical aperitif at the ancient shops of the Mercato Sotto Salone or the famous mint coffee at the historic “Caffè Pedrocchi“.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Padua on this captivating private walking tour. As you wander through the picturesque old town, you'll uncover the stories, architecture, and archaeological treasures that make this city a hidden gem in Italy. Explore Padua’s Iconic Landmarks Begin your journey at the stunning Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares, where history and beauty converge. From there, you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint Anthony, a pilgrimage site renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. The tour continues to the historic Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval marvel with a fascinating past, and the legendary Caffè Pedrocchi, a symbol of Padua’s vibrant café culture. Discover the Heart of Padua’s Cultural Life As you stroll through the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta, and Piazza dei Signori, you'll experience the lively atmosphere that has defined Padua for centuries. These squares are not just places to see; they are the heartbeat of the city, where locals gather, markets thrive, and history comes alive. Uncover Padua’s Hidden Corners and Legends Beyond the famous landmarks, this tour offers a glimpse into the lesser-known corners of Padua. Your expert guide will lead you through charming streets and alleys, revealing the town’s myths and legends along the way. Curious about the legend surrounding Caffè Pedrocchi? Your guide will share the intriguing story that makes this café a must-visit spot. Experience Padua Like a Local Get a taste of local life as you explore the typical bars and hidden spots where Paduans relax over a coffee or a refreshing Spritz. Discover the vibrant social scene that thrives in this university town, where tradition meets youthful energy and cultural events abound. Capture the Beauty of Padua With its stunning architecture, lively squares, and hidden gems, Padua is a photographer’s dream. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the enchanting moments and picturesque views that you’ll encounter throughout your journey. This private tour is not just a walk through Padua; it’s an immersive experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural splendor. Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and curious travelers, this tour will connect you with the timeless charm of Padua.

There is no better way to get a feel a city like Padua than to visit the market squares in the morning, and on this 2.5-hour walking tour, you will explore the various public areas as well as historical, religious, and cultural monuments. First, make your way to Piazza delle Erbe, full of the freshest fruit and vegetables of the season. Continue on to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, the spiritual center of the city, dating back to the early 1200s. Near the Basilica is the largest square in town, called Prato della Valle. On Saturdays it is home to a bustling market. Finally you can enjoy the Scrovegni Chapel fresco paintings that are Giotto's greatest masterpiece. In the unlikely event that tickets for the Scrovegni Chapel are not available for your date, the visit to the Scrovegni Chapel will be substituted with a similar visit There are two options available: 10:00 until 12:30 14:00 until 16:30

You will meet the guide directly in Prato della Valle where she will introduce you the city of Padua. You will reach then St. Anthony's Basilica and explore it to admire the medieval frescoes included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also visit the Tomb of Saint. Anthony and its amazing chapel with masterpieces of the XVIth century. After the visit, a short walking tour to the city centre will bring you to the Palazzo della Ragione, also included in the UNESCO WHS of Padua. The Salone, the main large room of the palace, will leave you breathless. The tour will end at the University courtyard where you have the opportunity to see the ancient cloister completely covered with coat of arms that remind the presence of students from all over the world, since the opening of the university of Padua that is one of the most ancient in the world, being created in 1222.

Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, the spectacular pilgrimage Basilica of Saint Anthony and a landmark of Renaissance art in Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel, Padua is a treasure trove of art, history and culture that you can’t afford to miss. In the company of an expert local guide you’ll wander through an atmospheric tangle of medieval streets, explore an incredible 800-year old covered market, discover a glittering array of sculptures, frescoes, architecture and much more. Just half an hour from Venice, Padua makes for a perfect day trip from the Serenissima. Historic Padua is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Our half-day Padua tour is the perfect way to get to grips with the city. We only work with expert local guides who know everything there is to know about the city and are passionate about sharing their hometown with you. At the heart of everything in Padua is its massive, dizzying cathedral, and the Basilica di San Antonio will be one of the highlights of our itinerary. Begun in 1233 just a year after the eponymous Anthony's death as a fitting burial place for the revered saint, the vast basilica is a fascinating mish-mash of architectural styles and cultural influences. Within, a maze-like array of chapels are home to some of Italy's finest artistic masterpieces. Among the highlights we'll see on our tour are the sculptural reliefs by Donatello on the church's high altar and a series of incredible medieval frescoes by local master Altichieri da Zevo. As the burial place of St. Antony, the basilica is also one of Italy's most important pilgrimage destinations. We'll also have a peek into the Cappella del Santo, where the saint's tomb is covered by requests for intercession from the faithful. The Renaissance sculptures portraying the life of St. Anthony by the Lombardi brothers here is another unmissable highlight. Wandering through the historic center of Padua we'll get the chance to stop by at the city's incredible covered market, which has been in continuous operation in the arches of looming Gothic Palazzo della Ragione for 800 years. The twin piazzas of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta to either side of the palace is the perfect spot to stop for a drink and watch the denizens of Padova go about their business in a ritual that seems little changed over the centuries. There's so much to see in Padua that we're happy to customise your tour to suit you. If you have some extra time in the city and would like to see more of its amazing artistic heritage, we can include a visit to the Ovetari Chapel in the church of the Eremtiani to admire Mantegna's masterful frescoes of St Christoper and St James - blown to smithereens by a World War II bomb but painstakingly restored over the last half a century. Other highlights that we can include on your tour are the city's magnificent Baptistery, where Giusto da Menabuoi's depictions of heaven are amongst the wackiest examples of Medieval cosmology anywhere.

During the tour, we will visit the Piazza dei Signori, the historic centre of the city, where you will see the Palazzo della Ragione, an impressive Gothic building that is considered one of the greatest examples of medieval architecture in Italy. We will also visit the famous Basilica of St. Anthony, an impressive church that is home to some of the most important works of art in the city. Our certified tour guide will also take you through the beautiful Prato della Valle neighbourhood, which is a Renaissance-style square surrounded by canals and gardens. Here, you will enjoy the beautiful view of the Basilica of Santa Giustina and Monte Venda, which is one of the highest hills in the region.