Sighseeing
Basilica di Sant'Antonio
This massive structure accommodates a wealth of lovely frescoes, pieces of art, tombs, inlaid marble floors, and a number of other treasures in its heart. The cathedral was built and dedicated to the patron of the town, St. Anthony, who is popularly referred to as "il Santo". Born in Lisbon in the end of the 12th century, he spent his last days here, and died just outside the city. The construction of the cathedral began almost right after his death yet it was not finished until 1307. It features 8 domes, which remind the Byzantine influenced architecture of San Marco Basilica in Venice, built two centuries earlier. Two octagonal bell towers furthermore add to its eastern appeal. Inside, the high altar is decorated with seven bronze statues and a "Crucifixion", designed by Donatello himself.
Caffè Pedrocchi
Visiting Padua without stopping by at Caffe Pedrocchi is like visiting Venice without popping up into the Palace of the Doges. It is the town's favourite landmark, and Paduans love it the way they honour their saint patron. Established in 1831, it was by the time the biggest of its kind on the continent. Celebrated literary and political figures together with local celebrities turned this café into their command post. Among the frequent visitors was Stendal, who referred to this place when writing, "The best Italian cafe is almost as good as the Parisian ones." According to others however, it was unquestionably the loveliest café in the world. During the WWII it was however heavily bombed and therefore had to be rebuilt yet with respect to its original neoclassical architecture and design. After a painstaking renovation process, it reopened in 1998. Today it is once again the social milestone of the city.
Scrovegni Chapel
This chapel is definitely a must-see when in town, especially for the art lovers. Don't give up to the long lines during the summer, because what you will see inside is definitely worth it. Entry is given only to small groups of maximum 25 people at a time. The tour is shamefully very brief, especially in the high season only some fifteen minutes, so be sure to check when purchasing the tickets and plan accordingly. Inside, among the best known treasures is the recently restored cycle of lovely frescoes by Giotto, considered one of the greater masters of earlier renaissance art and the guy who modernized 14-th century painting.
Church of the Hermits
Considered by the historians one of the most important artistic legacies in the country, the Chiesa degli Eremitani was completely destroyed during the bombings in the World War II in 1944. The church was amazingly restored according to the original 13th century Romanesque architecture, yet the splendid frescoes by the young Andrea Mantegna were lost. The only fragments left are in the corner of the Ovetari Chapel. Remains of the frescoes by Mantegna are to be see right of the chancel. Painted in the mid 15th century these frescoes were considered one of the most important cultural treasures in Italy. A native Paduan son, Mantegna was a student of the famous Florentine master Donatello, who stayed in Padua, while carrying out his commissions for the Basilica di Sant'Antonio and the celebrated equestrian statue, which now decorates the central piazza. Today the church hosts a number of musical concerts.
Law Courts
Situated in close proximity to the famous Caffe Pedrocchi in the historic heart of the city is the splendid Palazzo della Ragione. The palace is surrounded by lovely historic buildings and close to the open-air markets at Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza delle Frutta, the latter being a picturesque fruit market. The palace dates back to the 13th century, standing right in the heart of Padua and signifying its political and commercial core.
