Art and culture in Padua - Best Western Plus Hotel Galileo 4-star

The cycle of frescoes inside the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua is considered one of the masterpieces of Giotto and of Italian and European 14th century painting.

In 1303, Giotto was commissioned to embellish the chapel dedicated to Reginaldo Scrovegni by his son Enrico and, in just 2 years, he created a monumental work with a unique and unrepeatable style that was the basis for a more modern painting.

The Basilica dedicated to Sant'Antonio, patron of the city of Padua, is one of the biggest churches in the world that counts more than 6.5 million pilgrims every year.

The Basilica is characterized by the union of different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, with 8 domes and 2 bell towers. Inside the building is enriched with magnificent frescoes and houses the relics of Sant'Antonio di Padova and his tomb.

The Chatedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or the Duomo of Padua, is embellished with harmonious and bright interiors, although it is simpler than other religious buildings in the city. The Duomo was designed by Michelangelo but the works were entrusted to Andrea della Valle and Agostino Righetti who modified the master's initial project.

The Baptistery is covered with very suggestive frescoes representing scenes from the Gospel, the story of Jesus, Mary and St. John the Baptist while Paradise is depicted in the dome vault.

One of the largest squares in Europe with its 80 thousand square meters, Prato della Valle represents the meeting and relaxation place of the Paduan people.

The square contains a green island, called Memmia Island, surrounded by a canal with 78 statues depicting famous characters from the past.

It represents the historical and main building of the University of Padua which hosted illustrious personalities from the scientific world such as Niccolò Copernico and Galileo Galilei.

There are many areas to visit inside the University such as the Anatomical Theater, the oldest stable anatomical theater in the world, the gallery with its 3000 coats of arms, the reading area...

Symbol of the city of Padua, the Palace was the seat of city courts until 1797. 

The upper floor is occupied by "Il Salone", one of the largest hanging rooms in the world completely frescoed, except for the vaulted wooden ceiling. One of the largest markets in Northern Italy takes place in the Loggia.

Lively and commercial areas, crowded with people and shops to fully experience the city. The squares have been for centuries the commercial center of the city, their name derives precisely from their function in antiquity and, even today, they host one of the largest markets in Italy.

Piazza delle Erbe was also used as a venue for capital executions since the Middle Ages.

The Museums are divided into the Archaeological Museum, where it is possible to admire finds dating back to Roman times found in the area, and the Museum of Modern and Medieval Art which contains more than 3000 paintings by famous artists including Giotto, Tintoretto, Giorgione, Tiziano.

The Museum is located in the rooms of the Episcopal Palace of Padua and houses works from the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and from the churches of the diocesan territory.

The Halls of the Palace themselves are a true work of art adorned with frescoes and representations.

The MUSME is a museum open to the public since 2015 located inside the ancient Hospital of San Francesco.

The museum tells the story of the medical profession from antiquity to the present day using multimedia and interactive techniques that will make young and old happy.