Our Padova

Padova is home. It's an ancient Roman city layered with Medieval and Romanesque structures and the town St. Anthony and Galileo also called home.

In the historic center we introduce you to our favorite market vendors and the very best Veneto cuisine. Come spritz with us and discover the hidden gems of this alluring, but not overly touristic city.

Things to See

Palazzo Ragione/Piazza delle Erbe/Piazza dei Frutti- the main squares and food market in the center of town Palazzo Ragione is the largest unsupported medieval ceiling in the world

Il Duomo- Don't miss the paid entrance baptistery!

Capella Scrovigni- amazingly well-preserved frescos from the 1300’s depicting Jesus’ life by painter Giotto

Palazzo del Bo’- University of Padova dates back to 1222 with the first permanent anatomical theater in the world. Galileo Galilei spent “the best 18 years of his life” teaching at the university and the first woman to earn a college degree in the world graduated from here. Tours are offered in English.

Prato delle Valle- the largest and most beautiful square in Italy

Basilica Sant’Antonio- the ornate church where Saint Anthony is buried

Orto Botanico- the world’s oldest botanical garden still in its original location, founded in 1545

Galileo's Lecturne

Our Favorite Restaurants

Belle Parti- elegant and romantic, our favorite
Sant’Agnese- all fish, (only 6 tables)
Vecchio Falconiere- meat and the best beef tartare
Mario e Mercedes- best in summer when the grill is fired up
Pescaria Adriatica- fish market with a restaurant upstairs top quality fish and crudo
Testamatta- mainly fish
Trattoria San Pietro- Milanese veal cutlet and more
Caffè Pedrocchi- great for lunch, coffee or a spritz in a historic belle époque building
L’Anfora- our favorite pasta e fagiole, but all the traditional dishes are top
Antico Brolo- owner a Formula One enthusiast
Il Padovano- newly renovated and modernized, everything from salads to grilled aged meat
Osteria del Capo- casual traditional Veneto cuisine
Le Calandre- Michelin 3 -star in Rubano

Mario e Mercedes

Pescheria Adriatica

Pizza

Marechiaro- nice courtyard and excellent Neapolitan pizza and pasta
Two famous pizerrie from Napoli have opened Padova outlets, both high quality: Gino Sorbello and Da Michele

Food Shopping

Sotto il Salone- food shops in Piazza Erbe and in the ground floor of Palazzo Ragione. Our favorites are Bottega Veneta, Pescheria Adriatica, Macellaio Paolo and Gastronomia Marcolin
Salumeria al Carmine-The passionate Silvio has everything: cheeses, meats, prepared foods, wine, jarred items.
Pasticceria Giotto- the best coffee, breakfast pastries and desserts all made by inmates of the Padova Prison
Graziati- for their famous mille foglie
Bottega del Pane- breads and more

Hotels

Majestic Hotel Toscanelli
Palazzo Mantua Benavides- well located, suites with kitchens, the opportunity to stay in an historic but renovated villa
Suites Isola Memmia- on Prato delle Valle. Only 2 rooms.