Padua, located in the heart of the Veneto region, is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Although it is an attractive destination all year round, with the arrival of spring the city awakens from its winter hibernation, offering visitors and residents a wealth of attractions.
Spring. The best season to visit Italy, especially northern Italy. In this period the fogs become rarer, the sunny days are longer, and the lush nature begins to blossom.
If you live in Padua , or are thinking of moving there in spring, know that this season will have much to surprise you with.
Of course, we have to start talking about what to do in Padua in springtime by starting with its wonderful gardens. If you have also spent the winter in Padova you may have been there during one of your first visits to the city, so it is your duty to return in the season when they are at their most beautiful.
The historic centre always has a great attraction, you can admire the buildings better from the outside and you might even find some street performers entertaining passers-by. In addition, you can enjoy an aperitif or lunch in an open-air bar or restaurant. The gastronomic scene in Padua is renowned in Italy, with its typical dishes and fine wines.
In general, Padova is a vibrant city full of life, but in spring it is even more so. Regardless of how long you want to stay in the city, you will see that it will not disappoint your expectations.
And now let's find out what to do in Padua in spring.
A walk through the historic centre
Whatever season you decide to live in Padova, you are bound to stroll through its historic centre. Remember that the city has three main squares. The first is Piazza dei Signori, where you will find the famous Palazzo del Capitano. The second is Piazza delle Erbe, where the even more famous Palazzo della Ragione is located. And finally, the third is Piazza dei Frutti, where the market has historically taken place.
Speaking of squares, we have already mentioned some of the city's most important buildings. The Palazzo del Capitano is also home to the astronomical clock, which we recommend you look at carefully. As for the Palazzo della Ragione, this was once the centre of the city's courts and contains the largest medieval hall in all of Europe. Among the most interesting palaces, do not overlook Palazzo Bo, seat of the historic University of Padova.
Also outstanding in the city are the religious sites. The Scrovegni Chapel, a must-see, is a well-preserved testimony to Giotto's work. Just as the Duomo and Baptistery, although slightly overshadowed by more historically important buildings, are well worth a visit.
We said overshadowed because Padova is in fact home to the Basilica of St Anthony. This sacred place, since this is where his relics are kept, has always been a well-known pilgrimage destination. In addition to its great religious value, the complex is also fascinating from an architectural and artistic point of view, which is why you absolutely must admire it on a beautiful sunny spring day.
Gardens in Padua
Speaking of what to do in Padova in spring, we come to the biggest attraction of this season, nature. There are two main spots where you can admire it in the city.
The first stop is undoubtedly Prato della Valle, the city's iconic gardens located in the largest square in Padova and in the whole of Europe. Just think that, in terms of size, it is second only to Moscow's Red Square!
The evergreen island within it is called Isola Memmia, as this was the name of the podestà who commissioned the construction work. Also speaking of the city's past are the 78 statues of famous people that adorn the square.
Memmo's idea was to redevelop the space by creating an environment suitable for the town's gathering, which could also host events and fairs. Needless to say, he created something truly unique.
The second naturalistic stop is the University Botanical Garden. If you are still wondering what to do in Padova in spring, this is part of the answer. The garden was founded in the mid-1500s, and this fact guarantees it the primacy as the oldest botanical garden in the world that is still in its original location.
Its function is to preserve biodiversity, so much so that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 6,000 specimens can be found here, including 3,500 botanical species, some of them exotic.
The Villas of Padua and its Province
In the province of Padova there are countless villas of immense historical and cultural value. On a Saturday or sunny Sunday, you can dedicate the day to visiting one or more of these villas, perhaps taking advantage of the extraordinary openings organised by the Padova FAI.
Around Padova there are several important complexes such as, for example, the Ex Convento delle Maddalene, founded at the end of the 14th century and whose church and cloisters are still visible. Among the historical residences in the area, the Massimago Tower, also from the 14th century, which was part of the city's defensive walls, also stands out.
The area of the Euganean Hills, located south of Padova, is a hilly area with dozens and dozens of villas and historical residences.
We can mention the Palazzo Papafava of Carraresi, a historic residence that stands out in an elegant garden. A stunning example of 18th-century art and architecture. Another stop could be Villa Contarini Giovanelli Venier, located in the municipality of Vo' Vecchio, which has always stood in a pass area between the Berici Hills and the Euganean Hills.
Another wonderful building with an adjoining garden is Villa Barbarigo-Pizzoni Ardemani, located in Galzignano Terme. It is very interesting for its symbolic garden dating back to the 17th century.
Also of great interest is the Casa del Petrarca, less architecturally striking but certainly worth seeing if you live in Padova for a while. It was here, in the tranquillity and peace of the Euganean Hills, that the Petrarca decided to live out his last years of life.
The Castles of Padua and its surroundings
What to do in Padova in springtime if not visit a medieval castle? Yes, the province is not only home to important historical villas. Going back in time, this area has always been inhabited and we can still find preserved remains from previous centuries.
If you want to stay in the city, you can dedicate a few hours to visiting the city walls of Padua. This is the defensive complex whose construction began in the 10th century and is still visible today. Here it is still possible to walk the patrol walkway, an experience not to be underestimated as it is only possible to do this in very few other places.
We then move on to the Catajo Castle, an immense building containing as many as 350 rooms. Its construction began in the 16th century, and it still represents one of the most imposing and fascinating residences in the Euganean Hills, as well as in Europe. This was even the holiday residence of the Habsburgs of Austria.
We continue with the Monselice Castle, a complex of buildings that also includes the Rocca. The uses to which it has been put over time have been innumerable. It has been a residence, a defensive tower, and a villa.
But the Veneto is full of castles. Also, in the province of Padova you can find Castel San Zeno Mastio di Ezzelino, Castello dei Da Peraga, Castello di Valbona and Castello di San Martino della Vaneza. Not to mention all those you can find by moving a little further afield.
What to do around Padova in spring
Are you tired of history and art? Want some lighter ideas for spending a Sunday outdoors?
If temperatures allow you, you can take out your bike or motorbike and go for a different kind of ride in the Euganean Hills. You can be more in touch with nature and perhaps stop to eat a typical dish along the way. There are many beautiful ancient villages you can stop in if you want to give yourself a destination, such as Arquà Petrarca and Este.
You can even go as far as Lake Garda, about an hour's drive or motorbike ride from Padova. Here you can visit the villages, have an aperitivo in one of the many bars overlooking the lake or try a water or mountain sport. This season is ideal for sports, not too cold and not too hot.
Besides the Euganean Hills you can visit the Berici Hills and the city of Vicenza. Here, too, you can decide whether to dedicate the day to art and history or to an excursion admiring the breathtaking views and ancient villages.
Finally, spring is perfect for visiting Venice, which is about 30 minutes by train from Padova. Strolling along the canals or taking a tour of the bacari is even more enjoyable when the sun is shining outside, and temperatures are mild.
As you can see, Padova is in a strategic location that allows you to quickly reach many beautiful attractions in northern Italy. Living here will not tire you at all!
