Padova Hotels

Just the religious stuff alone will keep you busy for days. Visit the 13th century Oratorio di San Giorgio for Altichiero frescoes, the 16th century Scuola di San Antonio for Tiziano ones and, for a break from frescoes, the 15th century Basilica di Santa Giustina for the tombs of Saint Justine, Saint Maximus, Saint Urius and Saint Julianus. And if you can find your way through Padova’s tangle of arcaded streets, the 16th century Baroque Padua Synagogue is more heavily embellished than even the wealthiest of Shakespearean wives.

PADOVA’S TOP 10

PADOVA EVENTS

Padova’s maze of streets fills up in March for the Padova Carnival, one of the bigger events in the city’s small social calendar.

Enjoy plays, music and one hell of a party vibe in July/August when the Padova Folk Festival rolls around.

September means Palios and Quintanas medieval festival, complete with drum performances, horse races and ye olde style markets selling ye olde style food.

During Christmas, the cobblestone streets are flooded with lights, nativity scenes and plenty of markets to shop for mum-approved gifts.

WHEN TO GO

• Expect super-warm summers and frosty winters in this city. Summers hit an average of about 28°C (82ºF) and winters 5°C (41ºF).
• January, June and November see the majority of Padova’s rain, and that can be quite a lot.
• If you’re over in winter, prepare for the heavy fogs that shroud Padova in the early morning.

GETTING AROUND

• Public transport includes buses and translohrs (light rail). The buses have plenty of routes, so they’re a great way to move around.
• Grab a PadovaCard for cheaper public transport, access to parking facilities and free entry to various tourist spots around town
• Taxis are pretty much everywhere in Padova – just look for the little white hatchbacks. Prices are a little hefty, so they’re best used sparingly unless you’ve got money to burn.

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