Historic Centre

Padova

Historic Centre which includes signage and shopping
Prato della Valle which includes a garden, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek
Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova featuring a statue or sculpture, heritage elements and religious aspects
La Specola Observatory featuring landscape views, a city and a river or creek
Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Delve into Padova’s compact historic heart and find a remarkable collection of architectural and cultural landmarks, connected by twisting cobbled streets and broad piazzas. 

Padova’s Historic Centre (Centro Storico) is enriched by the city’s preserved monuments and modern energy. Get involved with the daily action of the city with lively markets, shops, cafés and bars.

The enormous Palazzo della Ragione dominates the district. Built in 1218, this imposing structure formerly housed the city court and a marketplace. The palace is surrounded by three major squares: Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza dei Signori. Wander around the piazzas to find Padova’s daily markets, which have been operating without interruption on this site for more than eight centuries.

Continue exploring to find Palazzo del Bò, the historic home of Padova’s university. The University Botanical Garden is among the world’s oldest botanic displays and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Another impressive structure in Padova’s historic skyline is St. Anthony’s Basilica, a Byzantine-influenced Romanesque edifice built to house the saint’s remains. Nearby, St. George’s Oratory contains an exquisite collection of frescoes. See one of the city’s most prized frescoes in Scrovegni Chapel, which is connected to the Eremitani Civic Museums and the 13th-century Church of the Eremitani.

Don’t miss a visit to one of Europe’s largest town squares, Prato della Valle. Formerly a Roman theater, this 18th-century masterpiece features a canal lined with statues. The scene is completed by the superb architecture of the adjoining Basilica of St. Giustina. See Michelangelo’s touch in the interior design of Padova’s Duomo, which also has a beautiful baptistery. Explore the winding alleys of the Jewish Quarter and find a collection of art galleries and workshops.

The Historic Centre in Padova is the heart of the city and easy to reach via light rail and bus however, it is best explored on foot. Stop off in the district’s bars, cafés and restaurants for quick refreshments or a meal. As evening falls, head to one of the Historic Centre’s piazzas to enjoy an Aperol spritz or other aperitif with the locals.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Historic Centre

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
3 out of 5
Via Melchiorre Cesarotti 21, Padova, PD
The price is P3,842 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P3,842
P4,557 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (987 reviews)
Grab visita
"Muy buena experiencia, una viata increible hacia el duomo, centrico, personal amable Muy recomendado"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
Donatello
Donatello
3 out of 5
Via del Santo, 102/104, Padova, PD
The price is P5,111 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P5,111
P5,953 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (246 reviews)
Great location and good value for money
"Excellent location opposite the Basilica and within easy walking distance to attractions, bars, restaurants shops snd links to public transport . The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The rooms were comfortable and very clean although a little outdated Unfortunately, the tap for the bath/shower ..."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Donatello
Hotel Europa
Hotel Europa
4 out of 5
Largo Europa 9, Padova, PD
The price is P8,113 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
P8,113
P9,387 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony of ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (345 reviews)
A Good Choice for Visiting Padua
"To be honest, we just needed a place to stay whilst in Padua. The hotel ticked all the boxes in terms of service, staff friendliness and room comfort. It’s in process of renovation so I can only imagine it will get even better. The location is located very near to the Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Hotel Europa
Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre
Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre
4 out of 5
Corso Milano 40, Padova, PD
The price is P7,636 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
P7,636
P9,590 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Decent place close to the city center."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre
Hotel Igea
Hotel Igea
3 out of 5
Via Ospedale 87, Padova, PD
The price is P4,868 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P4,868
P5,685 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (288 reviews)
"Personale super cortese."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hotel Igea
Hotel Giotto
Hotel Giotto
3 out of 5
P.le Pontecorvo 33, Padova, PD
The price is P3,846 per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
P3,846
P4,561 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua and Loggia ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (263 reviews)
"Great place, clean and close to many things to do, a little far from the train station but not too bad. Friendly staff and clean facilities."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Hotel Giotto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Historic Centre

City Center Padova featuring heritage architecture and a garden

City Center Padova

Unique features of City Center Padova include the historic sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza del Duomo or Padua Cathedral while you're exploring the area.

City Center Padova
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Arcella

Though Arcella might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palazzo di Giustizia di Padova and Scrovegni Chapel.

Arcella
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Guizza

Guizza might not have many top sights, but Prato della Valle and Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Guizza

Historic Centre