Prato della Valle

The basics

Prato della Valle, built on a swamp that was drained during the late 18th century, covers more than 96,800 square feet (9,000 square meters), including its central Isola Memmia and oblong canal lined with 78 statues. Small foot bridges span the canal to make the island walkable, and the entire space, known as Il Prato by locals, is one of the highlights of the city. It is a popular gathering place to relax, in addition to being a venue for local festivals. A number of historic palaces dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including the benedictine Abbey of Santa Giustina and the neoclassical Loggia Amulea, surround the square.

The square is included in small-group Padua walking tours or day trips and shore excursions from nearby Venice, along with other main attractions like the 13th-century Basilica of Saint Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel, decorated with frescoes by Giotto. Tours combining a walk through the historic center of Padua with visits to the nearby Venetian villas on the Brenta riviera are also a popular option, as are excursions exploring the art and architecture of both Padua and Vicenza.

Things to know before you go

*Prato della Valle is a particularly photogenic public space, so be sure to bring your camera. *If you join a walking tour of Padua, opt for comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. *The square is fully accessible to wheelchair users. *This pedestrian space is ideal for kids or families who want to relax or take a walk without having to worry about traffic.

How to get there

Prato della Valle is in Padua’s historic center, an easy walk from the city’s train station and main attractions.

When to get there

The outdoor square is particularly pleasant to visit in summer, when city residents gather here to relax and socialize from early morning to late in the evening.

Padua’s Basilica of Saint Anthony

Padua is also known for its most famous saint, and is home to a basilica holding his remains. The exterior of the church blends Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture, and has domes reminiscent of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Inside, notable artworks include 14th-century frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio and bronze statues by Donatello. Saint Anthony’s remains are housed in the Chapel of St. Anthony.