Historic Centre

Padova

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

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


Historic Centre Hotel Deals

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

3 out of 5
Via Melchiorre Cesarotti 21, Padova, PD
$77 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$91 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (995 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel with modern refurbished rooms. Spacious, nice breakfast. Excellent value"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
Donatello

Donatello

3 out of 5
Via del Santo, 102/104, Padova, PD
$78 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$92 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (253 reviews)
"A very scenic location and we had the luck of having a view over towards the basilica. Rooms were very clean and spacious. Absolutely loved the place"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Donatello
Hotel Europa

Hotel Europa

4 out of 5
Largo Europa 9, Padova, PD
$108 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
$127 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Total includes taxes and 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! (347 reviews)
"They allowed us to have a late checkout, which was very convenient since we had a late train."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hotel Europa
Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre

4 out of 5
Corso Milano 40, Padova, PD
$149 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
$168 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Total includes taxes and 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! (80 reviews)
"Decent place close to the city center."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre
Maritan Hotel & Spa

Maritan Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Via Gattamelata, 8, Padova, PD
$83 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$98 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (226 reviews)
Modern but a bit far away
"Helpful staff who were happy to provide maps of the city and other help. Room was very modern with powerful AC and walk-in shower. Beds were comfortable if a bit hard for us. Staff replaced towels daily and made beds neatly. Very quiet despite ground level room next to road + hospital. Bathroom could ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

Maritan Hotel & Spa
Hotel Giotto

Hotel Giotto

3 out of 5
P.le Pontecorvo 33, Padova, PD
$57 nightly
The price is $68 total per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
$68 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Total includes taxes and 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! (264 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 neighborhoods 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

5/5(1 area review)

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

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