Beyond the Spas: A Day in Padua

If you have chosen Casa Luna for your wellness stay in Montegrotto Terme, you already know that a deep relaxation awaits you among beneficial waters and the quiet of the Euganean Hills. But there is a world of history, art, and culture waiting for you just a breath away from here: the magnificent city of Padua. With its vibrant university atmosphere and an incredible historical heritage, Padua is the perfect destination for a day trip, easily reachable by train or car in just a few minutes. Leave your bathrobe and slippers behind for a few hours and get ready to explore one of the most fascinating cities in Veneto!

A Journey through Art and Faith: The Basilica of Saint Anthony

Your visit can only begin with the majestic Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of the most venerated shrines in the world and an architectural masterpiece that mixes Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. Its imposing facade and oriental domes will welcome you in an atmosphere of grandeur. Inside, in addition to the Saint's Tomb, a destination for millions of pilgrims every year, you will be struck by the richness of the artworks: admire the frescoes by Giotto in the Chapel of the Black Madonna and, above all, the bronze sculptures by Donatello on the high altar, true milestones of the Italian Renaissance. Take the necessary time to explore the suggestive cloisters, such as the Cloister of the Chapter and the Cloister of the Novitiate, which offer corners of peace and architectural beauty. The basilica is a place of deep spirituality and inestimable artistic value. https://www.santantonio.org/it

The Starry Universe of Giotto: The Scrovegni Chapel

Prepare yourself for an indescribable emotion. The Scrovegni Chapel is an absolute jewel, considered one of the pinnacles of Western art and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, Giotto, with his revolutionary genius, painted a cycle of frescoes that narrates the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The vivid colors, the pioneering three-dimensionality, and the expressiveness of the faces and figures will envelop you in a unique visual and spiritual experience, almost like entering a three-dimensional illustrated book. Every scene is a masterpiece of storytelling. It is fundamental to know that the visit is restricted to preserve the frescoes and takes place only by reservation with a set time; therefore, planning in advance is indispensable! https://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it/index.php/it/

The Beating Heart of the City: Prato della Valle

After so much art and spirituality, treat yourself to a walk in Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe and an iconic symbol of Padua. This elliptical square is a real outdoor living room, a green island surrounded by a water canal overlooked by as many as 78 statues depicting illustrious figures linked to the history of Padua, from men of letters to scientists, from artists to leaders. It is the ideal place for a relaxing walk, for jogging, for a picnic on the grass, or for enjoying the sun on a bench. It often hosts antique markets, cultural events, and concerts, coming even more alive. In summer, its vast extension and the presence of water make it a pleasant and refreshing place. https://www.comune.padova.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/prato-della-valle

Knowledge and Beauty: The Botanical Garden and the University

Not far from Prato della Valle is the Botanical Garden of Padua, another gem recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest university botanical garden in the world, founded in 1545. Here you can walk among an incredible variety of plant species, some very rare and centuries-old, coming from every corner of the planet. It is a place of extraordinary beauty and scientific importance, a true living laboratory and an oasis of peace where nature is the protagonist. Then continue towards the beating heart of the University of Padua (Bo), one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1222. Explore the suggestive courtyard of Palazzo del Bo, where centuries of knowledge can be breathed. Do not miss the famous Anatomical Theater, the first permanent structure for the study of anatomy (1594), a place that testifies to the importance of Padua as a center of medical excellence. Here Galileo Galilei taught for a good 18 years, leaving an indelible mark on the history of science. https://ortobotanico1545.it/

The Markets and Squares: Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta

For an authentic immersion in Paduan daily life, do not miss Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta. These two vibrant twin squares, divided by the grand Palazzo della Ragione, have been the commercial and social heart of the city since the Middle Ages. Every day, the historical market pulses here, where you can find very fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, and a wide range of items. It is an explosion of colors, scents, and voices. Under the monumental Palazzo della Ragione, in the "Salone," you will discover an immense space that once housed the courts and the indoor market. Admire its fascinating astrological clock and the giant wooden horse, which will make you take a step back in time. These squares are also perfect for a coffee or an aperitif, observing the coming and going of people. https://www.comune.padova.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/piazza-delle-erbe

A Sip of History: The Historical Caffè Pedrocchi

Conclude your day with a break at Caffè Pedrocchi, a Paduan institution and a national monument. Known as the "doorless" café because it was once open day and night, it was for centuries the meeting point for intellectuals, university students, artists, and patriots. It played a key role in the events of the Italian Risorgimento. Inside, its rooms in different styles (white, red, black) will transport you to past eras. Taste its famous mint coffee, a unique specialty, or enjoy an aperitif immersed in the atmosphere of a place that made the history of Italy. https://www.caffepedrocchi.it/

How to Reach Padua from Montegrotto Terme

Reaching Padua from Casa Luna is extremely simple:

• By Train: The Montegrotto Terme railway station is well connected with Padua. Trains are frequent and the journey lasts only a few minutes. It is the most comfortable and fastest way to avoid traffic and parking.

• By Car: Padua is a short drive away, but keep in mind the limited traffic zones (ZTL) in the historical center and the difficulty of finding parking. It might be useful to park at the edge of the ZTL and continue on foot or by public transport.

A day in Padua is an experience that enriches your wellness stay, offering you a perfect balance between thermal relaxation and cultural stimuli. Do not miss the opportunity to discover this pearl of Veneto!

Read our Pillar article: Art Cities by Train: Strategic Itineraries from Montegrotto

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