Reaching the historic university city of Padua from Casa Luna is a surprisingly simple and stress-free experience. The Montegrotto Terme train station (Terme Euganee) is located just 100 meters from your apartment's front door: take a short walk, hop on one of the very frequent regional trains, and in just 10 to 12 minutes by the clock, you will arrive at Padua Central Station—without worrying about traffic or finding a parking spot. In this guide, we suggest the perfect walking itinerary to experience the best of Padua in a single day.

🎨 Stop 1: Morning Between Ancient Art and Historic Squares

Upon arrival at Padua Central Station, the itinerary begins by walking down the main avenue towards the pedestrianised historic centre (or taking the convenient SIR1 Tram from the station square):

• The Scrovegni Chapel (Padua Urbs Picta): Giotto's absolute masterpiece (1303–1305) and the heart of Padua's UNESCO World Heritage site. Commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni to atone for his father Reginaldo's sins of usury, the chapel mesmerises visitors with its starry vault painted in precious lapis lazuli blue. The visit includes about 15 minutes in a microclimate compensation room to protect the frescoes before entering the chapel. Essential Note: online ticket booking is mandatory and must be done several days in advance.

• Caffè Pedrocchi (The "Doorless Cafe"): Continuing towards the centre, stop for a famous "Pedrocchi Coffee" at the historic Risorgimento café founded in 1831 (called "doorless" because it was originally open 24 hours a day). It is an espresso served with a creamy emulsion of mint milk and a dusting of cocoa, strictly to be drunk without stirring!

• The Historic Squares: From there, you will find yourself in the beating heart of the city: Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, dominated by the majestic Palazzo della Ragione, and the nearby Piazza dei Signori with its iconic astronomical Clock Tower.

🧺 Stop 2: Lunch and Food Shopping "Sotto il Salone"

Lunchtime is the perfect occasion to discover Padua's food and wine culture:

• Europe's Oldest Covered Market: On the ground floor of Palazzo della Ragione (whose upper hanging hall features a roof shaped like an overturned ship's hull and is one of the largest in the world), you will find "Sotto il Salone", a covered market active continuously since 1218. Here you will find dozens of traditional shops: delicatessens, butchers, cheesemongers, and wine bars.

• An Aperitif and a Typical Snack: It is the ideal place to enjoy an aperitivo with a glass of Euganean Hills wine or a Spritz, accompanied by local cicchetti, warm tramezzini sandwiches, or a platter of local cheeses and cold cuts (such as Padovan hen or Venetian cod). It is also the perfect place to buy gourmet souvenirs to bring back to Casa Luna!

🕌 Stop 3: Afternoon Towards the Basilica of Saint Anthony and Prato della Valle

In the afternoon, strolling along the characteristic arcaded streets, head towards the southern area of the centre:

• The Basilica of Saint Anthony ("Il Santo"): Locals simply call him "Il Santo" (The Saint). It is one of the most important and visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The Basilica strikes visitors with its extraordinary architecture fusing Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine dome styles. Inside, it preserves bronze sculptural masterpieces by Donatello, the Chapel of Relics, and charming cloisters.

• Prato della Valle: Just a few steps from the Basilica opens up one of the largest and most elegant squares in Europe (90,000 square meters). At its centre lies Isola Memmia, an elliptical island surrounded by a canal adorned with 78 statues of illustrious figures linked to the city's history (including Galileo Galilei, who taught at the University of Padua for 18 years, which he described as "the best of his life"). It is the locals' favourite spot for a walk or to relax with an gelati.

• 🔗 From our Blog: Find the step-by-step detailed map of this walking route in our dedicated article: Beyond the Spas: A Day in Padua

ℹ️ Practical Info: Trains, Trams, and Timetables

• Trains from Montegrotto to Padua: Regional and Fast Regional trains depart from Terme Euganee-Montegrotto station approximately every 20–30 minutes throughout the day. Tickets cost only a few Euros and can be easily purchased at the station or via the Trenitalia app.

• Getting Around Padua: Padua's historic centre is entirely pedestrianised and easily explored on foot. Alternatively, right outside Padua station, you can take the Tram (Line SIR1) and get off at Eremitani (for Scrovegni), Pontivichi/Candiani (for the Squares), or Santo / Prato della Valle.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Visiting Padua from Casa Luna

• Is it really that much easier to go to Padua by train than by car?
  Answer: Undoubtedly yes. Padua's historic centre is protected by a large Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) with cameras, and parking near the centre is very expensive. The train takes only 10 minutes from Montegrotto station (100 metres from Casa Luna) and drops you directly in the centre stress-free.

• How far in advance should I book the Scrovegni Chapel?
  Answer: It is recommended to book online at least 3–5 days in advance during low season and at least 1–2 weeks prior during peak periods (spring, bank holidays, and autumn weekends).

• Are the shops "Sotto il Salone" open every day?
  Answer: Traditional shops Sotto il Salone are open from Monday to Saturday (morning and afternoon). On Sundays, the market is closed, but the surrounding squares and venues remain lively and open for dining.

Explore History and Return to Thermal Relaxation

After a day packed with art, arcaded walks, and shopping in Padua, returning to Casa Luna takes just 10 minutes by train. Imagine the comfort of dropping off your shopping bags, relaxing in the generous space of a 130 sqm 3-bedroom apartment, and enjoying the peace of Montegrotto Terme away from city crowds.

💡 By booking your stay directly on our official website, you are guaranteed the best rate and a special 15% discount.