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Padova & Venezia

Padova is known for the Scrovegni Chapel, with 13th-century frescoes by Giotto, and for the stunning 13th-century Basilica of St. Anthony, with Byzantine-style domes and remarkable works of art. Padua's old town is characterized by arcades, chic cafés and good restaurants.

Venezia (Venice) was built on more than 100 small islands in an Adriatic lagoon. There are almost exclusively canals as traffic routes, including the Canale Grande with its Renaissance and Gothic palaces. At the central St. Mark's Square is the St. Mark's Basilica with Byzantine mosaics and the bell tower, from which a wonderful view over the red roofs of the city can be enjoyed.

1. Sights Padova

The cathedral of Padova, the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is west of the Piazza delle Erbe, a little off the center. It is plain on the outside and rather plain on the inside. Quite different, the adjacent baptistery. From the outside it almost looks like an orthodox church - and from the inside it also makes the impression due to the numerous wall frescoes and the huge painted dome. You can hardly get enough of it. The Battistero is a Padova attraction not to be missed.

The large square, called Prato della Valle, is one of the largest inner-city squares in Europe. An immense oval is encircled with statues representing all the famous men who have taught and learned here. A moat runs around the oval. On the four bridges that lead up, popes and doges stand colossal, the rest, smaller, are set by guilds, private individuals, and strangers.

The Basilica of Saint Justina (Basilica Santa Giustina) is located directly on the Prato della Valle. Santa Giustina was an early Christian martyr. The first church was built over her grave as early as the 5th century. Today's basilica belongs as an abbey church to a Benedictine monastery and is one of the largest churches in the world.

Caffè Pedrocchi - Sumptuous 19th-century café serving coffee, cocktails, savory dishes and desserts. The café is in the centre, near Piazza Cavour.

Link: https://padovacultura.padovanet.it/ - Information on attractions and museums of Padova

The Scrovegni Chapel is a small, rather inconspicuous church from the outside, but inside there is an absolute treasure on 900 square meters: Giotto not only painted a Last Judgment here between 1303 and 1305, but also three picture cycles from the history of salvation: The life of Mary, the childhood of Jesus and of course the passion story. The frescoes are impressive, with rich detail, colors. The realism in facial expressions and gestures was revolutionary for the early 14th century.

The Civic Museums of the Eremitani (Musei civici agli Eremitani) is a museum complex in Piazza Eremitani. The city museums include the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art. Since 1985 it has been housed in the cloister of the former Hermitage monastery. For several years, the opposite, interesting "Palazzo Zuckermann" and the Museo Bottacin belong to the municipal museums. Attached to the complex is the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's famous cycle of frescoes.

Link: http://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it/ - Information on the Cappella degli Scrovegni chapel

The political center of the city was unmistakably the Palazzo della Ragione, near the Piazza delle Erbe. He still shows his medieval face today. There is still a market in the basement where you can buy all kinds of culinary delicacies. The upper floor is a museum and you can admire the large council chamber. The building was designed as a market and court building, later it was mainly used for representative purposes. In the first half of the 15th century the hall was decorated with a cycle of frescoes with allegories, astrological and religious symbols. The Palazzo della Ragione is surrounded by three squares: the Piazza delle Erbe to the south, the Piazza della Frutta to the north and the Piazza dei Signori with the clock tower to the west. In the area of these three squares there are bars and various good restaurants.

By far one of Padova's most important sights is the Basilica of Saint Anthony (Basilica di Sant'Antonio), built in the 13th century, after the saint's death. Every year, three million pilgrims from all over the world come to Padua to pray at the tomb of one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. In the course of time, the church was continually expanded with side aisles, domes, towers, and so a complex complex was created that is well worth seeing.

Link: https://www.santantonio.org/de - Information on the Basilica of Sant'Antonio di Padova, information also in English.

Not far from the Basilica of Saint Anthony is the botanical garden of Padova (Orto Botanico), which is well worth seeing. Today, partially covered with glass, it is the oldest botanical garden of its kind. It was created in 1545 as a garden for the University of Padova and was used to study plants, including their medicinal uses.

Link: https://www.ortobotanicopd.it/en/ - Padova Botanical Garden, information also in English.

2. Sights Venise (Venezia)

The Canal Grande meanders through the city for almost 4 km. The width of the canal varies between 30 and 70 meters. The Lagoon City's main waterway separates the sestieri of San Marco, Cannaregio and Castello (on the left) from the districts of Dorsoduro, San Polo & Santa Croce, which lie on the right side of the canal. The Canal Grande is lined with more than 200 stately palaces that characterize the entire cityscape. A gondola ride on the Grand Canal and the surrounding smaller canals is another highlight of a stay in Venice.

The Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the city, is one of the most famous buildings in the lagoon city and therefore a highlight of Venice. The name of the bridge comes from the Rialto district in San Polo, which several centuries ago was one of the most important trading centers in Venice.

The Quartier Sestiere Cannaregio is located in the north of the city and is easy to reach on foot from the train station. Strolling through this district you can admire the following monuments: Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo - Chiesa degli scalzi - Santuario di Santa Lucia - Palazzo Labia (building realized in the 17th century. In the ballroom you can admire frescoes by Gianbattista Tiepolo) - Palazzo Savorgnan - Il ponte delle Guglie - Il Ghetto ebraico di Venezia (one of the historically and culturally most interesting areas of the city) - Museo Ebraico - Casa del Tintoretto (here you can admire the house of one of the protagonists of Venetian art: the Tintoretto) - Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto (one of the most important monuments of Venice. A prestigious 13th century architecture)

The Gran Teatro La Fenice opened in 1792 after what had previously been the city's most important opera house was destroyed by fire. Towards the end of the 20th century, the opera house suffered the same fate as its predecessor. Using photos and film documents, the Teatro La Fenice has been reconstructed true to the original down to the smallest detail and opera operations resumed in 2004.

Link: https://www.teatrolafenice.it/en/ - Theater La Fenice Venezia

Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Another highlight of Venice, especially for art lovers, is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The modern art collection is housed in the beautiful Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal and opened as a museum in 1980. Here you can admire works of art by Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian and Hans Arp, among others.

Link: https://www.guggenheim-venice.it/ Peggy Guggenheim Museum

In the Republic of Venice, associations, guilds, guilds and other spiritual and charitable associations were called scuole. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the best preserved scuole in Venice. Inside there are wall and ceiling paintings by the famous Italian painter Tintoretto. Visiting the paintings in chronological order begins in the Sala dell'Albergo, which houses works by Tintoretto created between 1564 and 1567. Then continue to see other works in the Sala Superior and Sala Terrana.

Ca Pesaro Museum. Absolutely recommendable for lovers of modern art of the 20th century. The sculpture collection is overwhelmingly good. The paintings are also well chosen and coordinated.

Link: https://capesaro.visitmuve.it/en/home/ - Ca Pesaro Museum

3. San Marco in Venise

St. Mark's Square

The most important and probably most famous square in Venice is 175 meters long and 82 meters wide. The image of St. Mark's Square, which was once called the salon of Europe, is characterized by the Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Church), which also gives the square its name. During the peak tourist season, St. Mark's Square is populated by countless tourists, photographers and pigeons.

St. Mark's Basilica

The Basilica di San Marco was the central state sanctuary of the former Republic of Venice. A special recognition feature of St. Mark's Basilica are its five domes. But not only from the outside, also from the inside the Byzantine-style church is full of sights: Numerous mosaics, paintings and altars, above all the imposing gold antependium of the high altar, the so-called Pala d'oro, decorate the church interior, which is divided into three naves.

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of the highlights in Venice. At the time of the Republic of Venice, the palace was a symbol of the power, art and culture of the empire. The highest official of the Republic, the Doge, ruled here. The Palazzo Ducale, founded in the 11th century, was originally a castle. Only in the 15th century did it get its Gothic design.

The Campanile di San Marco is part of St. Mark's Basilica. With a height of 98.6 meters, it is the tallest building in the entire city of Venice. In its original function, the spire served as a lighthouse for ships approaching the lagoon. From the campanile you can see the entire lagoon.

Bridge of Sighs

Because the bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons), prisoners before imprisonment could take their last glimpse of freedom from the bridge with a deep sigh, hence the name: Bridge of Sighs. The Bridge of Sighs is 11 meters long and clearly visible from the sea promenade. Access to the Bridge of Sighs is gained by visiting the Doge's Palace.

Link: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/ - Basilica of San Marco

Link: https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/ - Doge's Palace

Link: https://correr.visitmuve.it/en/home/ - Museo Correr

4. Islands around Venise

The Lido di Venezia is a 4 km² offshore coastal strip that separates Venice from the open Adriatic Sea. As early as the 19th century, the strip developed into an elegant bathing resort with numerous luxury hotels.

Murano consists of seven islands connected by bridges. Here too we find the typical Venetian appearance. Murano is best known for its glass art. Many residents of these islands work in one of the traditional glass blowing workshops and export their goods all over the world. Access is only possible by boat. Water buses run regularly from the center of Venice to this island (journey time a few minutes).Many tourists go to Murano, and then on to the islands of Burano or Torcello, which are also worth seeing.

5. Restaurants

Restaurants in Padova:

Ristorante Belle Parti

Excellent cuisine, romantic ambience, friendly service.

Address Via Belle Parti 11, Padova

Phone +39 049 875 18 22

Rest day Sunday

Tola Rasa- Restaurant

Really unusual, stylish interior design, with furnishings that have been thought through down to the smallest detail. Cuisine at a high level.

Address Via Vicenza 7, Padova

Phone +39 049 72 30 32

Fuel Ristorante in Prato

The restaurant is situated near the Prato, but despite its central location, this restaurant is excellent. The food is excellent and the staff is very friendly.

Address Prato della Valle 4/5, Padova

Phone +39 393 916 30 28

Rest day Sunday

Restaurants in Venise:

Estro- Restaurant

The modern wine bar with kitchen is located away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Venice. For lunch and dinner, Mediterranean and regional dishes are served with organic wines. Warm welcome, super friendly and experienced service.

Address Calle Crosera, sestiere Dorsoduro 3778, Venezia

Phone +39 041 476 49 14

Rest day Tuesday

Wistèria- Restaurant

Perfect service. Fish restaurant with outstanding food. good wines. Super nice location.

Address Fondamenta del Forner, sestiere San Polo 2908, Venezia

Phone +39 041 524 33 73

Rest day Wednesday

Ai Gondolieri- Restaurant

Located behind the Guggenheim Museum, this rustic establishment presents an imaginative menu (without fish dishes) of classic and Venetian tradition.

Address Fondamenta de l'Ospedaleto, sestiere Dorsoduro 366, beim Ponte del Formager, Venezia

Phone +39 041 528 63 96

Antinoo's Lounge & Restaurant

The designer restaurant in the luxury hotel Centurion Palace right on the Grand Canal spoils its guests with colourful, modern and creative dishes.

Address Calle del Bastion, sestiere Dorsoduro 173, Venezia

Phone +39 390 413 42 81

Vini da Gigio- Restaurant

In the district of Cannaregio, rustic atmosphere and informal service in a restaurant with visible kitchen that offers meat and fish dishes. Absolutely perfect friendly service. Extensive menu and daily recommendations

Address Calle Stua Cannaregio, sestiere Cannaregio 3628, Venezia

Phone +39 041 528 51 40

Rest day Tuesday

La Colombina- Restaurant

Small trattoria. Traditional cuisine with a modern touch. Authentic atmosphere. Away from tourism, you can sit outside and enjoy great food, that's what you'll find here.

Address Campiello del Pegoloto, sestiere Cannaregio 1828, Venezia

Phone +39 041 522 26 16

Rest day Wednesday

Ai Mercanti- Restaurant

Tucked away in a small courtyard in the center you will find this family run restaurant. Contemporary imaginative and appealing cuisine. Interesting value for money.

Address Corte Coppo, sestiere San Marco 4346/a, Venezia

Phone +39 041 523 82 69

Rest day Sunday and Monday

Bistrot De Venise

Cozy atmosphere, in a typical local. Great restaurant with excellent food

Address Calle dei Fabbri, sestiere San Marco 4685, Venezia

Phone +39 041 523 66 51

L'Osteria di Santa Marina

Osteria with many good fish dishes. Traditional, innovative and creative. Great service, very attentive and friendly.

Address Campo Santa Marina, sestiere di Castello 5911, Venezia

Phone +39 041 528 52 39

Rest day Sunday

Local- Restaurant

Excellent food and very friendly and attentive service. Successful compositions from Venetian, Canarian and Asian influences.

Address Salizzada dei Greci, sestiere Castello 3303, Venezia

Phone +39 041 241 11 28

Rest day Monday and Tuesday

Hostaria da Franz

The restaurant is small but cosy. The food and the service are good. The fish dishes, based on the catch of the day, are announced verbally.

Address Salizada Sant'Antonin, sestiere Castello 3499, Venezia

Phone +39 041 522 08 61

Trattoria Corte Sconta

Nice trattoria with a centuries-old vine in the vine arbor in the inner courtyard, which is open in the summer. Good typical cuisine from Venice and the sea.

Address Calle del Pestrin, sestiere Castello 3886, Venezia

Phone +39 041 522 70 24

Rest day Sunday and Monday

Locanda Cipriani

The detour from Venice to Torcello is one of the highlights, it is a wonderful balance to the hustle and bustle in Venice. The restaurant is extremely well-kept, dignified and relies on understatement. The enchanting, lovingly tended garden with pomegranate trees, flowers and herbs invites you to linger. Good food and service.

Address Piazza Santa Fosca 29, Torcello

Phone +39 041 73 01 50

Rest day Tuesday

Oniga- Restaurant

Good Italian food with traditional dishes. Exceptionally attentive and friendly staff. Restaurant is located at Piazza "Campo San Barnaba", vaporetto stop at Canal Grande "Cà Rezzonico".

Address Dorsoduro 2855, Venezia

Phone +39 041 522 44 10

La Bitta- Restaurant

Delicious food at good prices. Friendly staff.

Address C. Lunga S. Barnaba 2753/A, Venezia

Phone +39 041 523 05 31

Rest day Sunday

Trattoria Pizzeria Pan e Vino

Small trattoria with good, typical Italian food. Friendly staff. Delicious food at average prices.

Address C. Lunga S. Barnaba 2861, Venezia

Phone +39 041 312 00 45

6. Events

Events in Padova:

Future Vintage Festival
La Fiera delle Parole
Sherwood Festival
Padua Marathon

Events in Venice:

In addition to the film festival, the carnival in Venice is one of the annual highlights. The Venetian form of the Christian festival becomes something very special thanks to the world-famous masks and impressive fireworks. The origins of the carnival in Venice lie in the 12th century and thus deep in the past. The renaissance of the Venetian carnival was initiated by the film Casanova at the 1979 Biennale. The carnival takes place every year at the end of January at the beginning of February.
Venice Film Festival
Biennale Arte di Venezia (International Art Exhibition in Venice, from May to November)