Things to Do in Padua

The largest public square in Italy is in the city of Padua, although Prato della Valle is much more of an oval than a proper square. The huge space of more than 96,800 square feet (9,000 square meters) has an island in the middle that's surrounded by a canal that has rows of statues on either side. This was once a swampy area, but in the late 18th century, a drainage system was installed and the piazza took on its present look.

 

There are 78 statues in the Prato della Valle set in two rings, including one dedicated to the man whose idea it was to drain the swamp and build the piazza. There are bridges over the canal so people can walk to the island – Isola Memmia. It's often the site of local festivals.

Padua is an Italian city often overlooked by its famous neighbors (Venice and Verona, to name a few) but is a destination in its own right — full of history, culture, and art. The Scrovegni Chapel is perhaps its best example of this, with an exquisite fresco cycle by Giotto that dates back to the early 14th century. The work is widely considered a masterpiece of Western art.

Decorated with ornate biblical scenes, mostly depicting the lives of Mary and Jesus, the colors and detail are well preserved — having undergone extensive renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also allegorical depictions of the Vices and Virtues. Only 25 people at a time are allowed into the rooms which contain the works, and they are situated in tightly-controlled micro climates.

Scenes are displayed chronologically, with special attention paid to facial expressions of those surrounding key figures. Look closely at the shading and placement of light as well, often leading the eye to where it is intended to focus. The masterful work, which has delighted observers for more than seven centuries, is an excellent example of storytelling through visual art.