PADUA: FROM THE SANTO TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
A day to discover Padua through some of the places that best capture its spirit: a city of pilgrimages and devotion, of great artistic masterpieces, of ancient university traditions, and of science.
Our tour will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Prato della Valle; we’ll meet in front of Pasticceria Tombolato, at the “Prato” tram stop.
From here, we’ll head together to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Basilica of Saint Anthony, known simply as “the Saint” to the people of Padua.
Not only one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites, but also an extraordinary treasure trove of art and history, where the figure of Saint Anthony, popular devotion, and the city’s history have been intertwined for nearly eight centuries.
Accompanied by a specialized guide, we will enter the Basilica to discover its history, architecture, works of art, and, of course, the figure of the saint who has made Padua famous throughout the world.
The tour will continue to the nearby Scoletta del Santo, a little gem that is often overlooked by those who visit the city in a hurry and that houses an extraordinary series of paintings dedicated to the life and miracles of Saint Anthony.
Midday, we’ll take a break for a traditional lunch so we can continue to explore Padua through its cuisine and enjoy some time together.
This afternoon, we’ll experience a completely different atmosphere as we step into one of the places that have shaped the history of science: the Botanical Garden of the University of Padua.
Founded in 1545, it is the oldest university botanical garden in the world still located at its original site and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally established for the study of medicinal plants, over the centuries it has become a key center for scientific research, the introduction of species from distant lands, and the dissemination of botanical knowledge.
With a specialized guide, we’ll explore the Orto, going beyond the idea of a simple garden: we’ll enter a place where nature, medicine, academia, travel, and the history of science have come together for nearly five centuries.
At the end of the tour, we’ll head back to Prato della Valle, where our day will come to a close around 5:30 p.m.
THE FEE INCLUDES
Guided tour of the Basilica of St. Anthony and the Scoletta del Santo with a specialized guide
Lunch
Admission and guided tour of the Botanical Garden with a specialized guide
Individual radio headsets
Coordination and organization by NET – Experiences in the Northeast
MEETING POINT
📍 10:30 a.m. – Prato della Valle
In front of Pasticceria Tombolato, at the “Prato” tram stop.
Additional Details
Tips
📍 We’ll meet at 10:30 a.m. in Prato della Valle, in front of Pasticceria Tombolato, at the “Prato” tram stop. We recommend arriving a few minutes early so we can start the tour on time. 🚆 If possible, please travel to Padua by train. From the Padua train station, you can easily reach Prato della Valle by tram; get off at the “Prato” stop, which is practically right in front of our meeting point. If you’re arriving by train, please let us know! If there are several of us, we can coordinate and meet right at the station to head to Prato della Valle together. 🛍️ Please note: There’s a market in Prato della Valle on Saturdays! Our tour takes place on Saturday morning, when Prato della Valle hosts its traditional weekly market. The area will therefore be livelier and more crowded than usual, and there may be traffic delays and greater difficulty finding parking. If you’re arriving by car, we recommend leaving a little early; even better, if possible, take the train to Padua. 🚗 If you're arriving by car, one of the most convenient options is the paid parking lot at Piazza Rabin, right behind Prato della Valle. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk to the meeting point. 👟 Comfortable shoes! We'll be spending the entire day on foot: the distances aren't particularly long, but between the Basilica, the historic center, and the Botanical Garden, we'll be walking and on our feet for several hours. ☔ The event will take place even if it rains. Most of the tour will be indoors, but we’ll be walking between locations, and a significant portion of the tour of the Botanical Garden takes place outdoors. So please check the forecast and dress accordingly. 🍽️ Lunch is included in the price. If you have any allergies, food intolerances, or special dietary needs, please let us know when you make your reservation so we can make the necessary arrangements in advance. ⛪ Please remember that we will be entering a place of worship. For your visit to the Basilica del Santo, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding excessively short garments or those that leave the shoulders completely bare. 🌿 We’re scheduled to finish around 5:30 p.m. in the Prato della Valle area, so we’ll basically be back at the same spot where we started: convenient both for picking up the car and for taking the tram back to the station.
Fee and Notes
The participation fee, which includes lunch, is €85
