The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Padua, Italy

Beyond its significance as an Antonian pilgrimage destination, Padua holds a unique place in Christian art history as the site of Giotto's revolutionary frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel (c. 1305), which marked the dawn of Renaissance painting and influenced centuries of Western art. The city's 14th-century fresco cycles, collectively designated as "Padua Urbs Picta" (Padua, the Painted City), earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2021, recognizing Padua's unparalleled contribution to the artistic and spiritual transformation of medieval Europe.

St. Anthony, born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal, became one of the most popular saints in Catholic tradition. After joining the Franciscan Order in 1220, he traveled throughout Italy and France preaching against heresy, earning fame as a powerful orator and miracle worker. He spent his final years in Padua, where he died on June 13, 1231, at age 36. Canonized by Pope Gregory IX less than a year later—one of the fastest canonizations in Church history—Anthony's tomb has drawn millions of pilgrims for nearly eight centuries.

✝️ The Sacred Sites of Padua

1. Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua (Il Santo)

Local Name (Italian): Basilica Pontificia di Sant'Antonio di Padova
Colloquial Name: Il Santo ("The Saint")
🏛️ Type: Pontifical Minor Basilica, International Shrine, Franciscan Motherhouse

📖 Description / Highlights: Known locally simply as "Il Santo," this magnificent basilica is one of the world's most visited Catholic shrines, welcoming over 6.5 million pilgrims annually. Construction began in 1232, just one year after Anthony's death, and continued until 1310, creating an architectural marvel that blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine elements with distinctive Venetian influences reminiscent of St. Mark's Basilica.

The basilica's most sacred space is the Cappella del Santo (Chapel of the Saint) in the left transept, a Renaissance masterpiece created by the Lombardi brothers in the 16th century. Here, St. Anthony's tomb, crafted by Tiziano Aspetti in 1594, receives a constant stream of pilgrims who touch the marble sarcophagus while offering prayers and petitions. The chapel walls feature nine extraordinary marble relief sculptures depicting the saint's life and miracles, created by master craftsmen including Jacopo Sansovino and Antonio Lombardo.

The Cappella delle Reliquie (Chapel of Relics) houses the saint's most precious relics: his chin and tongue, displayed in an ornate golden reliquary. These incorrupt remains were discovered in 1263 when Anthony's tomb was opened, and the tongue—described as red and supple as if still alive—was seen as a miracle confirming his reputation as a powerful preacher.

The basilica also contains masterpieces by Donatello, including his first Renaissance bronze sculptures and the magnificent high altar featuring the Madonna and Child with Saints. The Cappella di San Giacomo (St. James Chapel) showcases spectacular 14th-century frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio, including his masterpiece Crucifixion scene with revolutionary trompe-l'oeil techniques.

The Chiostri (Cloisters) surrounding the basilica include four beautiful courtyards: the Novitiate Cloister, Magnolia Cloister (named for its ancient magnolia tree), General's Cloister, and Blessed Luca Belludi Cloister, each offering peaceful spaces for prayer and reflection.

🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Piazza del Santo, 11, 35123 Padova PD, Italy
🧿 ///What3Words: ///cabbage.shout.penny
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.4016, 11.8810
🌐 Website: https://www.santantonio.org/en/

Visiting Hours:
Daily 6:20 AM - 7:00 PM (November-March)
Daily 6:20 AM - 7:45 PM (April-October)
Live webcam available online showing the Chapel of St. Anthony 24/7

2. Scrovegni Chapel (Arena Chapel)

Local Name (Italian): Cappella degli Scrovegni
Colloquial Name: Cappella dell'Arena
🏛️ Type: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Art Historical Monument

📖 Description / Highlights: While not primarily a pilgrimage site in the traditional sense, the Scrovegni Chapel represents one of Christianity's most important artistic achievements and a crucial site for understanding the spiritual transformation of medieval art. This small chapel, completed in 1305, contains Giotto's revolutionary fresco cycle that fundamentally changed Western painting and ushered in the Renaissance.

The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy banker seeking to atone for his father's sins of usury (his father Reginaldo appears in Dante's Inferno). Giotto's 38 fresco panels, completed between 1303-1305, narrate the History of Salvation through the lives of Joachim and Anna, the Virgin Mary, and Christ, culminating in the magnificent Last Judgment on the entrance wall.

What makes these frescoes revolutionary is Giotto's unprecedented naturalism, emotional depth, and three-dimensional representation of sacred figures. Unlike the flat, symbolic medieval style, Giotto's figures display human emotions and occupy realistic architectural spaces. The Kiss of Judas, Lamentation over the Dead Christ, and Meeting at the Golden Gate rank among the masterpieces of Christian art.

The chapel's spiritual significance lies in its transformation of religious art from symbolic representation to emotional narrative, making biblical stories more accessible and moving to ordinary believers. The frescoes essentially created a "Bible in stone" for a largely illiterate population.

🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Piazza Eremitani, 8, 35121 Padova PD, Italy
🧿 ///What3Words: ///shrimp.outgoing.crept
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.4119, 11.8758
🌐 Website: https://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it/

Important: Advance reservations required, limited to 15-minute visits to protect the frescoes. Evening visits available seasonally.

3. Oratory of St. George

Local Name (Italian): Oratorio di San Giorgio
Colloquial Name: Scoletta del Santo
🏛️ Type: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oratory

📖 Description / Highlights: Located adjacent to the Basilica of St. Anthony, this small oratory contains another masterpiece of 14th-century fresco painting. Commissioned by the Marquis Raimondo Lupi and completed around 1384, the oratory features magnificent frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio depicting the lives of St. George, St. Catherine, and St. Lucy.

The oratory serves as a mausoleum for the Lupi family and represents the height of late medieval narrative painting. The frescoes demonstrate the continued evolution of naturalistic art following Giotto's innovations, with particular attention to architectural details and landscape settings.

🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Piazza del Santo, 35123 Padova PD, Italy
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.4018, 11.8813

4. Cathedral of Padua and Baptistery

Local Name (Italian): Duomo di Padova e Battistero
Colloquial Name: Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
🏛️ Type: Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage Site

📖 Description / Highlights: Padua's cathedral, though rebuilt in the 16th century after earthquake damage, houses one of Italy's most spectacular baptisteries. The Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista, dating from the 12th century, contains a complete fresco cycle by Giusto de' Menabuoi (c. 1375-1378) depicting biblical stories from Creation to Apocalypse.

The baptistery's dome features a magnificent Paradiso scene with Christ in Majesty surrounded by saints and angels, while the walls narrate stories from Genesis, the life of John the Baptist, and the life of Christ. This represents one of the most complete medieval fresco cycles in Northern Italy.

🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Piazza Duomo, 35139 Padova PD, Italy
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.4067, 11.8736

5. Basilica of Santa Giustina

Local Name (Italian): Basilica di Santa Giustina
Colloquial Name: San Giustina
🏛️ Type: Benedictine Abbey, Basilica

📖 Description / Highlights: This imposing Benedictine basilica, one of the largest churches in the world, was built over the tomb of St. Justina, a 4th-century virgin martyr. The current Renaissance structure (1532-1579) replaced an earlier medieval church and houses important relics including the supposed tomb of St. Luke the Evangelist and remains of various saints.

The basilica features eight Byzantine-style cupolas and serves as the motherhouse of the Benedictine Congregation of St. Justina. The interior contains significant artwork and serves as an important pilgrimage site for those devoted to early Christian martyrs.

🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: Via Giuseppe Ferrari, 2/A, 35121 Padova PD, Italy
📌 GPS Coordinates: 45.3965, 11.8823

🛏️ Where to Stay

Padua offers excellent accommodation options for pilgrims, from hotels adjacent to the basilica to charming historic properties throughout the city center.

Hotels Near the Basilica

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino ⭐⭐⭐
The official pilgrim hotel of the Basilica of St. Anthony, located directly adjacent to Il Santo. This modern hotel offers 147 rooms overlooking peaceful gardens and courtyards, providing silence and tranquility. Highly recommended for pilgrims seeking proximity to the shrine and spiritual atmosphere.

• Superior facilities with air conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi
• Restaurant serving regional cuisine
• Meeting rooms for pilgrim groups
• Parking available (€12/day)
• Multilingual staff experienced with pilgrims

Hotel Giotto ⭐⭐⭐
Located in a historic building just steps from the Basilica of St. Anthony, the Botanical Garden, and Prato della Valle. Offers comfortable accommodations with traditional Italian hospitality and excellent buffet breakfast.

Hotel Al Prato ⭐⭐⭐
Situated near Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, this hotel provides easy access to all major pilgrimage sites while offering modern amenities and air-conditioned rooms.

Historic Center Accommodations

Hotel Majestic Toscanelli ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A sophisticated boutique hotel in Padua's historic quarter, 300 meters from Piazza delle Erbe. Offers elegant accommodations in a prime location for exploring the city's artistic and spiritual treasures.

Hotel Donato ⭐⭐⭐
Centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms with classic furnishings, convenient for visiting both the Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica of St. Anthony.

The Mignon ⭐⭐⭐
Intimate hotel located just 150 meters from the Basilica of St. Anthony, offering air-conditioned rooms with classic furniture and private bathrooms in a peaceful setting.

Religious Accommodations

Francescane Missionarie di Maria
Convent accommodation available for female pilgrims and groups, offering simple rooms and meals in a spiritual atmosphere.

Casa Diocesana
Religious guesthouse operated by the Diocese of Padua, providing affordable accommodation for pilgrims with chapel access and spiritual programs available.

Budget-Friendly Options

Ostello Città di Padova
Youth hostel offering dormitory and private room options for budget-conscious pilgrims, located within walking distance of major sites.

B&B and Apartment Rentals
Numerous family-run bed and breakfasts and apartment rentals throughout the historic center, many within walking distance of the basilica.

🚗 Getting There

By Air

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): 60 km from Padua

• ATVO bus service direct to Padua (45 minutes)
• Train connection via Venice Mestre (1 hour total)

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): 85 km from Padua

• Bus and train connections via Verona (1.5 hours)

Treviso Airport (TSF): 55 km from Padua

• ATVO bus service to Padua (1 hour)

By Train

High-speed connections:

• From Rome: Direct Frecciarossa trains (3.5-4 hours)
• From Florence: Direct trains via Bologna (2.5 hours)
• From Venice: Regional trains every 15 minutes (25 minutes)
• From Milan: Direct trains (2.5 hours)

Padua Central Station is located 1.5 km from the historic center, with frequent bus and tram connections.

By Car

From Venice: A57 Tangenziale di Mestre to A4 towards Milan, exit Padova Ovest (45 minutes)
From Verona: A4 towards Venice, exit Padova Ovest (1 hour)
From Bologna: A13 to A4 towards Venice, exit Padova Sud (1.5 hours)

Parking: Multiple parking areas around the historic center; paid parking available near the Basilica.

By Bus

ATVO and FlixBus provide regular connections from major Italian and European cities.

Local Transportation

Tram System: Modern tram connects the train station with major sites including "Santo" stop for the Basilica of St. Anthony.
City Buses: Comprehensive network serving all neighborhoods
Bicycle Rentals: Extensive bike-sharing system; Padua is very bicycle-friendly

📅 Major Celebrations and Feast Days

Feast of St. Anthony - June 13
The most important celebration in Padua, featuring solemn liturgies, processions through the city, and the traditional blessing of bread and lilies. Pilgrims from around the world gather for this nine-day celebration.

Finding of St. Anthony's Tongue - February 15
Annual commemoration of the 1263 discovery of the saint's incorrupt tongue, featuring special veneration and processions that have continued for over 760 years.

St. Anthony's Novena - June 4-12
Nine days of intensive prayer and preparation leading to the saint's feast day, with special Masses, devotions, and pilgrim activities throughout the city.

Christmas Season
Special celebrations honoring St. Anthony's reputation as the "Saint of Miracles," with elaborate Nativity displays and extended liturgical programs.

First Friday Devotions
Monthly celebrations on the first Friday of each month, particularly popular among devotees seeking St. Anthony's intercession for lost items and impossible causes.

🥾 The Way of St. Anthony Pilgrimage Route

The Camino di Sant'Antonio

A 370-kilometer pilgrimage route connecting Gemona del Friuli with Padua, passing through the places associated with St. Anthony's ministry in Northern Italy. The route includes:

Stage 1: Gemona del Friuli to Venzone (20 km)
Stage 2: Venzone to Tolmezzo (25 km)
Final Stage: Camposampiero to Padua (15 km) - retracing Anthony's final journey

Local Pilgrimage Walks

• Camposampiero Circuit: 15-kilometer walk to the place where St. Anthony died
• Monselice Hills: Pilgrimage route through the Euganean Hills with religious significance
• Prato della Valle Circuit: Urban pilgrimage connecting the city's major churches and holy sites

🔗 Useful Links

Basilica of St. Anthony Official: https://www.santantonio.org/en/
Scrovegni Chapel Reservations: https://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it/
Padua Tourism Office: https://www.turismopadova.it/en/
Padua Urbs Picta (UNESCO): Information on all World Heritage fresco sites
Way of St. Anthony: https://www.camminodisantantonio.it/en/
Italian Railways: https://www.trenitalia.com (train schedules and bookings)
ATVO Bus Service: https://www.atvo.it (airport and regional connections)
Padua City Transport: https://www.busitalia.it (local bus and tram information)
Diocese of Padua: Official information on liturgical celebrations
Franciscan Province: Information on St. Anthony devotions and spirituality

💡 Pilgrim Tips

Best Time to Visit: April-October for weather; November-March for smaller crowds and more intimate prayer experiences
Clothing: Modest dress required in all churches; comfortable walking shoes essential for extensive walking on historic stone streets
Language: Italian helpful but not essential; many sites offer multilingual materials and the basilica has international staff
Photography: Generally permitted in most areas except where specifically prohibited; no flash photography in frescoed areas
Mass and Prayer Times: Multiple daily Masses at the basilica; check current schedules online or at the information office
Accessibility: Most major sites accessible for mobility-impaired visitors; elevators and ramps available at the basilica
Audio Guides: Available at major sites in multiple languages; particularly recommended for the Scrovegni Chapel
Pilgrimage Groups: Special arrangements available for organized groups; contact sites in advance for group rates and private prayer times

Special Pilgrim Recommendations:

• Tuesday Devotions: Tuesdays are traditional days for St. Anthony devotions; special prayers and blessings available
• Touch the Tomb: The tradition of touching St. Anthony's marble tomb while offering prayers continues daily; expect queues during peak times
• Bread Blessing: Free blessed bread (traditionally given to the poor) available at the basilica as a remembrance of St. Anthony's care for the hungry
• Petition Papers: Pilgrims traditionally leave written prayer requests at the saint's tomb; small paper and pencils provided
• Integration with Venice: Many pilgrims combine Padua with Venice visits; frequent train connections make day trips practical

Artistic Heritage Tip: The combination ticket for Padua Urbs Picta sites provides access to all UNESCO World Heritage fresco cycles, offering a comprehensive artistic pilgrimage experience alongside traditional religious devotion.

‍