Places of Interest
17th Conference of the International Society for Tryptophan Research (ISTRY)
About Padua
Padua is an ancient city located in the heart of the Veneto region, just a few kilometres from Venice. It is renowned for its prestigious University, founded in 1222 — one of the oldest in the world. To fully appreciate the charm of Padua and its surroundings, we invite you to discover some of its most iconic landmarks.
Local Attraction
Prato della Valle
One of the largest squares in Europe, Prato della Valle is among Padua’s most iconic sites. Surrounded by an elliptical canal lined with 78 statues of distinguished figures, it offers a unique blend of history, art, and everyday life.
Address: Prato della Valle, 35141 Padova PD, Italy
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Palazzo della Ragione
Located between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, the Palazzo della Ragione is one of Padua’s most remarkable medieval buildings. Built in the 12th century, it features one of the largest medieval halls in Europe, decorated with frescoes depicting astrological symbols and scenes from daily life.
Address: Piazza delle Erbe, 35100 Padova PD, Italy
Admission: €8
Opening hours: Tue–Sun, 9:00 am–7:00 pm
Piazza dei Signori and the Clock Tower
The Clock Tower, overlooking Piazza dei Signori, is another of Padua’s historic treasures. Built in the 15th century, it features an astronomical clock that displays the moon phases and planetary movements — a masterpiece of Renaissance art and engineering.
Address: Piazza dei Signori, 35139 Padova PD, Italy
Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Scrovegni Chapel houses Giotto’s extraordinary fresco cycle, a masterpiece of 14th-century art.
Address: Piazza Eremitani, 8, 35121 Padova PD, Italy
Admission: €15
Opening hours: 9:00 am–7:00 pm (year-round)
Basilica of Saint Anthony (Basilica di Sant’Antonio)
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, the Basilica of Saint Anthony houses the Saint’s relics and remarkable examples of Gothic and Renaissance art.
Address: Piazza del Santo, 11, 35123 Padova PD, Italy
Admission: €10
Opening hours: Church open daily 6:15 am–7:30 pm; full visit areas open Tue–Sun, 9:00 am–1:00 pm and 2:00 pm–6:00 pm
Botanical Garden of Padua
Founded in 1545, the Padua Botanical Garden is the world’s oldest university botanical garden still in its original location. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it hosts thousands of plant species and stands as a living monument to science, history, and nature.
Address: Via Orto Botanico, 15, 35123 Padova PD, Italy
Admission: €10
Opening hours: Tue–Sun and public holidays, 10:00 am–7:00 pm (last entry 6:15 pm)
Palazzo Bo and the Anatomical Theatre (Day 1 Conference venue)
Palazzo Bo is the historic seat of the University of Padua, founded in 1222. It houses the renowned Anatomical Theatre, built in 1594, the oldest surviving wooden anatomical theatre in the world, where public dissections once took place.
Address: Via VIII Febbraio, 2, 35122 Padova PD, Italy
Admission: €8
Opening hours: Guided tours Mon–Fri. In Italian (10:30, 12:30, 15:30 and 17:30); In English (11:30, 13:30, 16:30).
Nearby Attraction (30 min – 1 hour by train or car)
- Venice (30 min by train): The city of canals, bridges, and St Mark’s Basilica, perfect for a half-day or full-day visit.
- Vicenza (40 min by train): Renowned for Andrea Palladio’s architectural masterpieces, including the Basilica Palladiana and Venetian villas (UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
- Verona (50 min by train): Famous for the Arena, Juliet’s House, and its medieval old town, ideal for a romantic or cultural excursion.
- Padua Terme Euganee (40 min by car): A spa area with wellness centres and natural thermal pools, perfect for relaxation.
Family-Friendly Excursions
- Padua Astronomical Observatory (La Specola): Housed in a medieval tower, a fun visit for science-minded kids.
- Montegrotto Terme – Butterfly House & Insectarium: An interactive and family-friendly experience.
- Cittadella (≈ 30 min drive): A walled medieval town where visitors can walk along the ramparts.
- Lake Garda (≈ 1.5 hours): Perfect for families extending their trip, offering theme parks (Gardaland, Movieland) and charming lakeside villages.