Things to do in Vo

Experience the grandeur of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova, an internationally revered pilgrimage site dating back to the 13th century. Byzantine-style domes crown this architecturally rich building. Inside you’ll find a series of artworks and the golden reliquary of St. Anthony. The basilica is not Padua’s main cathedral, but “Il Santo” has worldwide acclaim as being one of the Holy See’s eight international shrines.

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova has long been developing the young minds of Italy. Much of the campus lies within the 16th-century Palazzo Bo in the heart of the city. Join a guided tour of the palace for an introduction to the historic institution where Galileo was a tutor.

Scrovegni Chapel is known all over the world for its stunning interior covered in elaborate frescoes created by the master painter Giotto. Be amazed by the scale and detail of these gorgeous artworks. Afterward, explore the pretty park in which the chapel stands. The grounds are perfect for a walk and are also home to the ruins of a Roman arena.

The Villa Capra detta la Rotonda is one of Vicenza’s many architectural masterpieces by the celebrated Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Come here to marvel at the villa’s symmetrical design, to gaze in awe at frescoes by great Renaissance artists and to enjoy sweeping views of Vicenza’s picturesque countryside. Palladio designed the 500-year-old villa upon the request of Paolo Almerico, a priest that had returned to Vicenza after retiring from the Vatican.

The Prato della Valle is one of the most distinctive public spaces in all of Europe, notable not only for its vast size but also for the large number of statues that occupy it. With 78 stone figures dotted around the square and many elegant historic buildings lining the streets, this is a wonderful place to get an insight into Padova’s long history as a cultural and architectural hub. Come here on a sunny afternoon to watch locals strolling around the square and relaxing on the grassy island in the middle. Allow time to stop at one of the cafés surrounding the Prato della Valle and to study the beautiful and fascinating marble statues.

In the heart of Vicenza’s Old Town is the attractive and lively Piazza dei Signori. At this charming city square you can marvel at some of the city’s architectural landmarks. Relax on the outdoor terrace of a café and shop at weekly markets. Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, Piazza dei Signori took its current name in the Renaissance years, when the Signoria, the governing body of the Republic of Venice, controlled Vicenza.

Padova is home to so many historic treasures that it is hard to pick out the most significant, but the ornate Pedrocchi Café has to be one of them. This opulent café has been open for many generations. Come here to sip its signature mint-flavored coffee in the sumptuous rooms where George Sand, Stendhal and many others once did the very same. Head upstairs to experience culture in the Risorgimento Museum.