Elegant Padova -- known in English as Padua -- is home to an ancient university, a Basilica that is an important centre for pilgrims and a chapel containing one of the world’s greatest art treasures. Use this website to help you plan a visit to this fascinating northern Italian city and find your way to the other beautiful towns and villages in the Veneto that are perhaps less well known to tourists.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Hotel Belludi 37

Charming Hotel Belludi is right in the historic centre 


An ideal base for a stay in Padova is the area between the beautiful Basilica di Sant’Antonio and the city’s main square Prato della Valle.

The Hotel Belludi 37 is about halfway between these two main sights in a converted palazzo in Via Beato Belludi. It is in a perfect location for people wishing to explore the city on foot with most of the ‘must see’ attractions within a short walk of the hotel.

The entrance to Hotel Belludi 37
Despite its traditional façade the Hotel Belludi 37 is very modern on the inside with a simple contemporary décor and modern furniture in all the guest rooms.

The reception desk just inside the entrance hallway is always manned by very friendly and helpful staff and a staircase with ornate wrought iron balustrading leads up to the guest rooms and the breakfast room.

The hotel offers free wireless internet and the use of bicycles for getting around Padova. It is in an area well off for bars and restaurants but is close to tram and bus stops if you want to travel further afield.

Many guests have commented after their stay that the Belludi 37 feels more like a four star than a two star hotel. Some have said that they appreciated the friendly service so much they returned to Hotel Belludi on their next visit to Padova.
For more information, to check prices and make a reservation, visit our hotel bookings partner www.venere.com

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Visit the tomb of St Luke at Santa Giustina in Padova

The Basilica di Santa Giustina

Just a short walk from the Basilica del Santo, dedicated to Sant’Antonio, lies another very important church in Padova.
The vast Basilica di Santa Giustina, with its eight domes, is in Prato della Valle, one of Padova’s principal squares.
Santa Giustina is the ninth largest Christian church in the world and houses the relics of many revered saints.
The 16th century basilica is at the south-east corner of Prato della Valle where it is joined by Via Avazzano and Via Ferrari. The church contains the remains of Santa Giustina, a devout young woman who was martyred in 304. At the back of the Presbytery, a magnificent altarpiece painted by Paolo Veronese in 1575 depicts the moment of her death.
Santa Giustina is also home to the tomb containing the body of St Luke the Evangelist, who was credited with writing the Gospel according to St Luke.
Next door to the basilica there is a Benedictine monastery with frescoed cloisters and a famous library that can be visited by arrangement.
Admission to Basilica Santa Giustina is free. Opening hours: 7.30 to 12.00 and 15.00 to 18.30; Sunday 7.30 to 19.30.