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| 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.
