See Donatello masterpiece in piazza in Padova

One of the greatest works by early Renaissance sculptor Donatello is standing out in the open air in Padova for all to see.

The Florentine’s bronze equestrian statue of Gattamelata is to the left of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio as you approach from the direction of Via del Santo.

Donatello's bronze statue in Piazza del Santo. 

The statue was completed in 1453 and portrays the military leader Erasmus da Narni, who was known as Gattamelata (honeyed cat.)

It is believed to be the earliest Renaissance equestrian statue that still survives and was a precedent for later sculptures honouring military heroes.

The soldier and his horse are both portrayed in life size by Donatello instead of being larger than life as with classical equestrian statues.

Gattamelata, who died in 1443, is actually buried inside the basilica.

Donatello was commissioned by the family to create a monument in memory of the great Commander of the Venetian Republic.

The statue is mounted on a pedestal that resembles a sepulchre. Gattamelata appears in the style of a Roman emperor astride his horse. His head is uncovered and the realistic expression on his face shows his decisive spirit. 

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

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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.

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Padova prepares to celebrate Christmas

Christmas tree in Padova

The lights and trimmings are up in Padova as the city marks the official beginning of the festive season.

Il giorno dell’immacolata concezione (the day of the immaculate conception) has been celebrated for centuries in Italy on 8 December.

It is an official festa (feast day) when the immaculate conception of Jesus is celebrated in the Christian calendar. But most of the shops in Padova are open as usual and do a brisk trade as people do their Christmas shopping.

As in many other countries across the world, Christmas shopping actually begins earlier than 8 December in Italy, with Christmas trees, lights and decorations starting to go up during November.

But Padova’s two famous market squares, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe will be even busier than usual from now until Christmas Eve.

Buona Festa!

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Look out for Vino Novello in Padova

A display of Vino Novello in a Padova supermarket

November is a good time to visit Padova when Vino Novello goes on sale.
The light, fruity, new wine is enjoyable to drink and a bargain buy to take home with you.
Vino Novello is similar in taste, body and colour to the French Beaujolais Nouveau, which is exported to other countries after its release.
Like Beaujolais Nouveau, Italy's new wine should be drunk quickly after the bottle is opened. Unopened bottles should be kept for only a few months.
Italy's Vino Novello 2012 was launched on 6 November, ten days ahead of Beaujolais Nouveau and you will see it on sale in many supermarkets, wine shops and bars.
The Veneto is a major area for production, with the merlot grape being the one most used.
Whereas 100 per cent carbonic maceration is used to produce Beaujolais Nouveau, only 30 per cent is required for Vino Novello.
However, one Italian Vino Novello produced using 100 per cent carbonic maceration is Bardolino Novello, made in the area around the resort of Bardolino on Lake Garda in the Veneto.
The Bardolino wine consortium say they use 100 per cent carbonic maceration in order to produce an excellent wine.
So take any opportunity to taste Bardolino Novello while on holiday in Padova. Salute!

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Feast your eyes on Padova’s famous market squares

Bar under the porticos of Palazzo della Ragione

Foodies will love exploring the two squares on either side of Padova’s  Palazzo della Ragione, which are the sites for large markets selling fruit, vegetables and other goods.

The Piazza della Frutta and the Piazza delle Erbe have been at the heart of the commercial centre of Padova since the 13th century.

If you can’t find what you are looking for on any of the hundreds of market stalls that fill both squares, there are shops selling meat, cheese, fish and specialist ingredients for cooking under the porticos on either side of the Palazzo.

It is pleasant to sit at one of the bars and have a drink and a snack while observing the lively scenes taking place in the squares or you can buy food to eat on the move from some of the stalls or vans that have come to do business there.

Stall in Piazza delle Erbe

The huge Palazzo della Ragione was built to serve as Padova’s law court and council chamber in 1218 and the markets quickly became established on both sides of the building.

From Via 8 Febbraio you can reach the Piazza della Frutta by turning down Via Oberdan or to get to Piazza delle Erbe go down Via Municipio.

 

What to eat and drink in Padova

Free guide to restaurants in Padova

There are many good restaurants in Padova serving fine Italian food and visitors will have no difficulty finding places to eat.

The tourist offices in the city give out the publication Gustare Padova, a free guide to recommended restaurants, if requested.

While in Padova there is a unique opportunity to try some of the local specialities rather than just sticking to tried and trusted favourite dishes.

Cucina padovana (Padovan cooking) is similar to that of Venice but with a few traditions all of its own.

Look out for risotto ricco alla padovana which is served with duck and chicken and risotto with radicchio, a vegetable grown locally.

Popular pasta dishes include tortelli di zucca dolce (sweet pumpkin stuffed ravioli) and bigoli con ragu d’anatra (little strings of pasta with a duck sauce).

Various cuts of chicken and duck, served with a variety of different sauces and vegetable accompaniments, feature strongly among secondi piatti in most restaurants.  

It is good to sample the wines produced in the area and in Padova you will see Pinot Bianco and Soave among the white wines on many menus.

If you like red wine you will be spoilt for choice as Merlot, Bardolino and Valpolicella are all produced in the Veneto .

And if you fancy something sparkling make sure you sample some light, refreshing Prosecco while in Padova.

Not far from the city is the so called strada del Prosecco, the road between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, which is lined with wineries producing Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), the stamp of quality given to the best Italian wines.