Private Tours of Padova with a Professional Guide
Description
I am a native and proud Paduan. You will discover the true spirit of my amazing hometown and understand why free-thinkers and rule-breakers of the past, changed the approach both in science and religion...
Tour Options
Itinerary
The most famous of the Paduan churches is the Basilica di S.Antonio, we simply call it "Il Santo". The bones of the saint rest in a chapel richly ornamented with carved marbles, the work of various artists, among them Sansovino and Falconetto. The basilica was begun a year after the death of St. Anthony 1232 and completed in the following century. On the square, in front of the Basilica is Donatello’s magnificent equestrian statue of the Venetian general Erasmo da Narni, called Gattamelata It was cast in 1453, and was the first full-size bronze cast since antiquity.
At the centre of the historical city, the buildings of Palazzo del Bò, the old University founded in 1222. The list of professors and alumni is long and illustrious, containing, among others, the names of the anatomist Vesalius, Copernicus, Fallopius, Galileo Galilei, William Harvey. It is also where, in 1678, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia became the first woman in the world to graduate. The university hosts the oldest anatomy theatre, built in 1594. Please note that: Self-guided tours are not available at Palazzo Bo: access to the building is only possible by guided tour. I can gladly reserve your ticket, no prepayment requested.
Palazzo Della Ragione (Salone) with its great hall on the upper floor, is reputed to have the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe; the walls are covered with allegorical frescoes. The first Palazzo was begun in 1172 and finished in 1219. In 1306, Fra Giovanni, an Augustinian friar, covered the whole with one roof. Beneath the great hall, there are two centuries-old markets: Piazza Frutti, Piazza Erbe.
In the Piazza dei Signori is the beautiful loggia called the Gran Guardia, (1493–1526), and the Palazzo del Capitaniato, the residence of the Venetian governors.
It has been the commercial heart of Padova since pre-roman times. It still hosts a bustling and colourful fruit and vegetable market (Mon through Sat)
It's the third square built in the heart of Padova and around the huge medieval Palazzo della Ragione, it hosts a market too (Mon through Sat)
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I will meet the guests in the Hotel lobby and start our walking tour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
Cristina was a very knowledgeable and engaging guide. Her English was fantastic and her passion for the city was infectious! She also adapted the tour to meet the needs of my parents and was kept the tour interesting for our 14-yr old son.
Buon giorno! Grazie! I am so happy that you have enjoyed the tour of my hometown. Arrivederci Cristina
Highly recommend this tour. Christina is a wonderful guide (and a local from Padua!). She speaks perfect English, and is engaging and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour of Padua.
Oh grazie! It was a true pleasure meeting you, I Hope to show you more of my beloved hometown on your next visit. Arrivederci Cristina
History of Padua and St Anthony’s church particularly relevant in a Jubilee year. Very knowledgeable guide
Grazie mille! It was a true pleasure. Hope our paths will soon cross again. Happy travels Crist
The tour of Padua was very pleasant on the last day of the year. The knowledge and support of Cristina was exceptional. Thanks.
Agradeço pela bela jornada que passámos juntos, foi bom terminar o ano a explorar a minha cidade. Feliz 2025! Cristina
Cristina is a phenomenal guide. She is from Padua, very passionate about her city and shares everything with you. She gave us an amazing tour and made us feel like family. We met a few days later for a drink and chat like we have been good friends.
Dear Anya and Russell, Thank you for your touching words and choice to have me as your guide. Yes, You now have a friend in Padova! Happy Holiday my friends, arrivederci Cristina
Cristina was a excellent tour guide Very informative and knowledgeable Highly recommend to anyone going to Padua
Grazie mille. I am so happy you have enjoyed my hometown. Arrivederci in Padova! Cristina
Cristina was amazing! She is so knowledgeable about history and architecture. She answered all of my questions with patience. We walked slowly around the city while she pointed out all the interesting details. I highly recommend.
Buongiorno Eileen, Thank you for your kind words. It has been a true pleasure introducing you to my beloved Padova, I am so happy you enjoyed it and hope to welcome you again. Arrivederci! Cristina
Ms Cristina showed us, in a couple of hours, interesting historical details about the beautiful Padua. Palazzo Bo' and Palazzo della Ragione engaged us - or rather delighted us - with their beauty, skillfully illustrated by Cristina with competence but also sympathy. We had fun learning, both my wife and I (now in our early years) and my teenage children. What should I say? The ideal guide. Good!
Sono felice che il tour sia stato coinvolgente. Vi ringrazio delle belle parole e simpatia, è stato un vero piacere farvi scoprire la mia bella città. A presto spero. Un caro saluto a tutti voi e l’augurio di serene Feste Cristina
Fantastic, inspired guide who breathes Padua. She really takes you into the story and the why. she is also flexible in the tour and makes adjustments if you have questions.
Grazie, It has been a true pleasure to share my hometown with your beautiful family Please remember: hands off our chickens!😂 best wishes Yours Cristina
We had a perfect tour with Cristina! Very punctual, loving, always concerned about our well-being, attentive to every detail so that nothing was missing on our tour! She is much more than a guide, she is human, sensitive and very friendly! An angel God sent to take us to our grandparents' lands. Much gratitude, Cristina! It made all the difference in our journey! Thank you so much, you are the best! Luciana and Jorge kisses
Caro Luciana e Jorge, è stato un sincero e grande piacere accompagnarvi alla scoperta delle origini dei vostri coraggiosi antenati. Una emozione vedere la vostra gioia e la disponibilità dei parrocchiani ad accogliervi e farvi conoscere le chiese dei battesimi e matrimonio dei nonni. Un grande abbraccio affettuoso da qs parte di mondo! Vostra Cristina
