Prato della Valle

One of the largest and most impressive squares in Europe, rich in history and atmosphere. Prato della Valle is a vast elliptical square created in the late 18th century, when the Venetian administrator Andrea Memmo decided to transform what was then a marshy, unhealthy area into a grand civic space. His vision produced today’s remarkable design: a large central island (the Isola Memmia) surrounded by a canal and lined with 78 statues of important figures from Padua’s cultural, scientific, and political history. Over the centuries, Prato della Valle has evolved from a drained wetland into one of the city’s most iconic landmarks — a place where markets, festivals, and public events are still held. The mix of water, statues, bridges, and greenery creates a unique and elegant atmosphere that feels both monumental and peaceful. Walking around the square, you can admire views of the surrounding churches and palaces, enjoy the reflections in the canal, and appreciate how this space blends history, urban design, and everyday life.

So many statues, and the four bridges! The main square is huge. The basilica is well worth seeing, as is the church to the N (1 block) of the park. FYI, there are some cute 'tourist trap' places along that street for souvenirs!!

Beautiful and epic! Can enjoy sitting or exploring. Great place to gather with friends or family, or to walk/exercise. Perfect time to visit is day or night.

Prato della Valle is a beautiful and lively piazza, it’s a huge open space. The elliptical canal with its ring of statues is very unique — walking around feels like being in an open-air museum. On market days the square is buzzing with stalls, it’s a also beautiful place to stroll, sit under the trees, or just take in the atmosphere. I loved the night atmosphere, stunning lights and beautiful views. It’s also a great spot to start or end a walk through Padua, since it connects easily to the Basilica of St. Anthony and the historic center.

Prato della Valle is a huge square where in summer you can feel like a cutlet on a Teflon frying pan. The place is certainly impressive in size and number of statues, but the sun is so generous here that the only shadow is your own. Yes, it is beautiful, spacious, but it is better to come either at dawn or after sunset, otherwise the walk turns into an express version of an open-air sauna.

Bellissima rotonda con ponte e diversi statue. It is a really beautiful place with small bridges and statues.

Great central circle with lots of historical significance which doubles as a park. It made for a great starting location to navigate the city.

This is a lovely piazza to visit with many sculptures surrounding the water and grass area, however there isn't much else to do unless you visit on a market day. We caught the stall holders clearing away on the Saturday evening, so there was a lot of plastic mess around the piazza but it was all clean by the Sunday. You can walk the length of Via Roma towards the Prato delta Valle and also visit the Botanic Gardens and Basilica. If approaching from Via Roma, there is a supermarket on the opposite side of the piazza.