Walking along the cozy and picturesque streets of Padua, sooner or later, you come to a grandiose, magnificent square, Prato della Valle. This square is a popular place for recreation and holidays among citizens, as well as one of the significant attractions, a must-visit place in each tour itinerary.

Prato della Valle is considered the largest square in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe. Prato della Valle translates as "meadow in the valley." The square really lives up to its name: it has an excellent green lawn, surrounded by magnificent old mansions. Located just south of the city center, Prato della Valle occupies a vast area of ​​more than 88.5 thousand square meters and has the shape of an almost perfect ellipse. The center of the square is crossed by two perpendicular alleys and is also surrounded by a canal. The island formed thanks to the engineering and architectural genius Domenico Cerato is called Memmia in honor of the Italian writer, politician, and diplomat Andrea Memmo. This is no accident: in the second half of the 18th century, this person proposed to rebuild Prato della Valle and make it a real work of art.

Both sides of the canal house a total of 78 statues that are the main highlight and value of the square. Thanks to them, your walk through Prato della Valle can turn into an amazing and fascinating study of the history of Padua. The statues depict outstanding citizens who made a priceless contribution to the formation and development of the city. There are local politicians and military leaders, urban planners and architects, scientists and philosophers, painters and artists, healers and doctors, as well as many other eminent personalities immortalized in stone. A walk among the well-made sculptures reflected in the water surface of the canal, along with the nearby mansions, makes a deep impression and creates a wonderful, inspiring mood.

After walking in Prato della Valle, you can continue exploring Padua and other city attractions. The square is situated close to the world's oldest botanical garden consisting of more than 3,500 plant species; the majestic Catholic Basilica of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the city; the Benedictine Abbey of St. Giustina consisting of richly decorated interiors and a collection of valuable religious works.