Roman ruins, medieval churches and museums add context and intrigue, while floral displays and double fountains embellish the scenery in this large riverside park.
The Giardini dell’Arena is a set of gardens famous for a Roman amphitheater and the medieval Scrovegni Chapel. Old structures and floral displays decorate the park, which runs along a waterway connecting the Brenta and Bacchiglione rivers. Stroll through a grassy field or have a picnic with your family in these scenic and historic surroundings.
Amble among the crumbling ruins of the Roman amphitheater and imagine the structure in its prime 2,000 years ago. Today, the remaining pocked wall and various fragments of concrete on the grass are a testament to Roman ingenuity.
Stroll along the tree-lined paths that crisscross through the park until you reach the Scrovegni Chapel, which was built in the early 1300s. Venture inside to see the impressive frescoes by acclaimed artist Giotto. The walls are almost entirely covered with these paintings, which recount episodes in the lives of several biblical figures.
The 13th-century Eremitani Church marks the southern end of the park. Admire the rose window and colonnade of the façade and venture into the tombs within. Visit the geology museums on the park’s western side.
Sit on a bench with a book or watch people go by in this picturesque green park, popular with students and elderly Padova residents. Joggers and cyclists frequently use the paths. Spot the tulips and begonias among other flowers brightening up the meadows. Find the park’s two fountains and look for boats in the river.
The Giardini dell’Arena is in the northern part of the Old Town area of Padova. Located on the southern bank of the Tronco Maestro del Bacchiglione, the park is a 10-minute walk south of the Padova railway station. You can also take the bus or tram to the Eremitani stop. Wander around the vicinity for other sights, such as the Porte Contarine, the Zuckermann Palace and the Museum of the History of Physics.
