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Prato Della Valle

Landmarks ·Padua
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About

Prato della Valle is a vast elliptical public square in Padua, immediately south of the ancient Roman centre.

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Prato Della Valle

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What's on here

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Why go

  • About 90,000 square metres, making it one of Europe’s largest urban squares.
  • The green Isola Memmia, an island of about 20,000 square metres encircled by a canal.
  • Two rings of statues carved from Vicenza stone by various artists.
  • Loggia Amulea and historic palaces border the square.

Don't miss

  • Isola MemmiaThe island covers about 20,000 square metres and takes its name from Andrea Memmo, who transformed the square.At the centre of the square.
  • Statue of Andrea MemmoOne statue depicts the Venetian politician known as Padua’s provider.Among the square’s statues.
  • Santa GiustinaThe first basilica here was built in the 6th century at the initiative of Opilione.Beside the square.
  • Palazzo AngeliThis 15th-century palace housed Memmo and now houses the Museum of Precinema, Minici Zotti Collection.At the square’s northern entrance.
  • Michael Gaismair memorial plaqueA plaque marks where the revolutionary was murdered on 15 April 1532.In the square.

Interesting facts5

1/5
  1. 572 metres

    The outer ring of statues and canal measures about 572 metres around.

    Prato della Valle - Wikipedia
  2. 10,000 cartloads

    Creating the central island required 10,000 cartloads of earth.

    Prato della Valle - Wikipedia
  3. 78 statues

    The collection has 78 statues, against an original plan for 88; local citizens funded them through donations.

    Prato della Valle - Wikipedia

  4. The canal receives water from the Alicorna canal and collects runoff and rainwater.

    Prato della Valle - Wikipedia
  5. 1786

    Goethe visited on 27 September 1786 and described the square in Italienische Reise.

    Prato della Valle - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Memmo’s transformation aimed to support trade, public hygiene, fairs and leisure.

  1. Roman periodThe area south of Padua’s ancient centre served for military gatherings. The Roman theatre Zairo stood on the eastern side.
  2. 589Floods changed the Brenta’s course, turning the low ground marshy.
  3. mid-11th c.Markets returned as Padua recovered. The name Prato della Valle was recorded from the 12th century, when the square also hosted performances and games.
  4. 1257An annual horse race began on the surrounding promenade to celebrate liberation from Ezzelino III da Romano.
  5. 1310Fra Giovanni Eremitano led a major redevelopment.
Show all
  1. 1608The Fiera del Santo moved here to gain more space.
  2. 1767The square passed from the monks of Santa Giustina to the city, clearing the way to drain and reinforce the ground.
  3. 1775Andrea Memmo led a redesign planned by Domenico Cerato. Work began in summer, aiming for initial results by the autumn fair of Santa Giustina.
  4. 1797French soldiers destroyed six statues of Venetian doges after Padua was occupied by Napoleon’s army.

Tips for your visit

  • Use the surrounding promenade for a stroll.
  • For skating, head to the wide paved ring, which has also hosted competitions.
  • Look around the square’s edges as well as its centre to take in the surrounding architecture.

Best time to visit

  • Summer brings visitors relaxing in the sun.
  • New Year’s Day and the Feast of the Assumption are occasions for parties with music and fireworks.

Sources: Prato della Valle - Wikipedia · Prato della Valle - Wikipedia · Prato della Valle - Wikipedia · Prato della Valle - Wikipedia · checked 8 Oct 2026

Where
Prato della Valle, 35141 Padova PD, Italy, Padua

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

What stood at Prato della Valle in Roman times?

The Zairo Theatre stood on the eastern side; its foundations lie beneath the present square.

What was Prato della Valle called before?

Campo di Marte reflected its military use; Valle del Mercato reflected its markets and trade fairs.

Why was Prato della Valle called the valley without grass?

The nickname recalls its former appearance; today the square has grass and other vegetation.

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