Waterways of Padua

Description

Situated between the Brenta river to the north and the Bacchiglione river to the south, in an excellent vantage point with Venice, Padua experienced a boom in river commerce.
In the past, nobles and aristocrats would travel to their estates and castles on the Euganea Riviera by taking the Piovego canal (completed in 1209) and the Naviglio interno, which was built over in the 1900s as were many other canals.
It is still possible today to discover the waterways of Padua by travelling canals and streets crossing through Roman history and medieval walls, since incorporated into more recent buildings, all reflected in the water.
Points of interest include: the Roman-era Molino bridge; the San Leonardo bridge, dating to the end of the 15^thcentury; San Benedetto bridge; Tadi bridge, named after an ancient local family; the bridge of San Giovanni delle Navi; and the bridge of Sant’Agostino, rebuilt in 1522 over the previous medieval wooden bridge. In addition, the monumental harbour complex of Portello, the most significant river harbour during the Venetian domination, has a 16^th century staircase.

Position on map