Prato della Valle Site Features

The statue ring

78 statues, arranged in a double ring around the central island's canal, depict historical figures with a connection to Padua -- largely scholars, jurists, and clergy associated with the city and its university rather than military or political rulers.

Isola Memmia and its canal

The elliptical central island is bordered by a narrow canal crossed by four small bridges, each aligned with one of the square's cardinal access points -- the canal and statues together give the square its distinctive ringed shape when viewed from above.

The square sits a short walk from the Basilica di Santa Giustina, one of Padua's largest churches, and from the city's botanical garden, placing it within easy reach of several of Padua's other major sights.