The Piazza del Santo is the name of the church square in front of the Basilica del Santo in Padua. Other important buildings facing the square are the San Giorgio Oratorium, the Scuola del Santo and the Museo Civico. Donatello‘s equestrian statue of Gattamelata occupies a spot in front of the basilica. Part of the church square enjoys an extraterritorial status.
Piazza del Santo Padua
What to see
Basilica del Santo
Construction of the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua started in 1232. It is one of the biggest basilicas of the world and was meant to house the saint’s tomb. It is one of a small number of papal basilicas located outside Rome. The treasury of this church contains several important relics of the saint.
San Giorgio Oratorium and Scoletta del Santo
The Oratorio di San Giorgio is a 14th century Romanesque construction that started its existence as a family chapel. The interior is completely covered with frescoes by Altichieri. The main attractions of the Scoletta del Santo nextdoor are a fresco by Padovanino and a wooden statue of Maria.
Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata
The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata is one of the most famous statues in Italy. It was made by Donatello in 1446 and represents Erasmo da Narni, who was a soldier fighting for the church and for the Venetian Republic. His nickname was Gattamelata. It was the first equestrian statue of this size since antiquity and was commissioned by the soldier’s wife and son.