Within 500 m you can find Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe. The works to give the Prato its current shape began in 1775 at the behest of superintendent Andrea Memmo, whose name was given to the central island. The prato has an elliptical shape with a central area surrounded by an artificial channel, which in turn is adorned along its circumference by statues of characters that have been relevant to Padua’s history, though it was chosen not to feature statues representing saints. Today 78 statues can be admired, though the project contemplated a total of 88.
Prato della Valle is one of the favourite meeting places of the city and hosts cultural, artistic and sporting events.