Things to do in Padova (Padua)

Usually most guide books refer to Padova (Padua) in reference to a cheap alternative to stay while visiting Venice overlooking the attractions the city has to offer. The city of Padua has a rich history which is reflected in the uniqueness of its attractions:

Home to Italy 's second oldest university that was founded in 1222, which attracted the likes of Dante, Petrarch, and Galileo Galilei. It's possible to visit the University of Padova which is particularly fascinating when you enter the perfectly proportioned anatomy theatre where students would observe operations from galleries above the operating table.

The huge Basilica di Sant' Antonio, crowned by Byzantine domes and minaret style towers is only second to the Basilica of St. marks for its Asian inspired beauty. The interior of the church is richly decorated courtesy of the generosity of Pilgrims who have made their way to this church for centuries to give thanks to the popular St. Antony. Although, officially the 13 th June is the feast day of the saint nowadays pilgrims come all year round to Padua, and with the inner cloisters and church filled with happy groups of Pilgrims there is still a sense of life to be held in this church that many of its counterparts have lost.

The Botanical Gardens of Padova date back to 1545 and owe their creation to one Daniele Barbaro owner of the Villa Barbaro and close friend of Andrea Palladio. The gardens were created by the Venetian Republic to supply medicinal plants for the University. They can still be visited at the cost of 5E pp, and are open daily except Mondays.

Piazza dei Signori, is the sight of the daily market which runs from the early morning hours until midday . The square is dominated by the 15 th century building that served as the council chamber for the leading families of the city. Its crude brick form is quite a stark contrast from the magniffence of the nearby Basilica of Sant'Antonio, but its line of architecture make the building stand in its own right.

The star attraction of the city of Padova is the Scrovegni Chapel which was erected in the 13 th century. An unassuming building from the exterior, the interior houses one of Italy 's most precious works of art that has been recently restored. To honor the death of his father, Enrico Scrovegno hired Giotto ( one of the founding figures in the Renaissance movement) to decorate the interior of the building. The artist, along with followers, created a magnificent cycle of frescoes illustrating the lives of Mary and Jesus. The realism in these frescoes, which featured the first blue skies in Western painting were almost revolutionary and provided a shining light to the Renaissane movement that followed many years later.

On the outskirts of Padova there are other attractions that could help visitors to the city enjoy spending a couple of nights in this city. Directly behind Padua are the Colle Euganei hills home to famous spa resorts and lush-green hills that are ideal for cyclists. And between Padova and Venice lies the Riviera Brenta, a waterway that is home to over 200 villas including Palladio's Villa Malcontenta.

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