VENICE TRAVEL
SIDE TRIP: DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF PADUA
Only a half an hour by train from Venice, Padua offers Renaissance masterpieces, fantastic markets for foodies and The Basilica of Saint Anthony, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
The tourist information office at the train station gives out good maps and sells the Padova Card, (14 euro), which covers admission to the major museums, the botatnical gardens, use of APS buses and parking garages, as well as discounts for shopping, accommodations and monuments in the Province of Padua.
These Top Attractions can easily be reached on foot from the Padua station. If you’d rather not walk, buses and taxis are available there too.
Scrovegni Chapel
Reservations are essential to view Giotto’s stunning fresco cycle here, which depicts the lives of Mary and Christ as well as the Last Judgment. The 14th century chapel was commissioned by a wealthy nobleman, Enrico Scrovegni, to purge the sins of his father, a notorious money lender, who Dante featured in The Inferno. From the looks of The Last Judgment, it seems Enrico wanted to save his own soul, as he had Giotto paint him in, handing a model of the chapel to the Blessed Virgin Mother.
The Duomo
This 11th century Romanesque church was redesigned by Michelangelo in 1552. On the inside of the adjacent Baptistery are recently restored 14th century frescoes by Manabuoi, that include Paradise and cycles that narrate the lives of John the Baptist, Mary, and the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ.
Markets
Three connecting squares near the Duomo feature open-air markets. Here’s a chance to rub elbows with locals, as you shop for dry goods in the Piazza della Frutta, produce in the Piazza delle Erbe, and clothing in Piazza dei Signori. They’re open from morning till early afternoon, Monday through Saturday. Keep an eye out for shops selling horse meat.
Dominating the area is the Palazzo della Ragione, which features street level bars and caffes, and an interior lined with not-to-be-missed 15th century frescoes.
The nearby historic Caffe Pedrocchi (from 1772) is a great place for an espresso or wine break.
Basilica of Saint Anthony
Eight domes top this massive Romanesque Gothic cathedral, which has been designated an international shrine. The building contains many gloriously decorated chapels, courtyards, and even a multi-media room where a short film about the life of Saint Anthony can be viewed in 9 languages.
Many come to see the Treasured Relics (Saint Anthony’s tongue and vocal chords) and to run their hands along the sides of his marble tomb in thanksgiving and for blessings.
Though Saint Anthony performed lots of miracles, he is best known as the saint to call upon to find lost objects. Italian American Catholics remember their grandmothers teaching them this prayer, which often worked:
Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, come around,
Something is lost that can’t be found,
Please Saint Anthony, Look Around!
For more information: www.turismopadova.it
