Padua

Padua (Padova) is a university city in the Veneto, about 85 km east of Verona and reached in 45-60 minutes by high-speed or regional train from Verona Porta Nuova, or in about an hour by car. The railway station on Piazzale della Stazione sits at the northern edge of the centre, and the main sights are 10-25 minutes away on foot or by the city tram. The principal attraction is the Scrovegni Chapel, whose 14th-century fresco cycle by Giotto is among the landmarks of Western art; entry is by timed reservation and limited to short visits, so tickets should be booked well in advance. Nearby, the Eremitani Museums and the Church of the Eremitani are worth a stop. The Basilica of Saint Anthony, known locally as il Santo, draws pilgrims from across the world and combines Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine elements. The old centre is organised around three large squares: Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, separated by the medieval Palazzo della Ragione, and Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, ringed by a canal and statues. The Palazzo Bo, the historic seat of the University of Padua, offers guided visits that include the anatomical theatre of 1595, and the Orto Botanico, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, is UNESCO-listed. A practical day begins with the Scrovegni Chapel at its reserved time, then continues through the market squares at midday, when stalls sell produce under the arcades. Lunch in the university quarter is affordable and lively, with spritz a popular aperitif. The afternoon suits the Basilica of Saint Anthony and Prato della Valle. Padua works all year; spring and autumn offer the mildest weather, while summer is hot and the city quieter as students leave. Many museums close on Mondays, so the schedule should be planned around opening days.