Discovering Padua, Italy: Veneto's Best Kept Secret

Smack between the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza della Frutta, is the medieval Palazzo della Ragione dating from the 1100’s. The downstairs has traditionally been a food market and it is still a wonderful source for local specialties. Look for the booth selling little tramezzini (finger sandwiches) and the fish vendor who will whip up a fritto misto to order based on your selection. The upper room of the Palazzo is adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the zodiac and the ancient guilds who met here years ago. Down below, the vendors open their booths early in the morning, revealing a tantalizing display of fruits and vegetables. Grab the makings for a picnic lunch and head to the Prato, one of the nicest parks in Padova, to enjoy an al fresco picnic. Cafes abound in the piazzas, serving espresso and cornetti in the morning and Aperol spritzers and cicchetti (snacks) before dinner. It is a lively scene well into the evening.

St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of the city, and the Basilica is dedicated to him. Like so many churches in Italy, it is an impressive piece of architecture, filled with religious artworks and offers a cool and serene environment to escape the bustling city for a few moments and sit and reflect.

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova is one of the oldest in Europe. One can arrange for a visit to the Anatomical Theater, where human dissections once took place. Or, for a more contemporary adventure, explore the many cool bars scattered around the city frequented by the students. Padova often hosts concerts and musical events, catering to the young population.

For the more serious minded, the Civic Museum of Padova and the Palazzo Zuckerman are the museums where you can immerse yourself in Padova's art scene. Whether your interest is archeology, medieval painting, or contemporary objects and furnishing, you will find a plethora of each here. The tourist office sells a museum pass with reduced entry to the group and even includes local transportation fare.

A must see is the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni). A small, family chapel, the early Renaissance master, Giotto frescoed it. The images are delicate and the colors are breathtaking. Part of the Civic Museum complex, the welcome video provides a great introduction to the history of this intimate space.

Take a break after the Scrovegni Chapel and stroll next door to the Giardino dell'Arena. Enjoy a more than 500-year-old botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of plants, ponds and sculptures and the remains of a Roman amphitheater.

Padova is filled with delightful boutiques offering everything from serious Italian designer ware to vintage thrift finds. There are many lovely jewelry shops, opticians and houseware stores, too, all featuring that famous Italian design aesthetic.

Day Trips

Padova is the perfect base for exploring the Veneto region. The magnificent villas designed by Andrea Palladio include the Villa La Rotonda, Villa Emo, Villa Barbaro and Villa Malcontento. All, a short drive away and each better than the last. The river valley will lead you straight to the city of Vicenza, worth exploring as well.

North of Padova in San Vito d’Altivole, is the Brioni tomb designed by famous architect, Carlo Scarpa in the late ‘60s. Considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture, it is a private burial ground for the Brion family, not surprisingly commissioned by Onorina Tomasi Brion, widow of the Brionvega company’s founder. The Brionvega company is known for its futuristic designs. Finish the day with a visit and dinner in nearby Asolo, a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of the Dolomites.

For a day immersed in nature, rent a bike and head to the gentle hills of the Colli Euganei. This regional park offers hiking trails, great biking roads and wonderful views from the hills lines with grape vines and olive trees without the usual hoards of tourists. In fact, this entire region (once one leaves Venice) is not touristy at all, offering a very authentic experience of Northern Italy.

Next to the Colli Eugani, the town of Abano Terme has many thermal establishments, many offering daily access to the therapeutic natural waters, a relaxing way to finish your hike or bike ride.

Start the day with a coffee at the Caffè Pedrocchi, one of Italy's oldest cafés. The opulent interior and historical ambiance make it a delightful spot for a break.

Try the Pasticceria Biasetto, a renowned pastry shop known for traditional Italian pastries, or have a scroppino, a wonderfully refreshing aperitivo made from lemon sorbet, prosecco and vodka.

Ristorante Belle Parti is where you go for a traditional meal and excellent seafood. Elegant, romantic and housed in an old palace.

No trip to Italy is complete without gelato and Padua has branches of both Venchi and Grom. Both incredibly delicious. Try the nocciola and pistacchio combo (hazelnut and pistachio) if nuts are your jam.