Padua - Veneto

One of Italy's greatest university towns, Padua is filled with young students from all parts of Europe who fill up the various cafés and bars. Padua is often seen as a convenient and cheap stay while visiting Venice, but the city has as much to offer as the "Serenissima" does.

History
In the 4th century B.C., Padua developed from a fishing village. It was a Roman Municipum in 45 B.C. and prospered under Augustus, but fell in 602 when it was set on fire by the Longobards. Padua became a free commune in the 12th century, and in the 13th and 14th centuries it advanced culturally and artistically. The university was founded in 1222 and attracted Dante and Petrarch. Artists like Giotto, Guariento, Altichiero, Giusto as well as Donatello and Mantegna lived in Padua. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Padua changed hands from Venice to Austria until it became part of Italy in 1866.

Sights
Caffè Pedrocchi is a characteristic café that was opened in 1772. Originally it was a rather simple looking place that offered amazing food and good coffee but it was revamped in 1815 and transformed into a classy and trendy meeting place. Pedrocchi is right next to the Mercato delle Erbe (Market of the Herbs), a heaven for all food lovers. Any regional product can be found on the colorful stall of the market at really reasonable prices.

The Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanical garden in Europe and is right behind the basilica. The garden houses 6000 species of plants, medicinal plants and a palm tree that dates back to 1585.

Padua is also a favorite destination of Catholics from all parts of the world who seek benediction from the town's patron saint, Saint Anthony. The relics of the saint are inside the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, an enchanting 13th century basilica. The high altar is decorated with bronze sculptures made by Donatello. To the left of the altar lies the saint's tomb, under a layer of written pleas, thanks and ex-votos from the pilgrims. In the attached courtyard outside the basilica, there are representations of the saint's life for all those who are not familiar with him. Even if you are not religious, this is a sight not to be missed.

Transportation
Padua can be reached by train from Venice, Verona, Bologna or Milan. The train station is located at the northern side of town, outside the 16th century walls. Buses can be taken from Venice, Bassano del Grappa and Vicenza.

Links: http://www.apt.padova.it