Padua

Padua can easily be explored by foot, best begun in the historic center. The University of Padua, Italy’s second oldest, was founded in 1222. Here Galileo worked for nearly two decades in the Auola Magna, and it was the first university to grant a degree to a woman. It is also home to the Palazzo del’Bo, the world’s first Anatomy Theatre. Near here you will find the Orto Botanico, the oldest botanical garden in Europe housing a medicinal herb section and a shrine as well as lovely walking paths. The continent’s largest medieval hall is the Palazzo della Ragione, constructed as the local court in 1218 and frescoed in 1420 by Nicola Miretto. ...

Padua can easily be explored by foot, best begun in the historic center. The University of Padua, Italy’s second oldest, was founded in 1222. Here Galileo worked for nearly two decades in the Auola Magna, and it was the first university to grant a degree to a woman. It is also home to the Palazzo del’Bo, the world’s first Anatomy Theatre. Near here you will find the Orto Botanico, the oldest botanical garden in Europe housing a medicinal herb section and a shrine as well as lovely walking paths. The continent’s largest medieval hall is the Palazzo della Ragione, constructed as the local court in 1218 and frescoed in 1420 by Nicola Miretto. Additional frescoes by Giotto can be found at the Scrovegni Chapel. The Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, a major pilgrimage site, cannot be missed. This Romanesque basilica houses the relics of the town’s adopted saint, and is decorated by greats such as Titian and Donatello, as well as marble works by Giovanni Minello and others.

About the Expert

Stillman Rogers has written more than two dozen guidebooks, including Adventure Guide to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Guide to Eastern Canada, and Adventure Guide to the Chesapeake.