We're thinking of staying in Padova for two nights prior to a stay in Venice where our cruise will leave from.

We love the Italian life.....walking, eating, drinking, eating....you get the picture.

Is Padova a good choice? or would you recommend another town near Venice?

We spent a day there this summer, going from Venice and I LOVED it. Not only was there some really interesting architecture and parks, but we found the "ghetto" and a local eating place (Osteria L'Anfora) that was simply wonderful for lunch. It happened to be a graduation day at the University (interesting tour there, but unfortunately they weren't doing it that day due to the ceremonies) so we saw lots of "pranks" that the graduates do to each other in the streets. There is also a great market in town.

I'm not a big church and cathedral person, but I found the huge cathedral and tomb of St. Antonio very moving.

Goodmorning, have never stayed in Padova, however have visited three or four times as day trips out of Venice.
The Basilica di Sant'Antonio and the Caffe Pedrocchi, via VII Febbraio, 2 are two very interesting places to visit and last and perhaps the most is he Scrovegni Chapel with its frescoes by Giotto. visitation to the chapel has
been limited within the last few years and really don't know when tney are available for viewing, however is worth the trouble..Richard of LaGrange Park, IL>

Padova would be a lovely place for a couple of days, that is if you have already visited Venice and have no interest in staying there this time. Venice is spectacular and, unless you have been there, I suggest the days before your cruise be spent there.

Don't forget Padova's most significant artistic venue: the Cappella degli Scrovegni with Giotto's majestic frescoes of the life of St. Francis. It is located a stone's throw from the train station, well before entering the central part of town.

Yeh, Padua is a great town with many historical monuments, churches and the active Italian life you and i enjoy. It's a thriving regional city. The famous Basilica of St. Anthony is a maudline sight for me - though a great church, etc., i remember seeing countless photos of accident victims, many youngsters being taped to the shrine devoted to the great saint. Vicenza is also a fine lively town close to both Venice and Padua.

To me, Padova, even more than Venice, is evocative of the "old" Italy. In the old city (citta vecchia) are many wonderful places. The maze of tiny streets is just the thing for wandering around and getting lost. Posters before me have mentioned most of the major things to see, but I still like just walking around. I stayed in a comfortable old hotel right in the center of the old town named Majestic Hotel Toscanelli, which also has a very good restaurant in its basement. Read up on Padova in a guide book so you will be sure to know about all the places you could visit. The Museo Civico near the San Antonio basilica has some old paintings that go all the way back to the 14th and 15th century. There is a nice park and the market square is always alive with activity. Good luck.

Hi Skitravel,

My husband is from Padova and I can wholeheartedly recommend that you take a tour of the University (2nd oldest in Italy after Bologna)! You will learn about Galileo and Dante's stays here.
Padova never feels run-down from tourists; it's wonderfully laid-back. Beautiful in winter--they roast chestnuts in the center of town. Nice shopping too if you are interested in that.
Don't forget to ask one of the students/locals where the best tremazzini, little Italian sandwiches, in town are served (also in the center). Have a tremazzini and wine spritz, and marvel about The Good Life... Ciao!

skitravel, I will not bother to repeat all the other posters comments but I sure agree with all of them. Padova is a beautiful city!! And IMHO very relaxing also. Have a beautiful visit.