Heading east from Verona, my next stop was Padua, a youthful university city with some big highlights. The city itself is buzzing, with bicycles everywhere and students from all over the world attending the university right in the middle of town. Big farmer’s markets occur daily in the two main piazzas right next to each other, while a covered market divides the two, selling everything from fresh cheese to homemade pasta to pig legs. Not a bad menu for a college student. The markets clear in the evening and the younger crowd fills the piazzas, sipping their aperitivi and grabbing a bite to eat. It’s a great scene, and reminded me of being back in San Luis Obispo, only it was completely different…You can’t really sit in a giant, centuries old square in SLO, and, I hate to say it, but the gelato tastes a little better than Bali’s yogurt!
Aside from being a buzzing university town, Padua has a storied history. Saint Anthony’s settling point, Padua is home to the basilica constructed in his honor. Pilgrims from all over the world come to see his tomb and relics contained within the basilica, which is a spectacular sight. People often say that once you have seen a few European churches, you’ve seen them all. Wrong. Saint Anthony’s is special place, and I was lucky enough to attend a couple masses there while I was in town, adding to the experience.
I enjoyed every bit of Padova (the real way to say it) and wouldn’t be surprised if I make my way back there in the near future...