Padua (Padova)
PADUA was largely rebuilt after the destruction of the war, and it is surrounded by industrial suburbs, to which it owes its role as the main economic center of Veneto. So at first it does not seem to be the most attractive place in northern Italy. However, it is one of the oldest cities, which is full of many testimonies of its ancient lineage.
From 45 r. p.n.e. Padua was a Roman municipality and flourished until the barbarian invasions, after which at the beginning of the 7th century. there was an invasion of the Lombards. The rebirth was slow, but in the mid-12th century. Padua became a free commune and began to prosper again. W 1221 r. a university was established here, and ten years later, after the death of St.. Antoni and bringing his body to Padua, the city became a destination for pilgrimages.
W 1337 r. Carraresi took control of the city (ród From Carrara). The cultural splendor of Padua dates back to the period of their domination - they stayed here, among others,. Giotto, Dante and Petrarch - but the family's ambitions led to a conflict with Venice and the 1405 r. the city lost its independence to the neighboring republic. Although politically annihilated, Padua remained an artistic and intellectual center: Donatello and Mantegna worked here, a w XVII w. Galileo conducted research at the local university, whose medical faculty was among the most ambitious in Europe. With the fall of the Venetian Republic, the city passed into the hands of Napoleon, who passed them on to the Austrians, under which Padua was under the Italian annexation in 1866 r.
Information and accommodation
APT's main office is located at the train station (pn.-sb. 8.00-20.00, nd. 8.00-12.00), and another branch - a few hundred meters away, at the bus station at Piazzale Boschetti. Both offices have long lists of one-star hotels with ones from 15 000 L and twos from 24 000 L; there are several inexpensive places on via Papafrava. Until a few years ago, it was much easier to find an inexpensive room in Padua than in Venice; the average price is still lower here, but there may be a problem with the vacancies, as more and more people are using Padua as a base to explore their crowded neighbor. In high season, you should be ready for a long search.
In summer, two "holiday homes" also offer their rooms: Antonianus, on via Donatello 24 (15 VII-30 IX; 049/651444), where the price is 12 000 L per person, and the Mission House of the Verbists, via Forcellini 172 (1 VII-30 IX; 049/754411).
Overnight in a youth hostel on Via A. Aleardi 30 (049/8752219) it costs 9500 L including breakfast. The closest campsite is in Montegrotto Terme (Strada Romana Aponese 104; 049/793400), which can be reached in fifteen minutes on one of the numerous trains; it is a very good campsite with a swimming pool and baths.
City
From the train station, they lead to the center of Corso del Popolo and Corso Garibaldi, pulling through a gap in the city's Renaissance walls, obok Scrovegni Chapel i Civic Museum (summer Tue-Sun. 9.00-19.00; in winter Tue-Sun. 9.00-17.30; combined ticket 5000 L). Giotto's frescoes in Scrovegnia are for many people the main purpose of coming to Padua, so it is almost always crowded here.
The construction of the chapel was funded by St. 1303 r. Enrico Scrovegni as compensation for father's usury, which was so barbaric, that after his death he was denied a Christian burial. As soon as the walls were up, Giotto was commissioned to cover them with scenes from the life of Mary, the life of Jesus and the passion of Jesus; finished cycle, arranged in three compact levels and painted against a background of saturated blue, is one of the greatest achievements of European art. You can see here, how much importance Giotto attached to the inner nature of his characters, which was innovative at that time; Note the exchange of glances between the shepherds in the fresco The Arrival of Joachim, for the Meeting of Joachim and Anna at the Golden Gate and the Visitation of St.. Elizabeth.
They are shown in human form under the main paintings (usually female) virtues and vices, and above the door is the Last Judgment, with rivers of fire flowing from God to hell. Just above the door is a portrait of Scrovegni offering the chapel to the Lord; his tomb is located at the other end of the chapel, behind the altar decorated with statues by Giovanni Pisano.
The recently opened Museo Civico contains part of the city's collection. Unfortunately, most of the paintings are still on display near the basilica, while here you can see uninteresting collections of archaeological finds, generally poor paintings and sculptures from the 19th century. and a selection of coins, medals and other metal products. The advantage of the museum is information about cultural events in Padua.