Padova (Veneto)

Padova is a city in North Eastern Italy, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is located centrally in the Veneto region, between Venezia on one side and Vicenza and Verona on the other. The city itself has 210,821 inhabitants (2001), with about 350,000 inhabitants in the wider metropolitan area.

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• A pleasant local tradition is the spritz or aperitif in one of the central piazzas (Piazza delle Erbe or Piazza della Frutta), starting between 7 and 8 in the evening. There are lots of students and young people, which makes for a very pleasant atmosphere.

• Many young folk, particularly students, converge on the Prato della Valle to eat their lunch, either on the central grass, or leaning against the statues that line the water. In fine weather you will generally find people ensconced against these statues for the afternoon. It is one of the nicest places to rest, write, or watch the world go by in Padova.

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• Pizzeria Medina (Via S.G. Barbarigo 18, midday and evenings, closed Tuesday) is just down the street from the Duomo (cathedral). They offer great-tasting pizzas that are enormous even by Italian standards. Quality is high, prices are low (pizza and wine 10-15 EUR), and the atmosphere is great. For something different, try one of their “green” pizzas.

• Pago Pago (Via Galileo Galilei 59) is near the Basilica – one block over and around the corner. They have the usual range of pastas, meat/fish dishes, pizzas, etc. If you’ve overdosed on Italian food and want something lighter, try one of their salads. Great atmosphere and reasonable prices (salad, drink, and coffee under 15 EUR).

• Cucina Chef Chadi (Via S. Francesco 214, closed 2-4.30 pm and after 8 pm) is right behind the basilica: keep the building to your right and walk until the corner at the end of the street. If you want to avoid junk food and taste some genuine italian flavours, choose something from this clean and healthy take-away: freshly cooked vegetables, meat, fish and pasta are displayed everyday, and served by the cook himself. Try his paella or just let him suggest the speciality of the day. A convenient place to stop by if you want to have a wide choice, or you are travelling with your children. Good service and convenient prices (lunch menu 6-15 EUR).

[tab:General Info]

• Bring your Italian phrasebook and study up – a little Italian goes a long way in Padova, especially in the low season.
• The Padova Card offers free entrance to several key attractions, discounts at others, free parking, and free travel on busses. It’s valid for 48 hours from the time you buy it. At 14 EUR, it’s worth having even if you only use it for Scrovegni’s Chapel and one or two other sites or bus rides.

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