Padova card
by BruceDunning
We used this card extensively and it is well worth the 15 Euro for 48 hours, or 20 Euro for 72 hours. The literature states a 48 hour card can be used for 72 hours if purchased in afternoon of a friday. This is not true, and they said they need to change to text.
The card allows entry to all major, and some minor tour sites. The main one is Erimitani Scorvegni, which costs 11 Euro normally, so with taking n 6-8 other sites, the price is great value. Palazzo Ragione, St. Anthony's basilica, Prodecchi cafe, Zuckerman museo, are some of the major places to get in.
Doors open the WRONG way..or is it the 'Right' way
by mapakettle
Be aware, that in Italy, the doors to shops and restaurants open 'inward' as opposed to opening 'outwards' as we are used to in North America.
It certainly makes it easier to open the door for the fair sex as you are leaving a shop, but coming in poses a problem.
We've been here over a year, and still make the door slam and the windows shake when we attempt to open the door.
In North America it is a fire regulation which is strictly enforced, the reason is that doors should open 'outwards' in order to prevent a pile up at an exit in case of fire. Makes sense, whereas here, if the door were to open 'outward', it could strike the car that is parked on the sidewalk.
Each case has its merits.
Need a quick but 'TASTEFUL' gift......?
by mapakettle
If you have been invited to someone's home, and you want to take a little something for the host/hostess, then I suggest you make a stop at a pastry shop (pasticceria). These little shops are plentiful in Italy, and are well stocked, full of delicious goodies not often seen in Canada or USA.
Just make your choices, and they are placed on a tray, lined with a paper doily, and are then wrapped like a birthday present, complete with a lovely bow/ribbon.
They make a fine present, and are enjoyed by everyone.
If the occasion calls for a bottle of wine instead, and this is a last minute deal, don't get excited, there are countless places to stop, little bars, small food shops, every one seems to stock wine. Just explain you would like to make a good impression (bella figura) on your host/hostess, and let the clerk make your choice for you (unless you know your wines).
The clerk will wrap the bottle up, complete with ribbon, or place it in a carry box. Expect to pay between 7 euro to 10 euro for a 'very good' everyday wine, and 18 euro to 24 euro for a much better 'bella figura' wine, which will bring you compliments from your host/hostess. You could pay a lot more, but that is going into territory I understand nothing about. I do suggest you purchase a wine that has been bottled from grapes grown within the region you are visiting. Civic pride comes into play, after all.
Local Police Station
by mapakettle
I have included this picture of the police station so it will be easier to locate when you require a permesso. Just go along the street to the left of this building, and the Gates of Hell are located on the right.
If you are lucky, it will be manned, but don't go between noon and 1:30...everyone but the people contained within the gates go to lunch then. The others remain locked in until lunch has been consumed.
Abbazia di Praglia
by oriettaIT
This huge monastery is part of the Benedictine monk property as Santa Giustina in the center of Padova. I am particulary close to this place as I used to live wery close to it and was always brought here by my grandmother that now rest in the cemetary nearby.
It is a massive costruction, the monks living there are almost self sufficient as they grow the plants they need and some animals. They are know to sell a excellent honey and some herbs like camomille etc. Their main job is book preservation, the workshop is known all over Europe and still working as far as i know.
It is possible to visit the monastry, the church and part of the workshops. Refer to their website for timetables etc as they change often.
To reach the monastry from Padova you can use SITA bus, they leave from the train station and you can distinguish them from the town bus because they are blue instead of orange. Ask the tickets booth for direction about the right bus to catch.
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Clock Tower
Padova Cathedral Rear
The model of the anatomical theater.
view from astronomical tower of Padova
