Padova Favorites

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Favorite thing: La Specola, situated on riviera Paleocapa, dates back from 10-11th century. It was the highest tower of the Medieval Castelvecchio of Da Carrara family.
Do not be surprised if locals call it;
- Castello,
- La Specola,
- Torlunga,
all three names are in use for this building.

Fondest memory: In the second half of the18th century, the old Medieval castle was transformed into an astronomical observatory (specula is the Latin word for observatory).
Nowadays La Specola is the Astronomical Department of Padova Unoversity, besides it houses musem.

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Favorite thing: The monumental Basilica of St. Justina is situated on Prato della Valle and it consists of the church and the monastery.
There are seven side chapels in the interior of the basilica, the first five dedicated to the most important Benedictine Saints.
The Corridor of the Martyrs connects the new basilica with the Little Chapel of Santa Maria, where the Body of St. Prosdocimus lies. It is a rare example of early Christian art, datable between 480-510.

Fondest memory: The existing building dates from the 16th century and is the last of the three to be built on the spot. A paleochristian basilica, probably of modest propotions, built immediately after the Edict of Tolerance (313) to hold the hallowed Tomb of the Martyr Justina. The second basilica built from the foundations in honour of St. Justina, while today building was built by Andrea Moroni and completed in 1580 by the Istrian architect Andrea da Valle (Bale in croatian, small townlet nearby Rovinj). a

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Favorite thing: Palazzo della Regione, the Municipal Palace, was built in 1218 by the Comune of Padova as the seat of the Podesta and the Law Courts. It was designed by Giovanni degli Eremitani, the architect friar.
The spacious upper floor was divided up by walls into three sections; Tribunal with the judges', Great Council and the office of the Podesta. Later on, the whole upper floor was turned into one great hall, as it is today.
The great Trojan horse, situated inside, was copied in 1466 from Donatello's bronze horse, by Annibale Capodilista.

Favorite thing: With the greenery and canals of Padova it looked an interesting place to stroll and explore more ...but it was just too hot that day and we saw more of cafes than anything else.
This tower caught my attention though, especially being reflected in the little River Paleocapa which flows through this part of Padova:-)
Hopefully we'll discover more on another visit.

Favorite thing: Padova is an old university town and wandering around the streets near here there were interesting architectural details to catch your eye - like these arched windows and balcony on Palazzo Jacur on Via Francesco.

Fondest memory: 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.

Fondest memory: This area of Padova was my favourite with the reflctions of the statues and buildings in the canals. This had been a former site for fairs and entertainments and was reclaimed in 1775 by Domenico Cerato, by order of Andrea Memmo. The "square" is very picturesque with its canal crossed by four bridges and lined by 78 statues of famous men.

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Favorite thing: Monument of Gattamelata is situated in the north-west corner of the square, right in front of Basilica di San Antonio

Fondest memory: Donatello's masterpiece; the bronze equestrian monument to Erasmo de Narni, known as the Gattamelata, commander in chief of the armies of the Venetian Republic.