Padova Off The Beaten Path

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This is called Barchesse because that is all that is left of what was once an elegant and huge villa. Due to the claim for taxes, a large part of the villa was demolished to avoid paying taxes in early 1900's. What a shame. It is on one of the most beautiful places on the Riveria, and you can tell it at one time had great magnificence.
The main building was built in the 16th century by Valier family. It changed ownership to Valmarana in 1734, who added the barchesse. In 1908, the frescoes were plastered over to make use as a warehouse and stables. They were restored in 1962. Entry is 6 Euro. When we were there on a Sunday, it was closed. It may not open until May? But it is supposed to be open March through October 10:00-18:00 ora.

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My grand-father and I discovered this little church by chance during our walk across Padova. It is dedicated to San Canziano but people go there to pray for Santa Rita, as you can understand from her portrait and the ex voto offerings to her. Admire also the beautiful high altar, as well as the crucifix.

As you wander around Padova look out for carvings high on the buildings, and small quiet side streets to take you away from the hustle and bustle and transport you back to another age

it cant be really `off the beaten path` ..... these streets have been well beaten for centuries, but you will often see beautiful scenes and interesting buildings never mentioned in the guide books, look carefully and you will see signs of the time before the streets were paved over, when Padova, like Venice, was a city of canals

Riviera del Brenta is relatively short area situated in between Padova and Venice, but probably the most romantic countryside in whole northern Italy. It is where the Venetians of the ancient Republic longed for summer and autumn holidays, building here lots of magnificent villas.
Villa Pisani, also called La Nazionale, which stands beyond Dolo just outside Stra, is the most attractive and magnificent villa of the Brenta Riviere. Alvise Pisani, the Doge of Venice, in 1735 comissioned villa from architect Gerolamo Frigimelica, but after his death it was continued by Francesco Maria Preti.
The villa is truly impressive, consists of 114 rooms frescoed by the best artists of the period.

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During Napoleonic rule in Veneto, many decree dictated suppression, especially to sacral objects, however, the tomb of Antenore was left untouched and in place.
The legend says that the man who invented the story of the body and the tomb (1283-84) was the judge and poet Lovato de' Lovati, who is buried beside Antenore.

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Antenore is presumed the mythical founder of Patavium, and for many centuries his tomb was the venerated symbol of Padua's noble origin. All round the sarcophage with its canopy have been completely changed, but the tomb itself still remains unchanged in its original spot.

This church was built in the 14th C and almost completely destroyed in the 20th - you guessed it by bombs in WWII. It still had the war torn feel and had a lot of photos of the church as well as some of the original features still intact enough to see its former beauty. Visiting here is not so much about what you see as what you feel - horror at the devastation; deep sadness for the loss of human life and beautiful art; and hope for the slow and painstaking restoration that is taking place.

Once in Padua you should not miss the Café Pedrocchi, one of the most famous in Italy. It was constructed in 1831 (architect: Giuseppe Jappelli), and since then it has been an artists, intellectuals and students meeting point.