Palazzos, Basilicas and Gardens in Padova

Rest Day in Padova – Thurs 7th July 2016

Weather: 20⁰C min – 29⁰C max, hot and sunny

Town PhotosTrip Maps
 


“Death may have no master, but the bicycle is, most emphatically, not its slave” ~ James E Starts

It was so pleasant not having to rush around this morning preparing for a day on the road. Instead I was able to leisurely make breakfast in my comfortable apartment, catch up on my correspondence, and Skype my wife and also a friend in Sydney.

After studying the tourist map of Padova, I created an 8 Km Garmin GPS route that meandered around to take in most of the city’s main attractions. The sky was clear and the temperature had already reached nearly 30 degrees when I set off on my bike tour.

Basilica of Saint Anthony
The basilica, which the people of Padua call Il Santo (The Saint), is the most important monument in the city and one of the world’s most important art treasures. Recognised by the Holy See as an International Shrine, it is also one of Christendom’s most celebrated and popular churches. It was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, who was born around 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, and who died in Padua on June 13, 1231. There was a steady stream of people filing past the tomb of the saint, all touching the side of the tomb as they passed.

Giardini Dell’ Arena
A lovely public park surrounded by part of the city walls. Contained within the walls are the ruins of the Arena, the ancient Roman theater built around 70 AD.

La Chiesa Degli Eremitani
The Church of the Eremitani, or Church of the Hermits, is an Augustinian church of the 13th century in Padua.

Palazzo della Ragione
An impressive medieval town hall building in Padua. The Palazzo was begun in 1172 and finished in 1219. Its great hall on the upper floor is reputed to have the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe.

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico)
Founded in 1545 by the Venetian Republic, it is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden that is still in its original location. In 1997, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The one problem that has been on my mind since I first planned the trip is what to do with my bike for the four days I will be spending in Venice, then how to source a cardboard carton to box it up and get it to the Venice Marco Polo Airport on Tuesday for my EasyJet flight to Gatwick. Bikes are not allowed in Venice and you wouldn’t be able to ride one there anyway. My friend Volker came to the rescue, enlisting the services of a cycling club associate in Mestre who will obtain a carton, help me box the bike up tomorrow, store it at his house, then drive me to the airport on Tuesday. Volker has even been kind enough to ride with me tomorrow from Padua to Mestre, introduce me to his friend, and act as an interpreter for me to co-ordinate the arrangements for Tuesday. The cycling fraternity is truly amazing!

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3 Responses

  1. I am pleased with the photos and – at your descriptions I sit in the saddle and feel the scent of venecia. Carry on, Kevin!

    • Great to hear from your Rolf. It is a bit sad that tomorrow is the last leg of my tour, but I am looking forward to spending four days in Venezia. It has been a fantastic ride from Malpesa to here … I would recommend this route without change. Kind regards, Kevin

  2. Melveta Ellwood says:

    Well done K, you have captured every corner of Italy together with its beautiful surroundings on your cycle. Ride a Cycle and see the World “A man and his cycle”( A lone Rider)

    Every good things has to come to an end my dear. Enjoy Venice !!

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