Padua

From Venice we headed to Padua.

The city is very old and claims to be the oldest in Northern Italy having been founded in 1183 BC

The first place we stopped was Caffe Pedrocchi. The original cafe was built in 1772.

They serve a very unique mint coffee.

From there we headed down the street past some of the university which was founded nearly 800 years ago. Galileo Galilei gave lectures there.

And onto the Basillica. Construction was begun in 1230.

Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lost things and people is buried there. On display there are his tongue, jaw bone and vocal cords as he was renowned for his preaching. 

 

The Pratto della Valle square is one of the biggest in Europe. It is lined by 78 statues depicting famous citizens.