Padua And The Euganean Hills, A Walk Among The Beauties Of Veneto

When you arrive in Padua, the first must-see place is definitely Giotto's greatest masterpiece: the Scrovegni Chapel.
Famous for being totally frescoed by the famous artist, this is the perfect treat to start this journey of beauty.
This work is of inestimable artistic and cultural value. It is important to take the opportunity of the visit not only to admire the frescoes for their beauty, but to inform yourself about the significance of these and Giotto's technical-artistic innovation.
Opening Hours: Open 9-19
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After finishing the view at the Chapel, parking is necessary in order to visit the city comfortably on foot. This parking lot is a good option because it is very central.

Palazzo della Ragione stands in medieval times and was the seat of the administration of justice.
Interesting to know that the Palace divides Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, the twin squares that still host f, since the Middle Ages, the market.
It is a must-see not only for its monumental architecture, but also for the frescoes inside and its immense Hall.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from February 1 to October 31 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 Closed Monday

In our walk around the center, we cannot fail to see the Clock Tower.
Overlooking the Piazza dei Signori, it is 30 meters high and was built in medieval times. It is certainly famous for its Astronomical Clock.
Its dial has a circular shape, with the Earth in the center, according to the Ptolemaic astronomical theory of a geocentric system: the outer band is engraved with the hours in Roman characters, while the inner band contains the copper stars.
The third band shows the zodiac signs, which turn out to be only 11, this is because they refer to the pre-Roman zodiac, in which the constellations of Libra and Scorpio were united into one.
In our itinerary, a visit to the inside of the tower was not calculated, but if you were interested in spending some time there, below you will find the times when it can be accessed.
Opening Hours: Open Friday: 9:30am-12pm Saturday: 9:30am-12pm/3:30pm-6pm Closed Sunday through Thursday

Padua is the home of street art and walking around the city we can breathe art and in particular one street artist, Kenny Random, mysterious and very good, stands out; it, with its works is able to move even the most distracted passerby.
Scattered around the city we can find several murals, his own and others. In particular, in this case, we can see "The Kiss."

One of the most beautiful squares in the historic center of Padua is definitely Piazza della Frutta, also once called Piazza del Peronio.
It has hosted the municipal market since the Middle Ages along with its twin, Piazza delle Erbe, located on the opposite side of Palazzo della Ragione, which occupies one side of it entirely.
Even today, the market held within it is one of the largest in Italy.

Also facing the square we can find the Tower of the Elders.
The tower was built in 1295 to house a big bell brought to the city as spoils of war.
Its name refers to the room on the second floor where the Council of Elders, which was a representative body of the arts, met.

Having finished the walk through the center of Padua, it is time to head to your car to move in the direction of the Euganean Hills.

Arriving at lunchtime in Abano Terme is a great time to check into the hotel and drop off your luggage.

Being not far from the hotel, this small restaurant is sure to be a pleasant discovery in many ways.
It is noteworthy for its excellent dishes that creatively propose traditional flavors, but the kind welcome of the wait staff is also a plus that will make you leave the place with a smile on your face.
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A villa that is part of the FAI Assets, it dates back to the Renaissance and is inspired by the Domus of Ancient Rome and is the most important pre-Palladian house in the Veneto region.
It can be considered practically the first example of the rediscovery of the classicism of the Roman period in the hinterland of the Serenissima.
Not only the villa, but also the park, deserve a visit to their discovery.
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Opening Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday

Villa Barbarigo is a very pleasant stop because of the visit to its wonderful park.
Inside, in addition to well-kept gardens, we will be able to find a beautiful labyrinth, the fountains with their water games and the Rabbit Island.
Opening Hours: Open Daily from the last weekend in February to the second weekend in December, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to sunset (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays open all day)
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Arquà Petrarca is a small village, so leaving your car in an outdoor parking lot is very useful.

House in which the writer lived, dates back to the 13th century, and retains its original 14th-century structures even today, despite numerous restorations.
It is thought that house was given to Petrarch by Francesco I da Carrara, when the former, tired, old and ill decided to settle in Arquà, surrounded by family and friends.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday. 09-12:30 a.m. & 3-7 p.m. from March 1 to October 31; 09-12:30 a.m. & 2:30-5:30 p.m. from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28 Closed Monday

Leaving the car, one can wander into the village until reaching the tomb of Francesco Petrarch, famous author of the Canzoniere who wanted to settle in the village because of the quality of the climate and the welcome of the townspeople.
It is placed outside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
This monument is very old, and relaxing in front of it one lives in absolute peace.
Absolutely a must-see.

Having found out more about the artist and where he lived, it is time to move to the parking lot and head off in the direction of a Gourmet Dinner.

In this starred restaurant, the journey of flavor discovery will be a unique and sublime culinary experience.
Inside, in a minimal and clean location, there is still no shortage of warm and welcoming atmosphere.
With excellent products prepared with love and experience, and the opportunity to see the chef and his talented staff at work in the open kitchen, this experience stimulates all 5 senses.
So all you have to do is trust the chef and you can never be disappointed!
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Opening Hours: Open Wednesday: 8 p.m.-24 p.m. Thursday through Sunday: 12-14:30 p.m. & 20-24 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday

With the evening over, it's time to go to bed and enjoy some well-deserved rest after a first day of travel, which was certainly challenging.