Padua, Italy - Home of Europe's First Botanical Gardens

The city of Padua, or Padova, is famous for the Basilica de Sant'Antonio and two important Giotto frescoes but it's also the home to Europe's first botanical gardens, Italy's largest public square, and the second oldest university in Italy (the oldest is in Bologna).

Padua is one of my favorite northern Italian cities and makes a great base for exploring the Veneto region (see Veneto Region Map). I sometimes stay there when visiting Venice since it's only half an hour by train, is less costly, and has far fewer tourists. Padua is a recommended stop on our Milan to Venice Suggested Itinerary.

Related Italy Travel: Padua Travel Directory | Veneto Region Guide | Padua Hotels (book direct)
on Europe Travel: Padua Travel Guide | Padua's Botanical Garden | Padua Pictures

_{Photo of Basilica Sant'Antonio © 2002 by James Martin, Europe Travel}