🇮🇹 An Unexpected Gem in Northern Italy - Padua (Padova) 🏰✨

Fate (and a train strike 🚆) led me to this ancient city brimming with masterpieces! Just 30km from Venice—a quick 10-minute ride away. 📍 Walk south from the station to hit all key sights without backtracking! Here’s the lowdown: 🔑💡 1️⃣ Scrovegni Chapel 🎨 UNESCO-listed, home to Giotto’s 30+ breathtaking frescoes. 2️⃣ Eremitani Church ⛪ 13th-century beauty, now the Civic Museum, with fragments of Mantegna’s murals. 3️⃣ Padua Cathedral (Duomo) ✝️ Founded in the 4th century, redesigned by Michelangelo in 1552! 4️⃣ Palazzo della Ragione 🏛️ Medieval town hall with Europe’s largest unsupported roof! 5️⃣ Caffè Pedrocchi ☕ Historic "influencer" café since 1831! Loved by Stendhal & Byron—try their mint coffee & signature cake. 🍰 6️⃣ University of Padua 🎓 Italy’s 2nd oldest uni (1222!), alma mater of Galileo & Copernicus. 7️⃣ Basilica of St. Anthony 🙏 Padua’s #1 landmark—Gothic, Romanesque & Byzantine fusion. The sculptures? Mind-blowing. 🤯 8️⃣ Botanical Garden 🌿 World’s oldest (1545!), a UNESCO green oasis. 9️⃣ Prato della Valle 🌅 Enchanting square with 78 statues + a must-try gelato spot nearby! 🍦 🔟 Basilica of Santa Giustina ⛪ One of only 8 international pilgrimage sites recognized by the Vatican. 🔥 Why Padua? Lively yet authentic: Wine dispensers 🍷, street markets, CPR volunteers, friendly locals! Old-money elegance: Hermès, LV, Tiffany boutiques + Ferrari/Lamborghini meetups! 🚗💨 Walkable in a day—no transit needed! (Comfy shoes >> bus pass 👟) #Padua #HiddenGems #ItalyTravel #WeekendGetaway #ArtAndHistory ✨