Padova

Padua has numerous artistic wonders. We recommend: The thirteenth century Scrovegni Chapel, with frescos by Giotto; The Palazzo della Ragione and facing it the Piazza delle Erbe; the neoclassical Caffè Pedrocchi; the Basilica Cathedral of the Assumption of St. Mary and the Baptistery; Prato della Valle (one of the biggest squares in Europe); the botanical garden, the oldest in Europe; The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, with masterpieces by Donatello, both inside and outside; The Palazzo del Bò, seat of the ancient Patavian University. Padua is also a vivacious cultural city. Many important exhibitions take place throughout the year.

• It takes 35 minutes to reach by car or train.

Verona

City of the Arena and opera, and much more besides. Castlevecchio, with the restoration by the great architect Carlo Scarpa, the house of Romeo and Juliette and the many noble palaces built over the centuries also merit a visit. Don’t miss the view of the Giusti Garden, a sublime spectacle of Art and Nature and destination of esteemed men/women of letters, poets and musicians from all over Europe. Verona is also famous for wine, which is produced in the surrounding hills, the most famous of which are Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave and the sweet Recioto.

• It takes 60 minutes to reach by car.

Venice

Venice has been the capital of the Republic of Venice for more than a millennium and is known in this regard as “ the Serenissima”, “the Dominant” and “The Queen of the Adriatic”. These titles were opposed to the “the Proud” or “The dominant of the seas”, which refer to the Marine Republic of Genoa, the principal adversary of Venice. The heart of the city is Saint Mark’s Square, by definition the only one to merit the title of square. In fact the other squares are called “campi” or “campielli”. Saint Mark’s Basilica appears in the centre of the square, coloured in gold and covered with mosaic works that tell the history of Venice, together with the wonderful bas-reliefs that represent the months of the year. Above the main door, the four bronze horses of Constantinople (copies of the originals are stored in the Saint Mark museum) commemorate the fourth crusade of 1204. Its Greek cross shape is dominated by five enormous domes. On one side of the square is the Clocktower; the top of the bell tower offers a perfect view of the sea, the plain and the Dolomites. Among the many places to visit there are: Palazzo Ducale, The Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, Basilica dei Frari (altar piece, by Titian), Church of the Saints John and Paul (equestrian monument, by Donatello, outside). The islands of Torcello, Murano and Burano also deserve a visit.

• It takes 60 minutes to reach by car or train.

Treviso

The medieval walled city, perfectly restored and preserved, through which clear waters flow. It is a culturally active city, often home to international exhibitions. Do not miss the opportunity stroll through its centre, amongst taverns, where delicious dishes and traditional drinks can be sampled, luxurious shops and noble palaces. Discover all of the enchanting sights that the city has to offer, strolling through arcades to the central Piazza dei Signori.

• It takes 60 minutes to reach by car.

Ferrara

Ferrara is a wonderful city of art to enjoy while strolling through its streets, discovering in every corner the character of a magnificent Renaissance capital and from its glorious past be able to understand the reasons of its present: it has been qualified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The best times to visit the city are spring and autumn. In May in particular many festivities take place in connection to the famous Palio of Saint George; in March and September prestigious exhibitions attract numerous visitors to the Diamond Palace (Palazzo Diamanti), jewel of the Ferrara’s Renaissance, and during the last week of August buskers from all over the world meet at the Ferrara Buskers Festival and fill the late summer evenings with music. Not to be missed are the numerous museums, Schifanoia Palace, the Roman-Gothic Cathedral with its museum containing prestigious works of art, the Monastery of Saint Anthony in Polesine with its frescos from the Giotto school, or the Church of Saint Mary in Vado, place of pilgrimage following the Eucharistic miracle which took place in the XII century.

• It takes 60 minutes to reach by car.

Vicenza

The city of Palladio. The small historic centre is an architectural jewel of Palladio’s art, universally recognized as one of the great masters of architecture. We recommend a visit to the Palazzo della Ragione, Iseppo Palace, Chiericatti Porto and Palace, as well as the Olympic Theatre with wooden sets by Scamozzi. On the outskirts of Vicenza are other Veneto Villas, recognized by UNESCO World Heritage, of which we name Villa Capra known as the Rotonda, acknowledged as Palladio’s masterpiece, and the nearby Villa Valmarana ai Nani (the dwarves) with the beautiful frescos by Tiepolo.

• It takes 45 minutes to reach by car.

Mantua

Mantua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, due to its extraordinary testimony of artistic, urban and architectural Renaissance works. This city has many palaces, churches, museums and places of interest to visit: Saint George’s Castle, the Duke’s Palace, Sordello Palace, Mantua Cathedral, The Bibiena Theatre, The Basilica of Saint Andrew, Palazzo Te, and the Rotonda of San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church, built in the XI century.