"It's Not Like Anywhere Else I've Visited": Readers' Favorite Cities
Padua, Italy
Padua is full of fascinating places to see. St. Anthony's Basilica, with a magnificent silver sarcophagus housing the saint's body, easily rivals St. Peter's in Rome. The nearby botanical gardens, filled with plants and flowers, are a delightful way to spend a few hours. In the morning, head to Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, for bustling markets selling everything from strawberries to sneakers, or step into the Palazzo della Ragione with its impressive frescoes. At night, the two squares become open-air bars and restaurants to sample the local cuisine. If you have time for a day trip, Verona and Venice are less than an hour away by train.Berni G
Bologna, Italy
When I picture Bologna, it's always bathed in golden light that makes its rust-red walls glow. But what lies beneath the surface is equally spellbinding. Exploration of the university's idiosyncratic little museums reveals ancient courtyards. Delving into hidden doors and arches leads to secrets - or food. Music and debate enliven evenings in the main square. And there's the welcome. On my last trip, I watched locals chat passionately, taking turns on stools in Piazza Maggiore. Not trusting my Italian, I declined an invitation to contribute. , but I gladly accepted the cherries shared among the crowd.Siobhan Maher
Lucca, Italy
Padua is full of fascinating places to see. St. Anthony's Basilica, with a magnificent silver sarcophagus housing the saint's body, easily rivals St. Peter's in Rome. The nearby botanical gardens, filled with plants and flowers, are a delightful way to spend a few hours. In the morning, head to Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, for bustling markets selling everything from strawberries to sneakers, or step into the Palazzo della Ragione with its impressive frescoes. At night, the two squares become open-air bars and restaurants to sample the local cuisine. If you have time for a day trip, Verona and Venice are less than an hour away by train.Berni G
Bologna, ItalyWhen I picture Bologna, it's always bathed in golden light that makes its rust-red walls glow. But what lies beneath the surface is equally spellbinding. Exploration of the university's idiosyncratic little museums reveals ancient courtyards. Delving into hidden doors and arches leads to secrets - or food. Music and debate enliven evenings in the main square. And there's the welcome. On my last trip, I watched locals chat passionately, taking turns on stools in Piazza Maggiore. Not trusting my Italian, I declined an invitation to contribute. , but I gladly accepted the cherries shared among the crowd.Siobhan Maher
Lucca, ItalyWhat's Your Reaction?
