| There are several choices
for excursions from Venice. If you are planning to
stay in Venice, or if you want to stay close, Padua
is a good choice. You can find a less expensive sleeping place, and still
enjoy Venice’s many beautiful sites. Padua is a small town, and
is sometimes overlooked when tourists make plans for their stays. Padua
is located just 20 miles north of Venice. Home to Italy’s second
oldest university and beautiful Basilicas, Padua offers a wonderful
choice for lodging, or for a short excursion from Venice,
when you just want to get away for a few hours. Padua’s main attraction
is the Scrovegni Chapel, also referred to as the Madonna dell` Arena. This
structure was commissioned by Scrovegni as his passport to heaven. The
walls of the small chapel are painted cerulean blue and beautifully depict
the Lives of Christ and the Virgin.
If you are planning a full
day away from Venice, Verona is a wonderful choice for your
excursion. Verona is located only one hour via train from Venice.
This beautiful city is home to Romeo and Juliet, as well as the most famous
opera season in all of Italy. Porta Nuova gives you a beautiful introduction
to the Arena, which was built during the first century and is considered
to be the most well preserved amphitheatre in Italy. The Arena houses Italy’s
famous opera during July and August. Another wonderful site to behold is
San Zeno, with its zebra-striped bell tower. This is the spot where King
Pepin the Short was buried. Walking around Verona will offer you
sites of bridges, piazzas, and Romanesque churches galore. Juliet’s balcony
is also found in Verona. There are few people that actually believe
that Juliet or any of the Capulets actually lived here, however, the balcony
is a striking site, and lends excitement to romanticists world wide.
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