Page 189 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

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St Anthony’s life, carved in
1505–77 by various artists,
including Jacopo Sansovino and
Tullio Lombardo. These are rather
cold by comparison with the
Crucifixion fresco (1380s) by
Altichiero da Zevio in the
opposite transept. This pageant-
like painting of everyday scenes
from medieval life shows
depictions of people, animals
and plants. One of four stone bridges spanning the canal around Prato della Valle
T Statue of Gattamelata These comprise two scenes from with exotic foliage, shaded by
Near the entrance to the Basilica the life of St Anthony in the ancient trees. The gardens were
stands one of the great Scuola del Santo, executed in used to cultivate the first lilacs
Renaissance works. This gritty 1511. The delightful saints’ lives (1565), sunflowers (1568) and
portrait of the mercenary soldier and scenes from the life of Christ potatoes (1590) grown in Italy.
Gattamelata (whose name means in the San Giorgio Oratory are
“Honey Cat”) was created in the work of two artists, Altichiero P Prato della Valle
1443–52, honouring a man who da Zevio and Jacopo Avenzo, The Prato (field) claims to be the
in his life did great service to the who painted them in 1378–84. largest public square in Italy,
Venetian Republic. Donatello and its elliptical shape reflects
won fame for the monument, Y Orto Botanico the form of the Roman theatre
the first equestrian statue made Via Orto Botanico 15. Tel 049 827 39 that stood on the site.
of this size since Roman times. 39. Open Apr, May & Oct: 9am–7pm St Anthony of Padua used to
daily; Jun–Sep: 10am–7pm Tue–Sun; preach sermons to huge crowds
P Scuola del Santo and Nov–Mar: 9am–5pm Tue–Sun. & 7 here, but subsequent neglect
Oratorio di San Giorgio ∑ ortobotanicopd.it saw the area turn into a malaria-
Piazza del Santo. Tel 049 822 56 52. Founded in 1545, Padua’s ridden swamp. The land was
Open 9am–1pm, 2:30–6pm daily (to botanical garden is the oldest in drained in 1767 to create the
5pm in winter). Closed 1 Jan, Europe, and it retains much of canal that now encircles the
25 Dec. & (combined ticket). its original appearance; one of Prato. Four stone bridges cross
These two linked buildings the palm trees dates to 1585. the picturesque channel, which
contain excellent frescoes, Originally intended for the is lined on both sides by statues
including the earliest cultivation of medicinal plants, of 78 eminent citizens of Padua.
documented paintings by Titian. the pathways now spill over On Saturdays there is a market.

3 Villa Foscari
Also known as the Malcontenta, this
Oriago villa was built by Palladio in 1560 and is
decorated with superb frescoes by Zelotti.

Laguna
Veneta
Fusina
Venezia

Tips for Passengers
Canale Nuovissimo
4 Padua to Venice: Mar–Oct: Wed, Fri and Sun. Dep Pontile del Portello,
20-min walk from the train station, 8am. Arr Riva degli Schiavoni 5:30pm.
4 Venice to Padua: Mar–Oct: Tue, Thu and Sat. Dep Riva degli Schiavoni
2 Villa Widmann-Foscari 8:45am. Arr Pontile del Portello 7pm.
Built in 1719, but altered Booking necessary through a local travel agent or www.ilburchiello.it
in the 19th century, the Ticket includes bus between Padua and Stra, boat tour and guide, entrance
interior is decorated in to two villas (ticket for Villa Pisani not included). Return trip (not included in
a French Rococo style.
cost) by train or bus (approx 45 mins).

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