Padova is an ancient city in Italia's northeast corner near the Venezia lagoon.  It is a peaceful, town with a historic past of academic, art, and cullture.  Venezia is a 45 minute train ride away. 

Padova is home of one of the first universitiies in Europe.  It's botanical garden is centuries old and features flora and carnivorous plants. 

Padova's plaza is the  second largest public square in Europe afer Moscow's Red Square. A canal circles the area which is lined with statues of academic figures from Padova's past history.  Families, lovers, walkers, runners, strollers come every day to enjoy the historic plaza.

Zairos is a superb Mediterranean restaurant on the square. It is packed every night with locals and tourists who are treated to seafood, local specialities, pastas and salads.  I had  one of the best meals in my life one night: nero pasta (made from cuddlefish ink), with crab in a cheese and basil sauce. We returned for dinner all three nights.  A feature is a glass bubble salad display where waiters press a button and raise the bubble to select the salad ingredients.