Padova or Verona for a day

I haven't seen Verona so I'm not going to cast a vote here, but there's one possibly important point:

I enjoyed wandering around the historic part of Padova, but I think for someone with your interests, going to Padova without seeing the Scrovegni Chapel would be a disappointing. You have to reserve that ahead of time. I was able to do it the day before when I visited last July.

Sharon, I have been to both Padova and Verona multiple times, so will comment here. I think Padova is a very nice stop by train, either as a day trip from Venice, or a stop along the way by train. Two of the main sites are a modest walk from the train station, those being the Scrovegni Chapel (timed reservation important) and the inside-and-outside market, one of the best in Italy. The Basilica of San Antonio di Padova is quite a bit further through town, a long walk or modest tram ride. There is inexpensive "left luggage service" at the train station. Padova is a modest-sized city, certainly not a small town, and is just 30 minutes or so from Venice by train. I don't think I would leave Venice by car, then stop so quickly in Padova and have to deal with parking, etc. Verona is about 90 minutes by train from Venice. I must say that when I have visited Verona as a day trip, I have always been disappointed, but when I spent 4 nights there in 2014, I loved it. To me, it is the best combination of an ancient city and modern lifestyle, in all of Italy. The only (maybe) world-class site is the Arena, but there are a number of other churches, museums, major squares, etc. The Romeo and Juliet stuff is all a bunch of touristy hype. (Of course a fictional character did not really have a house, balcony, etc in Verona.) it's very nice to just wander around the city, especially in the evening. Unlike many other Italian cities, the streets and sidewalks are very wide and open, and beautifully paved in marble, remnants of ancient towers as I understand it. Verona is also a good center for various day trips, to Lago di Garda, Vicenza, Bologna and even Ravenna, and others. So, I would recommend Padova as a day visit by train, or Verona if you can stay one night or more.

My advice, Verona. Given your interest in art, architecture and churches, visit the Castel Vecchio museum in Verona. Take a cab there from the station.

The Castel Vecchio was remodelled around 1960, under the direction of Carlo Scarpa, and both the interior and exterior are stunning. Remnants of Roman fortifications, Napoleonic renovations, coupled wth an almost Zen like tranquility in the entrance courtyard.

I've visited a handful of times, never ceases to inspire me. Google "Carlo Scarpa" and you'll see what I am on about.

The Architecture Biennale starts in Venice late May - worth a visit to both the Giardini and Arsenale. You'd need a day for each.

Peter, acraven, and Larry,

Thanks for the information on Verona and Padova.

Sharon

It would be a tough choice, but I would go with Padova. I've been to both several times, my first visit to Verona was 30 years ago and I stayed there for several days, and I loved it. I have loved it less on subsequent stays. Padova always enchants me. Definitely get a ticket for the Capella Scrovegni since you are interested in churches, art and architecture.

Verona has beautiful churches, too, but they are more spread out. A day in Padova is easier to negotiate, in my opinion - almost all sights are on, or a short walk from, the main tram line.

If you do choose Padua, the new glasshouse at the Botanic Gardens is really worth seeing. Five micro climates in a stunning building. A great example of modern Italian architecture.

Zoe - Thank you for your thoughtful response. That information is really helpful.

Peter - I love gardens! If I decide on Padova, I will check that out, for sure.

The Botanic Gardens in Padua were started around 1500, and are a UNESCO classified site. Collections of medical plants, poisonous plants, carnivorous plants...... You get the picture.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orto_botanico_di_Padova

Whichever you choose - - - hard decision, but on balance I'd opt for Padova - - - here are a couple of recommendations. In Verona, be sure to include the Basilica of S. Zeno Maggiore. It's a bit away from the other major attractions, but completely walkable. In Padova, Capella Scrovegni, for sure; but also see the baptistery frescoed by Menabuoi in the 14th century, next to the Duomo.

Also in Padova, next to the Capella Scrovigni, is the Chiesa degli Eremitani, which was bombed in WWII and has been partially restored. The remaining frescoes give you an idea of what was destroyed.