Padua/Padova

So the must see thing here is the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes which define the beginning of Renaissance art. For the first time, the people display emotions. Finished around   1303. 

Scrovegni's father was a moneylender and he wanted to make sure he went to Heaven. 

The panels tell the story of Christ. 

The next incredible thing to see in this city is the Palazzo Della Ragione, the city's tribunal dating from 1218.

All around this building are the markets and cafes. It's the center of the city. 

On the second floor is one huge room with this huge horse which is arguably a Donatello or a knockoff but still great. 

All decorated by Giotto's disciples. 

In another part of town is the Basilica of San Antonio. 

We ended up there Sunday during services. 

We were snapping away taking pics until we were stopped. 

This one struck me. 

After leaving the church we walked to this incredible "lawn" surrounded by statues and water features. 

It's a very large lawn. 

This restaurant, Zairo, is the perfect place to enjoy the view. There are 66,000 students at the University. This school is the second oldest only to Bologna. 

Last in the same neighborhood is the botanical garden which is the oldest in Europe (one can argue ). 

These cities that were city states until united by Garibaldi all attempted to outdo each other. Who won?