Nearly all trains heading to Venice pass through the city of Padua. Yet, in comparison to the throngs of tourists who invade Venice each year, relatively few explore the historic and artistic treasures that lie in the Veneto region’s second most important city. Located about 25 miles west of Venice, Padova (as it is known in Italian) is home to one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Europe – the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua – known locally as the “Santo.” It is also home to the Scrovegni Chapel with its revolutionary and entertaining frescoes by Giotto.  And after mulling over the holy relics and sublime paintings, don’t forget to try the local cocktail – the spritz – which was born in the Veneto! Buona visita!