Padova is one city in Italy that we visited. Actually, it was our main hub when we went to Europe last May to June 2016. They say that it is a city of tradition. It is also called a city of education. It is the home of St. Anthony of Padua.
Natives of Padova at particular about education. They have centers of educational excellence that have enrollees not only coming from the city but from some areas in the Northeastern part of Italy called Veneto. The city boasts of schools and universities which are being partonized by the best students in the country.
One thing that I have noticed, Padova has a lot of churches. Almost every block has one. It just goes to show the religiosity of the people with Italy being the seat of catholicism. Proudly, it is the Filipinos in the city who frequently visit the churches.
Padova is where you will find the Basilica di San't Antonio di Padova. St. Anthony is the patron saint of Padova which, by the way, is also the patron saint of my hometown Zumarraga, Samar. It was an enriching experience visiting the basilica seeing the relics of St. Anthony like his tongue and jaw. I felt at home.
It is one city that can be proud of having structures that have been preserved. But it has its own modernity as well to cater to the daily needs of the people. In the past, Padova had a citadel which made it a walled city. Now, one side is the old city while the other side is the new enclave where business establishments abound.
A place to go to is the Prato della Valle where families and friends converge for a leisurely get-together. It is surrounded by statues of famous Italians who have made a mark in their society. Another must-visit is the Piazza della Fruta outside the Palazzo della Ragione. This is one place where you can buy different kinds of fruits and street food.
Like any other European city, Padova has an effective transportation system. The tram is used as one of the main means of going around the city. Buses also ply routes that take people from one point to another. Cute smalls-sized cars are being utilized due to the small streets of Padova. Wonder of wonders, these cars can accommodate what medium-sized and large automobiles can have. With the good street system and discipline that they have, it is safe to drive around the city.
All in all, my Padova experience is one of nostalgia. Nostalgia because their patron saint is our patron saint in the province. We say the same prayers. It is one visit to Italy that cannot be forgotten. It is a city where one can learn a lot of things. It is one city where I made a lot of friends. Special thanks to our host Ms. Cecilia Silva, our Balik sa Basik producer Ms. Laarni Silva & her daughters Feida & Bea and the Associazione Donne Filippine whose members have untiringly shared to us their hospitality. Special mention also goes to half-Filipino and half-French photographer Nadine Silva for making our stay in Padova more enjoyable with her expert talent and by sharing her children Amanda & Raoul with us to our hearts' delight.
I wish I could go back to Padova in the future to explore it more. It is one Italian city which gave me good memories. It made me appreciate art and architecture more. It really is the city of culture.
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