Pisa, Bologna, Verona, Padua - best things to see and do
I'm glad you liked our previous suggestion for your trip. Here is a list of the cities you can visit while on the road, and what you can expect in each of them. Read on!
Tuscan Road (Source: BlackburnPhoto)
Bologna is home to the world's oldest university dating back to 1008 AD - a distinction that has earned the city the title of 'la dotta' or the learned one. Bologna is one of the most well preserved historical cities and a cultural confluence of the Etruscan, Celtic, and Roman civilisations. History lives here!
Bologna - Salone del libro 2005 671 (Source: g.sighele)
The Fontana del Nettuno, the Public Library 'Sala Borsa', the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of Santo Stefano and the Towers of Bologna are some of the interesting sights in the city. Do try visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on top of Guardia Hill where the famous painting of the Madonna and the child by Luke the Evangelist still hangs today. The Sanctuary is famous for its 4 km long arcade linking the shrine to the town through which an annual procession takes place during Ascension week.
Bologna - San Luca (Source: iz4aks)
Distance: 117 kms from Florence
Padua is a picturesque and historical city just outside Venice, and it claims to be the oldest city in Northern Italy. The seat of the Venetian governors, Padua is a delight to the eyes with its elegant churches and well designed plazas. The Scrovegni Chapel is a must see in the city. It houses frescos designed by Giotti that are considered to be the most important fresco cycles in the world depicting the life of Virgin Mary.
Distance: 51.5 kms from venice
100803a (Source: docadoca)
Verona, on the other hand, is a more romantic city that is famous for being the inspiration behind Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Juliet's balcony in Verona is a popular spot flocked by lovers and love-seekers alike who wish for her blessings. You can even opt for a Shakespearean tour of the city that lets you see Verona as it was when Shakespeare wrote his tragic story.
Distance: 126 kms from Venice
Juliet's Balcony, Verona (Source: gerry.scappaticci)
Hope my suggestions suit your taste and prove to be helpful. Once you finalize the cities you would like to visit, we can assist you with the other details such as an itinerary, local tours, eateries, etc. to help in spending a day or eben half a day there. Have a lovely trip to Europe. Happy planning!
Cheers!
Trishya
Pisa Biscotti (2) (Source: ljcybergal)
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This one might be a little off the main route, but when near Florence it would be a sin to not visit Pisa. Scientists world over may fight about whether or not the famous Leaning Tower was the actual scene of Galileo's defining experiments, but all agree that it is a masterpiece of Italian architecture and a must see.
leaning tower (Source: M4rvin)
Distance: 100 kms from Florence