Enjoy a taste of Bardolino while in Padova

Vibrant, ruby red Bardolino wine is produced in the Veneto region and therefore does not have to travel far to be available in restaurants in Padova.

Look out for Bardolino Classico, made from grapes grown in the area immediately round the resort of Bardolino on Lago di Garda (Lake Garda), which will have DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status on its label.

Buonissimo Bardolino!

Among the most acclaimed producers of Bardolino Classico are Guerrieri Rizzardi, who are based at No. 4 Via Verdi in Bardolino.

They make their version from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Sangiovese, Merlot and Molinara grapes grown in their vineyards along the shores of Lago di Garda.

Guerrieri Rizzardi recommend serving their Bardolino slightly chilled to accompany white meats and cheeses.

You will sometimes see in the shops and on wine lists, bottles of Bardolino Novello, (new Bardolino), which should be drunk as soon as possible after the grapes it has been made from were harvested. Wines labelled Bardolino Superiore will have been aged for at least one year.

But most Bardolino is best drunk young if you want to be able to appreciate the wine’s characteristic scent of berries and almonds.

Language point

DOC and DOCG

Wines are graded according to a system that refers to their place of origin, la denominazione.

Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) applies to wines made from grapes grown only in a defined area.

Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG) is reserved for wines that have met particularly rigorous standards throughout their production.

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Take a day trip to Castelfranco Veneto

Within a short distance of Padova by train or car, the historic city of Castelfranco Veneto is smart and prosperous with a wealth of good shops, restaurants and bars.

On arrival, head to the lively Piazza Giorgione, where you can sit outside one of the bars and feast your eyes on the imposing 12th century defensive walls surrounding the historic centre, which is known to locals as Castello.

Castelfranco Veneto's defensive walls

The dark red brickwork has faded to pale pink in places and the towers have weeds growing out of them but you can still see why the walls behind the moat kept neighbouring armies at bay.

If you go through the walls at Via Garibaldi and walk past the 18th century Teatro Accademico you will reach Piazza San Liberale and the pink and white Duomo.

To the right of the altar is the jewel in Castelfranco’s crown, Enthroned Madonna and Child with St Francis and St Nicasio by local artist Giorgione. As one of only a handful of paintings definitely attributable to the Renaissance genius, it is amazing that it has remained above the tomb for which it was originally commissioned.

At nearby Casa Giorgione you can see the frieze in a first floor room that makes experts believe the house was the artist’s birthplace. Study the objects and scrolls he is thought to have painted as a youngster and join in the long running debate about their meaning. Some see the frieze as a reference to the frailty of the human condition - grimly prophetic for someone who was to die at 30 during an outbreak of plague in Venice.

Bars in Piazza Giorgione

To try dishes typical of the Veneto, visit one of the friendly, family-run osterie inside the ancient walls. Try specialities such as trippe (tripe), baccala (salt cod) or seppie (cuttlefish).

Make sure you sample the famous Castelfranco variegate, a special type of radicchio, which is served as a vegetable or in pasta and risotto.  Look out for the popular local dish, risi e bisi (rice with peas), cooked Castelfranco-style with cheese.

If you are a fan of Prosecco, the Veneto’s light, dry sparkling white wine, you will enjoy a trip along the road between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, 40 km of gentle hills with ancient hamlets and wineries offering the opportunity to taste Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) the stamp of quality given to the best wines.

There are designer clothes shops and shoe shops in Piazza Giorgione but if you want something unusual to take back with you look out for a small shop selling antiques and bric a brac in Via Garibaldi opposite the Teatro Accademico.

Castelfranco Veneto is about 30 km from Padova and there is a good train service between the two cities.

 

See Donatello masterpiece in piazza in Padova

One of the greatest works by early Renaissance sculptor Donatello is standing out in the open air in Padova for all to see.

The Florentine’s bronze equestrian statue of Gattamelata is to the left of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio as you approach from the direction of Via del Santo.

Donatello's bronze statue in Piazza del Santo. 

The statue was completed in 1453 and portrays the military leader Erasmus da Narni, who was known as Gattamelata (honeyed cat.)

It is believed to be the earliest Renaissance equestrian statue that still survives and was a precedent for later sculptures honouring military heroes.

The soldier and his horse are both portrayed in life size by Donatello instead of being larger than life as with classical equestrian statues.

Gattamelata, who died in 1443, is actually buried inside the basilica.

Donatello was commissioned by the family to create a monument in memory of the great Commander of the Venetian Republic.

The statue is mounted on a pedestal that resembles a sepulchre. Gattamelata appears in the style of a Roman emperor astride his horse. His head is uncovered and the realistic expression on his face shows his decisive spirit. 

Hotel Belludi 37

Charming Hotel Belludi is right in the historic centre 

An ideal base for a stay in Padova is the area between the beautiful Basilica di Sant’Antonio and the city’s main square Prato della Valle.

The Hotel Belludi 37 is about halfway between these two main sights in a converted palazzo in Via Beato Belludi. It is in a perfect location for people wishing to explore the city on foot with most of the ‘must see’ attractions within a short walk of the hotel.

The entrance to Hotel Belludi 37

Despite its traditional façade the Hotel Belludi 37 is very modern on the inside with a simple contemporary décor and modern furniture in all the guest rooms.

The reception desk just inside the entrance hallway is always manned by very friendly and helpful staff and a staircase with ornate wrought iron balustrading leads up to the guest rooms and the breakfast room.

The hotel offers free wireless internet and the use of bicycles for getting around Padova. It is in an area well off for bars and restaurants but is close to tram and bus stops if you want to travel further afield.

Many guests have commented after their stay that the Belludi 37 feels more like a four star than a two star hotel. Some have said that they appreciated the friendly service so much they returned to Hotel Belludi on their next visit to Padova.

For more information, to check prices and make a reservation, visit our hotel bookings partner www.venere.com

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Visit the tomb of St Luke at Santa Giustina in Padova

The Basilica di Santa Giustina

Just a short walk from the Basilica del Santo, dedicated to Sant’Antonio, lies another very important church in Padova.

The vast Basilica di Santa Giustina, with its eight domes, is in Prato della Valle, one of Padova’s principal squares.

Santa Giustina is the ninth largest Christian church in the world and houses the relics of many revered saints.

The 16th century basilica is at the south-east corner of Prato della Valle where it is joined by Via Avazzano and Via Ferrari. The church contains the remains of Santa Giustina, a devout young woman who was martyred in 304. At the back of the Presbytery, a magnificent altarpiece painted by Paolo Veronese in 1575 depicts the moment of her death.

Santa Giustina is also home to the tomb containing the body of St Luke the Evangelist, who was credited with writing the Gospel according to St Luke.

Next door to the basilica there is a Benedictine monastery with frescoed cloisters and a famous library that can be visited by arrangement.

Admission to Basilica Santa Giustina is free. Opening hours: 7.30 to 12.00 and 15.00 to 18.30; Sunday 7.30 to 19.30.

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Padova prepares to celebrate Christmas

Christmas tree in Padova

The lights and trimmings are up in Padova as the city marks the official beginning of the festive season.

Il giorno dell’immacolata concezione (the day of the immaculate conception) has been celebrated for centuries in Italy on 8 December.

It is an official festa (feast day) when the immaculate conception of Jesus is celebrated in the Christian calendar. But most of the shops in Padova are open as usual and do a brisk trade as people do their Christmas shopping.

As in many other countries across the world, Christmas shopping actually begins earlier than 8 December in Italy, with Christmas trees, lights and decorations starting to go up during November.

But Padova’s two famous market squares, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe will be even busier than usual from now until Christmas Eve.

Buona Festa!

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Look out for Vino Novello in Padova

A display of Vino Novello in a Padova supermarket

November is a good time to visit Padova when Vino Novello goes on sale.
The light, fruity, new wine is enjoyable to drink and a bargain buy to take home with you.
Vino Novello is similar in taste, body and colour to the French Beaujolais Nouveau, which is exported to other countries after its release.
Like Beaujolais Nouveau, Italy's new wine should be drunk quickly after the bottle is opened. Unopened bottles should be kept for only a few months.
Italy's Vino Novello 2012 was launched on 6 November, ten days ahead of Beaujolais Nouveau and you will see it on sale in many supermarkets, wine shops and bars.
The Veneto is a major area for production, with the merlot grape being the one most used.
Whereas 100 per cent carbonic maceration is used to produce Beaujolais Nouveau, only 30 per cent is required for Vino Novello.
However, one Italian Vino Novello produced using 100 per cent carbonic maceration is Bardolino Novello, made in the area around the resort of Bardolino on Lake Garda in the Veneto.
The Bardolino wine consortium say they use 100 per cent carbonic maceration in order to produce an excellent wine.
So take any opportunity to taste Bardolino Novello while on holiday in Padova. Salute!

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