Italy’s Verona, Padova, and Ravenna

Summary

Rick Steves takes viewers on an enriching journey through northern Italy, exploring the historic cities of Padova, Verona, and Ravenna. With stops at Padova's prestigious university and its impressive anatomy theater, Verona's ancient Roman arena, and Ravenna's stunning Byzantine mosaics, the episode delves into Italy's rich culture, art, and traditions. From lively university graduations and local aperitivo rituals to captivating medieval frescoes and ancient church mosaics, the script highlights the fascinating blend of history, art, and daily life in these often-overlooked gems of Italy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Padova is a historic university town with a rich intellectual tradition, founded in 1222, and is home to Europe's oldest surviving anatomy theater from the 1500s.
• 😀 The post-graduation ritual in Padova involves humorous and sometimes crude pranks, celebrating the new graduate's achievements in a lively, communal atmosphere.
• 😀 The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padova is an important pilgrimage site, with pilgrims visiting the tomb of Saint Anthony and venerating his relics, believing in the miracles he performed.
• 😀 Padova's local markets, such as the Palazzo della Ragione, are known for their fresh produce, and the town's rich food culture includes seasonal delicacies like artichokes in spring.
• 😀 The Venetian tradition of aperitivo, where locals and visitors gather to socialize with drinks like spritz, is a key part of the region's social life, welcoming both locals and tourists.
• 😀 Padova's Scrovegni Chapel is home to Giotto's frescoes, considered a precursor to the Renaissance, known for their realistic depictions of biblical scenes, and is a must-see art treasure.
• 😀 Verona, a city rich in Roman history, features an ancient arena, a bustling market square, and stunning frescoes, earning it the nickname 'The Painted City.'
• 😀 Verona is famous for its Shakespearean connection to 'Romeo and Juliet,' with tourists flocking to the supposed Juliet's balcony, despite it being a tourist attraction rather than an actual historical site.
• 😀 Grappa, a local Italian spirit, is made from the leftover parts of grapes after wine production, and is a key part of the social life in the Veneto region, often helping people bond over drinks.
• 😀 Verona's medieval Scaligeri family left a lasting legacy, with their ornate tombs symbolizing their power, and the Scaligeri Castle serving as a reminder of the city's golden age.
• 😀 Ravenna, though a smaller town, is known for its impressive Byzantine mosaics, particularly in the Church of San Vitale, which are celebrated for their vibrant depiction of biblical scenes and imperial power.

Q & A

What historical significance does Padova hold in the Veneto region?

Padova was ruled by Venice from the 15th century until Napoleon took control in the 1800s. It was an intellectual hub, especially due to its prestigious university, which attracted free thinkers, including Galileo.

What unique aspect of Padova's university is highlighted in the script?

Padova's university is Europe's oldest surviving anatomy theater, where students historically watched dissections of human cadavers, which were conducted with permission from both the government and the Church.

What is the 'post-graduation roast' tradition in Padova?

The 'post-graduation roast' involves friends creating a crude caricature of the graduate, followed by singing a humorous and somewhat obscene local anthem. It's a playful ritual meant to remind the graduate not to take themselves too seriously.

Why is the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padova significant to pilgrims?

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe, as it holds the tomb of Saint Anthony, one of Christianity's most popular saints. Pilgrims believe Saint Anthony performs miracles and they often place their hands on his tomb to pray.

What can visitors expect when they visit Padova's Scrovegni Chapel?

Visitors to Padova's Scrovegni Chapel can admire the famous frescoes by Giotto, which depict the lives of Jesus and Mary. Giotto's frescoes are known for their realistic portrayal of human emotion and the natural world, marking a transition from medieval to Renaissance art.

How does the script describe the atmosphere of Padova's town squares?

Padova's town squares are lively community gathering places, where students and locals alike partake in the ritual of aperitivo. The squares transform throughout the day, with early evening being a time for socializing and relaxation.

What makes Verona's ancient arena so significant?

Verona's ancient arena, dating back to the first century BC, is one of the largest in the Roman world and continues to host events, including Verona's popular summer opera festival. It has a rich history of hosting gladiatorial battles, medieval executions, and modern performances.

What is the relationship between Verona and Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'?

Verona is famously associated with Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.' While the characters are fictional, the story was inspired by real feuding families in Verona, the Montecchi and the Capellos. The city also hosts a supposed 'Juliet's balcony,' though it's more of a tourist attraction than a historical site.

What is the significance of grappa in northern Italy, particularly in Verona?

Grappa is a traditional Italian liquor made from the leftover seeds, skins, and stems of grapes. It is especially popular in northern Italy, including Verona, where it is enjoyed socially and is considered an important part of local culture.

What makes Ravenna a unique destination in Italy?

Ravenna is known for its 1,500-year-old churches, decorated with Byzantine mosaics. It was once a part of the Eastern Roman Empire, and its art treasures are some of the best examples of Byzantine mosaics in Europe, making it a significant historical and artistic destination.