▲ Known as the "gentle city of Northern Italy," Verona is nestled between the bends of the Adige River. It lacks the hustle of Milan and the extravagance of Venice, yet boasts ancient Roman ruins, a rich medieval atmosphere, and a romantic love story—the tale of Romeo and Juliet unfolded here. Strolling through cobblestone alleys, every brick wall whispers the warmth of history.
▲ Padua from a God's-eye view, nestled in the Veneto region of northern Italy, is embraced by the Brenta and Bacchiglione rivers, forming an "ark of academia on the undercurrents of the Renaissance." This "City of Wisdom," renowned for Europe's second-oldest university, Giotto's fresco masterpieces, and a millennium-old scientific tradition, served as Galileo's academic sanctuary and stands as Italy's "crucible of thought." Padua is a hidden gem preserving medieval treasures, including the world's earliest botanical garden (a UNESCO double heritage site) and Europe's best-preserved 14th-century astrological frescoes. Its landmarks feature the University of Padua (original site of Galileo's lectern), the Basilica of Saint Anthony, and the awe-inspiring ceiling fresco *The Last Judgment* by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel.
▲ The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua has undergone multiple expansions throughout history, resulting in a blend of various architectural styles. The central section of its brick facade and the nave feature Romanesque style, while the sides are Gothic. The side aisles and most of the subsidiary chapels also exhibit Gothic characteristics. The tomb of Saint Anthony is designed in Renaissance style, and the Treasury Chapel added at the rear of the church in the late 17th century showcases Baroque elements. The seven cross-shaped domes resemble those of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, with their externally elevated sides showing strong Byzantine influence. The small bell towers surrounding the domes also incorporate Arabic stylistic features.
