A Church built of straw...well wheat actually and other Padova, Italy Things to Do Tips

The Three Little Pigs couldn't have done a better job.

The miniature replica of San Antonio Basilica on display at San Antonio this past weekend is fantastic. The detail is amazing, including the interior. The entire model is constructed of sheafs of wheat, bound and woven together.

I have no idea what the replica stands for, if indeed there was a cause other than a very talented craftsman with oodles of time on his hands. There was no place for offerings, however San Antonio was exceptionally busy during Sunday evening Mass.

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Directions: On display on the grounds of San Antonio Basilica.

Every year, Sacro Cuore (our neighbourhood) has a Sagra, which combines a feast with amusement rides, and proceeds of the profits go towards Parish Projects. This year Ma Kettle and I attended with our adoptive daughter Paola, commonly known as 'paoseo' within our VT community.

This is a fairly big deal, with lots of amusement stands, rides for all ages, and great food. There is no charge for admittance, and the Sagra is a popular venue attended every year by our neighbours, their friends, and people from outlying areas. In fact, I heard last night, our neighbourhood has a population of only 6000 people, but the average number of meals served during the five day festival numbers over 40,000. This is a tremendous turnout for an event like this.

To order your meals, you first complete an order form from the large menu board on the wall, and join the line to pay. Now, understand, this is Italy, and Italians don't really understand the concept of waiting in line. There is a lot of cutting in, but it is done in a very polite and orderly fashion. The Italians have this practice down to an art, and tourists don't stand a chance. Don't take it personally, it is a time honoured tradition.

For two complete meals, including roast chicken, gnocchi, fries (very popular) and a litre of wine, we paid 20 euro. Not bad for an evening out. You then find a bench somewhere within the huge tented dining area, and in time one of the volunteer staff will collect your receipt. It is your responsibility to get your own beverages from the bar area, while the staff places your food order.

Great fun, lots of visiting back and forth, and a general feeling of togetherness which we find so common in Italy. Expect to be jostled a tad during dinner as newcomers might request your party move down in order to accomodate others.

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Address: every neighbourhood has one
Directions: look for signage, and you will find Sagra's all over, often for specific reasons such as celebrating crops of cherries, corn, asparagus...specialties of the region. Often any excuse is good enough to hold a Sagra.

Just kidding, buy a map at a newstand, but don't expect it to help you once you're in the Center. Best way to explore, find an intersection, mark it on your map in highliter pen, and radiate outwards.

It doesn't work for me, but my wife swears by the method. I, on the other hand, get lost in an elevator. (actually as I walk out of an elevator, I always go the wrong way)

Padova has lots to see in the center, open air markets, countless shops, the university (second oldest in Italy), but remember, shops close between 12:30-3:30 or 1:00-4:00 for lunch. Have fun wandering.

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