Most of today was spent at the shrine of Saint Anthony, a large Franciscan church erected in the 13th century. The church was large, with many chapels and a steady stream of pilgrims. Mass said hourly to full congregations. In addition to the church there were three cloisters and several museums, including two 13th century oratories dedicated to Antony. I was particularly interested in a devotional museum that among other items included paintings of saints healing the sick or protecting people from falls, all in a charming naive style. There was a two story paschal candlestick: the deacon at the Easter Vigil would have had to have scaffolding to put the paschal candle in its place. One restaurant has stood out in Padua — we have eaten there twice in four days. Also had Italian Chinese another day — zucchini blossoms stuffed with shrimp.
