A local’s guide to Padua, Italy: home of the Aperol spritz and ancient wonders

Emanuela Padoan leads the way to 14th-century frescoes, fabulous bazaars, the world’s oldest botanical gardens and tiramisu to die for

The giant, open-air market in Piazza delle Erbe is a riotous celebration of food. Scores of colourful stalls sit in the shadow of the medieval Palazzo della Ragione, while two long, covered arcades, called the Salone, are lined with irresistible delicatessens specialising in salami and prosciutto, parmesan cheese, salt cod and fresh pasta.