Every bit as lovely, in its own way, as its neighbor Venice, Padua is far less heavily traveled, perhaps owing to the absence of a hook like Venice’s canals — presumably Giotto, Galileo and Kate from Taming of the Shrew don’t have the same kind of draw as those trusty gondolas. Anyone who’s braved the crowds of Venice in the summertime, though, knows there’s plenty to recommend a slightly less popular destination.

Just outside the city center, on the far side of the river that encircles the old town, the Hotel Methis is a contemporary-style boutique hotel, a lively contrast with the rich history of the surrounding town. The hotel’s four floors are elementally themed — earth, air, fire and water are subtly evoked in the color schemes and décor, but all are tranquil, minimal, clean-lined, the bright whites of “air” and the cool blues of “water” perhaps the most calming.

Suites come with jacuzzi tubs and terraces, and all rooms come with bathtubs, satellite television and ADSL internet access. Downstairs there’s a library and a bar, and the hotel offers shiatsu and ayurvedic massage to soothe the traveler’s tired nerves. Most important, though, is to get out and take in the rich history of Padua, the university, the artworks, and best of all the calm that comes from its status as the Veneto’s second city.