Day trip: Bologna or Padua?

[h-sar]

Traveling by train from Venice to Florence, post cruise in the summer. Which city do you recommend, and why, for a 4-5 hr stop on the journey? Would prefer to see the main highlights by walking, if that helps.  Also, a nice meal would be part of the stop. Thank you! 

[GrJ Berkshire]

Bologna is one of Italy's gems and so rarely visited by tourists. Padua is more the Church and religious buildings. Bologna has some of the best food in Italy, just do not ask for Spaghetti Bolognese which is not a 'real' dish of the area,  so my vote is Bologna every time.