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Padua – Prato della Valle Photo By Didier Descouens

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Padova, Italy

It is located in northeastern Italy,10km from Evganey hills,20 km from the Venetian lagoon and 37 km from Venice. It is one of the cultural and economic centres of the country and the famous University of Padua one of the oldest in Europe is located here. The city is located on the plain between the rivers Bakkillone and Brenta, in the northeast of Italy. It is the capital of the province of Padua. Padua’s population is 214,000 as of 2011.

There is no passenger airport in Padua, so you will have to travel by plane through neighboring cities. The proximity of Venice makes the city accessible to any type of transport.

• By plane you should fly to Venice, Rimini or Milan.
• By car, take the A4 motorway from Milan and Venice and the A13 from Bologna and the south of Italy.
• By the train station is 1Km from the city centre. All trains go to Padua along the route from Milan to Venice to Bologna.

Let’s look at the top 10 interesting facts about Padova, Italy:

1. Padova has One of the Oldest Universities in Europe

One of the interesting facts about Padova is that it has one of the oldest universities in Europe. Today Padua is a famous University centre since it had the oldest university. It is proud of its medieval architecture and famous fellow citizens such as artist Giotto, philosopher Averroes, and scientist Avicenna.

The relics of the city were also given to the relics of the holy apostle and evangelist Luke, stored in the cathedral of the holy martyr Justina. The heavenly patrons of Padua are the Apostle Luke and St. Anthony.

2. Saint Anthony of Padua Church

The St. Anthony of Padua Church (Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova) is Padua’s most important religious site. The church is dedicated to the city’s very own patron saint, St Anthony. The church is recognized by the Holy See, and is one of the eight international shrines and renowned places of pilgrimage, with millions of Roman Catholics from all across the world making the journey to Padua each year.

Saint Anthony of Padua Church is unique and different with a mixture of architectures. The church has a bold Romanesque exterior, Byzantine domes, Gothic, and Baroque interiors. In the church, there are beautiful frescoes, colourful artworks and ornate marble statues.

3. Padua’s 800-Year-Old Market

The market of Padua has been a staple and operating in the city for over 800 years. It is surprising and leaves many in surprise and many of its buildings and landmarks in Padua are over 800 years old as well. The market operates every morning from Monday to Saturday. Padua’s main market has been operating for over 8 centuries. The current markets sell all varieties of goods such as fresh products, clothes, household items and antiques as well.

The morning market is a must-see if you visit Padua. It is a visitor’s attraction site. It has several cafes and restaurants surrounding the market suitable for a morning coffee or spot for lunch while moving around the markets to shop or for adventure.

4. Astronomical Clock in Piazza Dei Signori

Piazza Dei Signori is one of the interesting and important Squares in Padua that is a must visiting. The historical Square was a living and working headquarters of the Signori(rulers) of Padua, and this led to the many impressive buildings.

The Piazza is centred around Torre Dell’Orologio (the clock tower) and its 24-hour astronomical clock that tells the time, date, and position of the Sun in the Zodiac. The clock is special since it was one of the oldest clocks in the world and still works to date.

5. Famous Coffee Shop (Caffe Pedrocchi)

Caffe Pedrocchi Photo By Camelia.Boban

Caffe Pedrocchi also known as the café without doors is one of Italy’s famous coffee shops. It was opened for 24 hours for 7 days and its doors were never closed from 1831 until 1916 hence the nickname. The café has been the meeting point of different important businesses such as academics, intellectuals, writers, and artists for almost 200 years since it is located across the road from the University of Padua’s Palazzo Bo.

The café is one of the best places to stop in Padua for a proper Italian coffee and delicious pastry. In case you visit I recommend you try the café’s specialty, Caffe Pedrocchi which is a shot of 100% Arabic coffee with mint flavoured cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

6. Padova’s Food

Padova is a city that has pride in its food and most dishes are prepared using fresh, locally -sourced ingredients from the Veneto Emilia regions. Padova is known for local dishes, some of these local foods include Risotto con I Rovinassi (risotto with chicken liver), Gran bollito Alla Padovana (mixed boiled meat), Bigoli (traditional pasta in Padua often served with duck sauce), and Pazientina Padovana (a layered cake consisting of almond short crust pastry, soft sponge and chocolate) among others.

7. 14^th-century wine tower

If you happen to visit Padua, I recommend you stay in one of the most unique hotels in Padua. Massimago Wine Tower is a charming B&B set inside an ancient tower dating back to the 1300s. A centuries-old park surrounds it in Padua’s historic centre. You can as well organize a wine tasting of Massimago’s self-produced Valpolicella wines during your stay this is interesting, right? Padua is the best hotel for wine lovers.

8. The Frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel

Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy By Andrea Piroddi

The Scrovegni Chapel is a small and understated church in Padua with wonders inside it. The 14^th -century is said to be home to the complete series of frescoes by renowned Italian painter Giotto. The beautiful frescoes depict stories from the bible, including the life of the virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Many art historians believe that it was Giotto’s work on the Scrovegni Chapel that sparked the Italian Renaissance. Padua has many amazing things but the Frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel is a must–visit, it is visited on a guided tour and many people visit so is wise to book your tickets in advance.

9. Padua Hotels

One of the interesting facts about Padua is that the network of hotels is so diverse that every tourist can find a cozy place in the city. It is advisable to book rooms in advance since Padua is most visited by many tourists and travellers. The hotels might be occupied or fail to get you are preferred room if fail to book early.

10. The City is Picturesque

A stroll through Padua By Jörgens.mi

The city is picturesque and hence attracts tourists. Padua has a dense network of arcaded streets opening into large communal Piazze and many bridges crossing the various branches of the Bacchiglione. Bacchiglione once surrounded the ancient walls like a moat.