DESTINATION
Padova is a conference-friendly city
It is a safe destination where people can stroll around the city without risks
It is well connected under all points of view. Venice International Airport is only 40 km away, with a public bus service which allows an efficient and cheap transfer. It is a crossroad for high speed trains on the east-west route (Milano to Venice) and north-south route (Rome to Venice), with trains each half hour (two hours to Milan, three hours to Rome)
It is a medium sized city: 221.000 residents, 93 sq/km surface, which means a short distance from one point to another. The city has an efficient public transport service
It is affordable to each pocket: hotel rates are reasonable, student dormitories may be available at the Congress time; a dinner at a restaurant may start from € 25, a pizza with beer from € 15
PADOVA A CITY OF ARTS & SCIENCE IS...
-
A DESTINATION TO DISCOVER
With two UNESCO Heritage sites: the Botanical Garden, and Urbs Picta for the Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles
-
THE CENTER OF REVOLUTIONARY SCIENTIFIC LEARNING
Having interest in science? Hungry of new inspirations?
The University of Padova offers a wealth of collections in nearly all fields of science:
WITHOUT? PADOVA HAS...
​THE CAFE' WITHOUT DOORS: Caffé Pedrocchi was built in the ‘800s to offer a place where intellectuals, students, academicians and politicians could meet throught the day, right by side of the University main building. It had an important role during the Risorgimento, as it became the meeting place where residents planned their actions against the Austrian occupants. In one of its rooms, the hole provoked by a bullet exploded on February 8, 1848, the day of the Resurrection, is still visible. During World War II, in 1916, it was decided to switch off lights as they could help the Austrians who were bombing the City from the sky
THE LAWN WITHOUT GRASS: Prato della Valle, one of the symbols of the city, is a large elliptical square, one of the largest in Europe (88620 sq.m.),second only to Moscow Red Square. It is indeed a large monumental place marked by a central green island, called Isola Memmia, enclosed by a channel decorated by 78 statues.
THE SAINT WITHOUT NAME: St. Anthonys’ Basilica is the main place of Catholic worship in the city since the fourth century, a destination of pilgrimage for more than 3 millions every year. It is a beloved church for Padovani, but they all call the church simply “Il Santo”.
GOOD TO KNOW
​ITALIAN BARs
In Italy, the word "bar" refers to a place where you can get coffee, snacks, and sometimes light meals. Italian bars are different from what the term might imply in some other countries. They are casual establishments where people often stop by for a quick espresso or cappuccino, and they also serve a variety of pastries and sandwiches. In addition to coffee, bars in Italy commonly offer a selection of alcoholic beverages. It's a social space where people gather, have conversations, and enjoy a break during the day. So, when you hear "bar" in an Italian context, think of it as a combination of a coffee shop and a place for socializing.
​
In Padova most bars close ad midnight.
​​
​
SPRITZ & "CICCHETTI"
A "Spritz" is a popular Italian cocktail that originated in the Veneto region. The basic components of a Spritz include Prosecco (an Italian sparkling wine), a bitter aperitif such as Aperol or Campari, and a
The Spritz has become a symbol of socializing and aperitivo culture in Italy. It's often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink, and the practice of having a Spritz with some small snacks, like cicchetti, is a popular tradition in many parts of the country, particularly in the Veneto region where it originated.
​
"Cicchetto" (plural: "cicchetti") refers to small appetizers or snacks that are typically served in bars or osterias. Cicchetti are similar to tapas in Spain or antipasti in other parts of Italy. They are often enjoyed with a glass of wine or another beverage.
Cicchetti can include a variety of small dishes such as bruschette, crostini, small sandwiches, olives, cheese, seafood, and more. It's a popular tradition in Veneto, especially in cities like Venice, where locals and tourists alike gather in bars to savor these bite-sized delights. The social aspect of sharing cicchetti and enjoying them with friends is an integral part of the culinary experience in Veneto.
​
FOOD MARKET "Sotto il Salone"
A cooperative of salami- and sausage-makers was already active here in the sixteenth century (the very first of its kind in Europe). The busy indoor market of those days was a strictly Paduan thing. Nowadays, the goods on offer are slightly more cosmopolitan, but the spirit of the place remains very special. ‘Sotto il Salone’ is a name that refers to a unique structure, for the Salone this market is ‘under’ (sotto) is Palazzo della Ragione, the largest raised hall in the world.
​
NEARBY
Padova and its surroundings offer a rich cultural and historical experience. Here are some main attractions to consider visiting:
​​
-
Venice: While not in Padova, it's easily accessible and offers a wealth of attractions, including St. Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the iconic gondolas. 20 mins by train!
-
Villa Pisani: A stunning villa in Stra, near Padova, known for its beautiful gardens and frescoed rooms.
-
Villa Foscari (La malcontenta): Situated in Mira, this Palladian villa is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-
Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei): A regional park with thermal spas, vineyards, and hiking trails offering panoramic views.
-
Arquà Petrarca: A charming medieval village nestled in the Euganean Hills, known for its connection to the poet Petrarch.
These are just a few highlights, and the region has much more to offer in terms of history, art, and natural beauty