Padua (in Italian, Padova) is a city located in the Veneto region of Italy. At only 45 km away from Venice, Padua has a population of approximately 214,000 residents. Padova is a beautiful and historic city, with a rich cultural and intellectual heritage. It is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Padua, which was founded in 1222 and has played an important role in the development of European thought and science.

Padova is a city with a rich history, and it boasts several landmarks that are worth a visit. The most famous of them all is the Scrovegni Chapel, where you can admire a cycle of frescoes by Giotto, one of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance. Another noteworthy landmark is the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, a magnificent church that houses the tomb of the patron saint of the city. The Prato della Valle is a beautiful square that features a central island surrounded by a canal and is considered one of the largest squares in Europe. In the heart of Padova you van visit the Palazzo della Ragione, a 800 years old building that has been the market hall, town hall and palace of justice.

The philosopher, astronomist and physicist Galileo Galilei is a prominent figure in Padova’s history, having taught at the city’s university in the late 16th century. The Palazzo Bo, the main building of the University of Padova, is a must-see for those interested in the history of science.