About Padova

A traditional dialect rhyme describes Padova as having a meadow without grass, a saint without a name and a café without doors. The meadow without grass is Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares.The current configuration of Prato della Valle dates from 1775 when a marshy area was reclaimed. At the centre is a large elliptical island surrounded by a canal and decorated with 78 statues of famous people associated with Padova.

People go there to practise sports and on Saturday it is transformed into an evocative market. The saint without a name refers to the basilica dedicated to Saint Anthony, known by the city’s inhabitants simply as “il Santo” (the Saint). Built in the 13th century, it contains numerous works of inestimable artistic value. Its silhouette, with oriental style bell towers, stands out majestically against the sky, a characteristic feature of the city’s horizon. The café without doors is the Caffè Pedrocchi, built in 1826 to a design by Jappelli.

It was described as without doors as it represented a “refuge” ever ready to welcome travellers and intellectuals. A place to meet and talk, it is animated by concerts, exhibitions and conferences. But the city goes on and on, in squares and corners which tell its history, in historic buildings which reveal its art, in streets which year after year welcome students and accompany them during their stay.

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