Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a great place situated in the north of Italy and the west of Venice. It is an important economic centre and also a critical communication centre too. Padua has important archaeological sites, for example, the Basilica of San Antonio da Padova where the Portuguese priest died, and it was named in his honour.

In World War II the city was heavily raided and later on Padua was reconstructed. Now you can visit some of its most magnificent monuments such as Prato Della Valle a square from the Napoleonic era; the Cappella Degli Scrovegni to see an astonishing Giotto’s work. His frescoes here are considered as the best work of the well-known artist. You can visit Palazzo Della Ragione the capital in the Middle Ages, and many places more.

Padua is also known as one of the oldest University in the world: scientists such as Galileo and William Harvey taught at the University of Pauda.

It is also known by the name of “without” because:

• The homeless ox. Because when people dig under the University, they find a skull of an ox.
• The garden without vegetables. Because there is a centre of the study of plants in the University, it is so impressive that UNESCO declared it a human heritage.
• The cathedral without end. Because Santa Giustina Cathedral is not ended yet, due to lack of funds.
• The saint without a name. Because San Antonio is just called “The Saint”.
• The meadow without herb. It is because the Prato Della Valle, one of the biggest squares in the world, is covered by a swamp and now there you can see the Fair of the Saint.
• The banks without water. The water was covered in the ’50s.
• The coffee without doors. It is for the Caffè Pedrocchi that was open every day and all the days of the week.