Venue & Accommodation

Padova (Padua) is a vibrant and historic city located in northeastern Italy, in the Veneto region, approximately 40 km west of Venice. With a population of around 210,000 inhabitants (over 400,000 in the greater metropolitan area) and an area of about 93 km², it is one of the most important cities in the region.

Its origins are ancient: according to legend, the city was founded in 1185 BC, while historically it had a strong Roman presence since 302 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Italy.

Padova is internationally renowned for its University, founded in 1222, one of the oldest in the world, which today hosts over 60,000 students. Great minds such as Galileo Galilei taught here, and in 1678 it made history by awarding the first PhD to a woman, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia. Among its most famous landmarks are the Scrovegni Chapel, decorated with breathtaking frescoes by Giotto, the Basilica of Sant'Antonio, a major Catholic pilgrimage destination, the stunning Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, and the Botanical Garden, founded in 1545 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its excellent rail connections, Padova is also a perfect base for exploring Venice, the Dolomites, and the Adriatic coast.