About the University of Padova
The University of Padova is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, founded in 1222. Palazzo Bo is the historic heart of the university and has hosted many illustrious personalities over the centuries, including Galileo Galilei, who was a professor at the university in the 17th century.
Aula Magna Palazzo Bo – the first-day venue
Palazzo Bo in Padova is a historic building that houses the main offices and classrooms of the University of Padova. It is one of the oldest university buildings in the world and holds great cultural and historical significance. Palazzo Bo dates back to the late 16th century and features a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance elements. It served as the centre of academic life in Padova and has witnessed centuries of intellectual pursuits and discoveries. The appellation ‘Bo’ derives precisely from the name of the inn (Hospitium Bovis) that was part of its oldest core, and even today, emblematically, the symbol of the University remains the bucranium. One of the notable features of Palazzo Bo is the Aula Magna, a grand hall where official ceremonies, conferences, and lectures are held. The Aula Magna is adorned with frescoes and elaborate decorations, creating an inspiring environment for academic gatherings. Another significant area within Palazzo Bo is the Anatomical Theatre, a historical anatomical lecture room. Built-in 1595, it was the first permanent anatomical theatre in the world. The circular design allowed students to observe dissections and anatomical demonstrations from a central viewpoint.
Caffe Pedrocchi – the ice-breaker venue
Caffè Pedrocchi is a historic café with a rich heritage dating back to 1831. It is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and distinctive green façade. The café features an elegant interior with high ceilings, marble columns, and ornate decorations, evoking a sense of timeless sophistication. The main hall, known as the Sala Verde (Green Room), is particularly famous for its vibrant green walls and luxurious furnishings. This space, along with other rooms such as the Sala Bianca (White Room) and Sala Rossa (Red Room), each has a unique color theme and design, contributing to the café’s eclectic yet harmonious ambiance. Caffè Pedrocchi has long been a cultural hub, attracting intellectuals, artists, and writers over the centuries. Its atmosphere combines historical charm with modern elegance, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The café also serves a variety of traditional Italian pastries, coffee, and light meals, offering a delightful culinary experience in a historically significant setting.
Centro Congressi – Fiera di Padova – the 2nd & 3rd day venue
The “Centro Congressi – Fiera di Padova”, also known as PadovaFiere, is a leading exhibition and conference center in Padova. Renowned for its strategic location and rich cultural setting, the center boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including versatile exhibition halls, modern conference rooms, and advanced technological support. Designed to host a diverse array of events, from local trade fairs to international conferences, it is a hub of activity, driving business tourism and contributing significantly to the local economy.
Starting from November 1st, the establishment of an integrated ticket for visiting the three main sites (Palazzo del Bo, Botanical Garden, and Museum of Nature and Man) has been introduced. Named Padova Città della Scienza, the ticket offers visitors the choice of a discounted price for visiting two or three cultural sites, both with individual and family formulas.
The purchase of the integrated tickets of Padova Città della Scienza also allows free access during the validity period of the ticket to the initiatives of Sunday at the Museum with the visit to the Museum of Archaeological Sciences and Art, the Museum of Geography, the Giovanni Poleni Museum, and the Enrico Bernardi Museum of Machines every Sunday from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The ticket also allows for a complete tour of Palazzo del Bo on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, including both the historical part and the 20th-century section by Gio Ponti, with independent access accompanied by a multilingual QR code audio guide.
Orto Botanico
The “Orto Botanico” of Padova is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and holds great significance in the field of botany and scientific research. Founded in 1545, the Botanical Garden of Padova was initially created as a medicinal garden to cultivate and study plants with therapeutic properties. It served as a teaching and research facility for the University of Padova, further establishing its reputation as an important centre for botanical studies. The Botanical Garden of Padova encompasses a vast collection of plant species, including rare and exotic plants worldwide. One of the most renowned attractions in the Botanical Garden is the Orto dei Semplici, a section dedicated to medicinal plants, which follows the original layout and design from the 16th century. Visiting the Botanical Garden of Padova is a fascinating experience, allowing you to explore centuries of botanical knowledge and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature within the heart of the city.
AIIA 2024: Biosystems engineering promoting resilience to climate change 