26-30 August
PADOVA
PADOVA IS A CONFERENCE-FRIENDLY CITY
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It is a safe destination where people can stroll around the city without risks
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It is a medium sized city: 221.000 residents, 93 sq/km surface, which means a short distance from one point to another. The city has an efficient public transport service
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It is well connected under all points of view. Venice International Airport is only 40 km away, with a public bus service which allows an efficient and cheap transfer. It is a crossroad for high speed trains on the east-west route (Milano to Venice) and north-south route (Rome to Venice), with trains each half hour (two hours to Milan, three hours to Rome)
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It is affordable to each pocket: hotel rates are reasonable, student dormitories may be available at the Congress time; a dinner at a restaurant may start from € 25, a pizza with beer from € 15
PADOVA
A CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE IS...
A DESTINATION TO DISCOVER with two UNESCO Heritage sites:
the Botanical Garden, and Urbs Picta for the Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles
THE CENTER OF REVOLUTIONARY SCIENTIFIC LEARNING
Having interest in science? Hungry of new inspirations?
The University of Padova offers a wealth of collections in nearly all fields of science:
MNU - Museum of Nature and Humankind
A wealth of 200 thousand natural and anthropological exhibits, built up over centuries.
A merger of four collections Mineralogy, Geology & Paleontology, Zoology and Anthropology associated historically with the University of Padua.
A scientific narration of planet Earth as an evolving system, describing the diversity of humankind and the environment, and the relationships between them, using multimedia and interactive methods for the ultimate learning experience.
To round off the celebrations marking 800 years since its foundation, the University of Padua offers this opportunity for participation and scientific citizenship to schools, to the city and to tourists.
Located opposite the Scrovegni Chapel — partner in a symbolic dialogue between knowledge and art — this is the showcase project in a scientific museum-centric ecosystem that runs through the city, connecting the museum with the Palazzo del Bo, the Botanical Garden (UNESCO heritage site) and the various university museums, giving Padua a unique identity in Italy and in Europe.
REDUCED TICKET FOR ECM34 PARTICIPANTS!
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
Last admission at 18:00
€7 from August 25 to September 3 by showing the ECM34 badge!
The Botanical Museum
The Botanical Garden of Padova is the oldest university botanical garden in the world. Occupying the same original location since 1545, its distinctive ground plan is that of a square inscribed in a circle. Visitors to the Historical garden, the Biodiversity Garden and the Botanical Museum - opened in 2023 - can view 6,000 plants and travel through five centuries of history, across five continents. Since 1997, it has been a UNESCO world heritage site: "the original af all botanical gardens throughout the world, representing the birth of science, of scientific exchanges, and understanding of the relationship between nature and culture".
REDUCED TICKET FOR ECM34 PARTICIPANTS!
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
Last admission at 18:15
€6 from August 25 to September 3 by showing the ECM34 badge!
WITHOUT? PADOVA HAS...
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The Cafè without doors: Caffé Pedrocchi was built in the ‘800s to offer a place where intellectuals, students, academicians and politicians could meet throught the day, right by side of the University main building. It had an important role during the Risorgimento, as it became the meeting place where residents planned their actions against the Austrian occupants. In one of its rooms, the hole provoked by a bullet exploded on February 8, 1848, the day of the Resurrection, is still visible. During World War II, in 1916, it was decided to switch off lights as they could help the Austrians who were bombing the City from the sky.
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The lawn without grass: Prato della Valle, one of the symbols of the city, is a large elliptical square, one of the largest in Europe (88620 sq.m.),second only to Moscow Red Square. It is indeed a large monumental place marked by a central green island, called Isola Memmia, enclosed by a channel decorated by 78 statues.
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The Saint without name: St. Anthonys’ Basilica is the main place of Catholic worship in the city since the fourth century, a destination of pilgrimage for more than 3 millions every year. It is a beloved church for Padovani, but they all call the church simply “Il Santo”.
SEE & DO
WHAT'S AROUND
Just you know! August is a peak season for summer holidays in Italy; please note that some local attractions or activities may be temporarily closed during this period.
More Food & Beverage HERE
coffee shops
clubs & night life
10% discount in restaurants by showing the ECM34 bedge!
GOOD TO KNOW
ITALIAN BARs
In Italy, the word "bar" refers to a place where you can get coffee, snacks, and sometimes light meals. Italian bars are different from what the term might imply in some other countries. They are casual establishments where people often stop by for a quick espresso or cappuccino, and they also serve a variety of pastries and sandwiches. In addition to coffee, bars in Italy commonly offer a selection of alcoholic beverages. It's a social space where people gather, have conversations, and enjoy a break during the day. So, when you hear "bar" in an Italian context, think of it as a combination of a coffee shop and a place for socializing.
In Padova most bars close ad midnight.
SPRITZ & "CICCHETTI"
A "Spritz" is a popular Italian cocktail that originated in the Veneto region. The basic components of a Spritz include Prosecco (an Italian sparkling wine), a bitter aperitif such as Aperol or Campari, and a
The Spritz has become a symbol of socializing and aperitivo culture in Italy. It's often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink, and the practice of having a Spritz with some small snacks, like cicchetti, is a popular tradition in many parts of the country, particularly in the Veneto region where it originated.
"Cicchetto" (plural: "cicchetti") refers to small appetizers or snacks that are typically served in bars or osterias. Cicchetti are similar to tapas in Spain or antipasti in other parts of Italy. They are often enjoyed with a glass of wine or another beverage.
Cicchetti can include a variety of small dishes such as bruschette, crostini, small sandwiches, olives, cheese, seafood, and more. It's a popular tradition in Veneto, especially in cities like Venice, where locals and tourists alike gather in bars to savor these bite-sized delights. The social aspect of sharing cicchetti and enjoying them with friends is an integral part of the culinary experience in Veneto.
FOOD MARKET "Sotto il Salone"
A cooperative of salami- and sausage-makers was already active here in the sixteenth century (the very first of its kind in Europe). The busy indoor market of those days was a strictly Paduan thing. Nowadays, the goods on offer are slightly more cosmopolitan, but the spirit of the place remains very special. ‘Sotto il Salone’ is a name that refers to a unique structure, for the Salone this market is ‘under’ (sotto) is Palazzo della Ragione, the largest raised hall in the world.
NEARBY
Padova and its surroundings offer a rich cultural and historical experience. Here are some main attractions to consider visiting:
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Venice: While not in Padova, it's easily accessible and offers a wealth of attractions, including St. Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the iconic gondolas. 20 mins by train!
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Villa Pisani: A stunning villa in Stra, near Padova, known for its beautiful gardens and frescoed rooms.
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Villa Foscari (La Malcontenta): Situated in Mira, this Palladian villa is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei): A regional park with thermal spas, vineyards, and hiking trails offering panoramic views.
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Arquà Petrarca: A charming medieval village nestled in the Euganean Hills, known for its connection to the poet Petrarch.
These are just a few highlights, and the region has much more to offer in terms of history, art, and natural beauty.