Padua, one of northern Italy's oldest towns, was founded during the Roman time. Its picturesque medieval buildings and cobblestone streets have been carefully preserved. Founded in 1222, the University of Padua's commitment to intellectual freedom, encouraged many well-known historical figures to come to Padua. Graduates include Copernicus, who formulated the heliocentric theory. Dante, author of "The Divine Comedy," was a professor here. And of course, so was the great astronomer Galileo Galilei. Both the university and the city are infused with the spirit of tolerance that is maintained in the name of freedom.
Oh, the orange tiled roofs nestled among the greenery of the trees look so lovely.
And look, a river!
I am in Padua.
Rumored to be one of the oldest towns in northern Italy, it was founded during the Roman Times and its picturesque medieval buildings and
cobblestone streets have been carefully preserved.
A city famous for the Palazzo della Ragione which is a symbol of this 13th century city.
And the celebrated Galileo Galilei was a Professor of Mathematics here at the University of Padua.
A third of the residents here are students.
I'm looking forward to some interesting meetups!
It's 8:30 in the morning.
Looks like these folks are on their way to school.
Let's see. Where's my map?
Padua was built along a river, and I'm here.
Palazzo della Ragione, the University of Padua, and Old Town are all south of here.
I guess I'll head in that direction.
This wide avenue feels like the town's main street.
Awesome!
The pillars on the street are part of the building, so I can walk right under it!
Ah, walking through the arcade underneath the building.
Aw. This little one's on a morning stroll with Dad.
Hmm.
Look at that huge building over there on the right!
Oh, it's Palazzo della Ragione.
My guidebook says that it was built in the 13th century as a symbol of Padua's affluence.
It used to be a courthouse, but now it's a market.
Interesting!
Yep! Just look at all the shopping stalls!
There sure are a lot of fruit and vegetable stands!
And a whole lot of people here!
Her bicycle basket is full!
That man is also buying a lot!
Mangos, right? Is that all?
- Yes.
- 27euros.
Good morning!
Hi!
May I ask what you're buying today?
Bananas, strawberries, cherries...
Do you always come this early?
My wife requested it.
Well, you're a really nice husband!
I like to help her.
Awesome!
I want to be helpful.
You're so nice!
Take care.
Goodbye.
Oh, he was so friendly.
Huh? What are those kids doing?
Hello! You've bought a lot of flowers.
We're volunteering.
What? Volunteering?
We sell flowers and donate
the money to charity.
It helps the poor,
and refugees from Ukraine.
What a generous thing to do!
By the way, I like your uniforms!
The market is our territory.
What?
Please buy our flowers!
You selling flowers too?
But you don't have uniforms.
- We didn't get any.
- Only these two got them.
What is that?
- They're bad!
- No, we're not!
Ha, ha! Good luck!
Bye!
What a great thing to do!
Selling flowers for people who are experiencing difficult times.
Lots of bicycles over here!
Wow! Look at that amazing building up ahead!
It has a domed roof and there is something round underneath it.
The closer I get, the more interesting it looks!
What is that round thing? Is it a clock?
Pardon me...
Hey.
The building we're standing in front of is quite amazing!
Yes, it's very beautiful.
You know the history.
Why don't you tell her.
Yes, please do!
Well you see...
It's a clock tower designed by
Giovanni de' Dondi.
I thought it was a clock!
But the numbers?
They're zodiac signs.
Zodiac signs?
And Libra is missing on purpose.
Really?
It's true! Scorpio takes up two spaces!
The man who commissioned the work
didn't pay Dondi properly.
So Dondi left out his zodiac sign.
Fascinating! You DO know your history, don't you?
My son has a special
interest in it.
Thanks so much!
Bye!
Bye.
Removing the patron's astrological sign, huh?
Giovanni de' Dondi.
He found an interesting way to get revenge.
Look at all the buildings that seem to be seeped in history.
This arcade is lovely, too.
And look up there! The walls are decorated so interestingly!
Wow!
There are paintings on the ceilings and decorations all over the walls.
I wonder what this place is?
Excuse me.
Yes?
Why are there decorations all over the walls?
They're family crests.
They're from the gentry who
attended the University of Padua.
It's a kind of commemoration.
So, that means this is...
An old university building.
This year is the school's
800th anniversary.
The University of Padua!
There are other university buildings
scattered around town.
In all there are about
60,000 students.
You seem to know a lot about the university.
I'm a math professor here.
Oh, I see.
Please feel free to go in.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
Founded 800 years ago...
Wow! Look at all those family crests!
They convey a real sense of history.
Just think of all the students who've studied here over the past eight centuries!
And even Galileo walked these halls.
Here are some future students.
Hi there!
And now, I'm here on a narrow street...
I wonder why all these people are hanging out here.
Hello!
May I ask why you are all standing around out here?
We study over there.
We're university students.
Students? And the classroom's over there?
We're waiting to take a test.
- I'm nervous.
- Yeah. Worried!
That's understandable.
What are you studying?
Political science.
Oh, why?
- I'd like to go into politics.
- Or administration.
Are you enjoying college life?
It's very fulfilling.
We meet all kinds of people.
And the university has educated many important people.
And Galileo was here, right?
His house is that way.
Really? It's still there?
It's not far.
Thanks! I want to see it!
Bye!
Good luck on your test!
Let's see.
Where's Galileo's house?
Huh?
Ah, that sign says...
I thought so! It says "Galileo Galilei."
So this was his house.
The famous scientist who said "And yet it moves," lived here.
So, this is where he formulated his theory about the earth orbiting around the sun...
That is so awesome!
I totally understand why students are proud to be affiliated with the same university as their famous predecessor!
Hi! I'm Carlotta!
I study linguistics.
Today I'd like to introduce you to the University of Padua, the symbol of our city.
Padua is one of the oldest cities in northern Italy.
It's been a cultural and economic center in this region since Roman times.
The university was founded in 1222 when professors and students from Bologna came in search of academic freedom.
There are many treasured historical places here.
For example, this is the world's first permanent anatomical theater built in the 16th century.
Six stories high, it accommodated 250 people.
Many human dissections were performed here, contributing to scientific advancement in an age when dissection was considered taboo by the Christian church.
We also have a botanical garden that was founded in 1545.
It has greatly contributed to botanical research in Europe and is registered as a World Heritage site.
The garden was created to teach students about plants that are used in medicine.
These walls are decorated with pictures of famous people who are affiliated with the University of Padua.
Drawn by the university's commitment to intellectual freedom, many well know historical figures came to Padua.
Dante, author of the epic poem The Divine Comedy, was a professor here.
Graduates include Copernicus, who formulated the heliocentric theory.
And of course we mustn't forget the great astronomer Galileo Galilei.
This is the teacher's podium he used.
Galileo combined teaching with conducting various experiments that produced astonishing results.
The university's motto is written here in the classroom where Galileo taught.
Here it is: Paduan Freedom is Universal for Everyone.
With this motto, the university has overcome barriers imposed by such considerations as gender and religion.
Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, a graduate in the 17th century, became the first woman in the world to earn a university degree.
In an era when nearly all universities only admitted Christians, the University of Padua also opened its doors to people of other faiths.
This year marks the 800th anniversary of the university's founding.
The city of Padua has grown along with the university and is also infused with the spirit of tolerance that is maintained in the name of freedom.
The next time you're in Padua, please visit the university.
Ciao!
It's one o'clock.
Let's see. Where am I?
I visited Palazzo della Ragione, saw the Clock Tower, stopped by the University of Padua, and checked out Galileo's house.
Now I'm here, in Piazza della Frutta, or "Fruit Square."
Look at all the people relaxing at the tables.
There's a man's silhouette painted on that wall.
He seems to be spraying something that leads to a....
is that a cat?
I always enjoy street art! It's so fun!
Hello! Is there something interesting written there?
Not really. Just the latest
Sustainable Development Goals.
Are you interested in SDGs?
Not really! Just waiting for my wife.
Where is she?
She likes the market.
She shops for daily goods here.
There's variety as well as
good prices.
She walks here every week.
I see.
We'll take a taxi home.
We get a senior subsidy.
Sounds good!
- The taxi's here!
- What?
Luciana! Come here!
- Let's go.
- Come here a minute.
That must be his wife.
I was telling her how patiently
I wait for you.
Hello. Your husband is so nice to wait for you!
He was never able to
wait in the old days.
- He's finally learned how to do it.
- Funny!
I taught physics at the university.
You're a physicist?
I worked in France and Geneva.
I was always abroad
and always kept her waiting.
So now it's your turn to wait for her?
Right.
We're not busy now,
so it's okay to wait.
- Nice meeting you.
- Take care.
Thank you!
- The taxi left!
- It's okay!
Ha, ha!
Look! The taxi's gone.
Uh, oh.
The taxi left while we were talking.
What were you talking about?
I feel so guilty...
Waiting and being waited for...
What a great couple!
Another narrow street.
I like seeing the greenery peeking out from the cobblestones on the street.
More people on bikes.
Hello!
Hello!
The streets are really narrow, so I can understand the convenience of bicycles, but the cobblestones sure make it a bumpy ride.
Hello!
Do you find it difficult to ride your bike on these cobblestone streets?
Not at all.
I can carry things and
go long distances.
I ride when I see friends,
go shopping, and go to Mass.
It is a beautiful town, so I bet riding the bike can be great fun!
- Yes. Padua makes you happy.
- It's that kind of place.
It is great here!
Bye!
Thank you!
Padua makes you happy, huh?
I suppose that means it's an easy town to live in.
That car is parking right inside the building.
I guess the narrow street makes it difficult to park on the street.
I really like that yellow building.
Oh, look at those pink flowers!
Ah, that manhole cover is so colorful!
The colors of the Italian flag!
Huh?
Look, every pillar has a different design.
I wonder if there is meaning behind that?
Excuse me! Hello!
Hello.
I have a question.
Do you know why each of these pillars has a different design?
I don't really know, but...
Ah, each design represents
a different era.
Ah, that makes sense.
Zola, be good!
Didn't mean to interrupt you when walking your dog.
Ah, Zola.
She's so interested in everything.
Do you walk here a lot?
This is Padua's ghetto.
I go to a synagogue near here.
Ah, a synagogue?
A synagogue is where Jewish
people gather to pray.
Yes, I know!
And there's one near here?
Do you see that?
Yes.
Those windows are the synagogue.
I see.
Would you like to see inside?
Would that be all right?
Of course!
Thank you!
Here's the entrance.
Thank you.
Zola has to wait here.
Sorry, Zola.
This won't take long.
Pardon me.
This is our synagogue.
I'll turn on the lights.
Thank you.
Oh, my!
It's so beautiful!
We pray here on Saturdays
and holidays.
The rabbi reads the torah up there.
I see.
This synagogue was built in 1548.
It's very old.
That's a really long time ago!
Jews have lived harmoniously
here all that time.
When Nazis ordered Jews into
concentration camps in WWII, many people in Padua
came to their rescue.
They risked their own lives.
I heard this from 90-year-old
mother-in-law.
Amazing.
I'm told lots of Paduans
came and said, "Tell us what you need.
We want to help."
The Paduans' generosity
doesn't change in bad times.
That's a very moving story.
Bye! Take care.
Thank you!
Goodbye.
What a surprise to find such a gorgeous synagogue in that building.
Putting their own lives at risk to protect others.
It seems that Paduans have a deep sense of empathy and strong convictions.
Hey hello there! I'm Marco and I go everywhere in this city by bicycle.
Today I'll share some secrets about bicycling in this city while introducing you to some of our delicious local foods in Padua.
Paduan bicycle secret No. 1...
Padua...
has the highest percentage of bicycle commuters in Italy.
It's good for the earth! Yes! Yes!
In third place, pasta e fagioli!
This down-home dish features beans grown only in the Veneto region, where Padua is located.
Various vegetables are simmered together until tender and then pureed.
The gentle bean flavor permeates the palate.
Mmm! Now, this is fabulous!
Paduan bicycle secret No. 2...
Let's see. What shall I eat next?
Wha! That was a close call!
Paduan bicyclists...
often get their wheels stuck in potholes.
Our streets are cobblestone, after all! Ha, ha!
Folpo alla Padovana! A boiled octopus dish that Paduans love!
The chewy texture of the octopus accompanied by the flavor of olive oil creates an exquisite harmony.
Paduan bicycle secret No. 3: Why do Paduans love riding bicycles?
Because riding bikes is faster than walking and slower than driving.
It's true! Bicycling is best! Yeah!
And now, delicious dish Number 1!
Torta Pazientina! This famous dessert has a special place in Paduan cuisine.
The secret ingredient is the Zabaione cream made from egg yolk, sugar, and Marsala wine.
The cream is sandwiched between layers of sponge cake and cookie, and then covered in rich chocolate.
There's nothing better than the taste of sweet Zabaione cream with the piquant hint of Marsala wine!
Make sure you try it the next time you're in Padua.
And don't forget to ride a bike!
Ciao!
It's already three o'clock.
Let's see.
I walked from Piazza della Frutta, met the physicist who was waiting for his wife, looked at the synagogue, and now I'm here.
It looks like there's a river ahead.
This must be a bridge.
Just as I thought!
The riverside view is so relaxing.
I think I'd like to walk a bit along the river.
Those two seem to be enjoying sitting in the shade together.
Hello!
Hi!
What a beautiful location!
Yes. One of the best in Padua.
So, am I interrupting something?
She's finished with work.
And my classes are over for
the day, so we met here.
How great to meet at the river!
Yes.
That's so nice!
He's so romantic.
Thanks!
Oh now, that's sweet!
He's the perfect boyfriend.
I really appreciate you guys talking to me.
Bye!
Bye!
It looks so pleasant in the shade by the water.
Ah, here's another bridge.
I think I'll walk a little further.
Hmm? What's that on the sidewalk?
These are paintings!
I wonder what they're doing here?
Maybe the artist paints here...
There's a radio...
Could this be an art installation?
What's going on here?
Something feels weird...
Wait. There are some people over there.
I'll go and ask them.
Looks like a cafe.
They're playing chess.
Hello!
Hello!
How's it going?
Can't complain.
Who's winning?
Oh, hang in there!
No good today. But I might
win tomorrow.
Ha, ha! I'm sorry to interrupt your game, but I was wondering about those paintings over there.
What?
He painted them.
Yes, my art allows me
to enjoy chess.
This is where artists like to gather.
Professor Flavio Galletti behind me
is Padua's best artist.
I'm Romanian and came to
Italy 27 years ago to become an artist.
You're from Romania.
Shall I show you my work?
I'd love that!
OK, let's go.
- Please come too, Professor.
- Sure.
Thanks so much!
Ha, ha! Looks like everyone's coming.
They're all native Paduans but
they befriended me, an immigrant.
Thanks to them,
my art has improved.
How so?
I'm painting that observatory.
Ah, that's an observatory?
I use a pointed end
to make scratches.
I see.
Like this.
Such rich colors.
It's a beautiful painting.
I'm self-taught.
Really? Amazing!
My method is to paint in
this magnificent location.
Right here.
I play a little chess,
talk to people...
These folks I've met tell
me I'm an amazing painter.
I ask the professor for critiques.
He tells me honestly if
my work is good or bad.
So that's how you've improved, huh?
Professor, what do you like about his paintings?
Good color harmony.
It's not completely formed yet, but he's developed his own style.
Color harmony, eh?
It's true that all the colors go well together.
Thank you!
Bye!
Goodbye!
Take care!
He gets praise and criticism from people he's met and he grows as an artist.
How cool to have friends like that!
The scenery here makes even me want to try painting!
And here's a souvenir shop.
There're so many pictures of men holding children.
And just look at all those dolls!
Excuse me.
I'd like to ask about the dolls of the man holding a child.
These are Saint Anthony,
Padua's patron saint.
Saint Anthony?
Saint Anthony protects children and women who have trouble
getting pregnant.
Fascinating.
Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic
Church is down that way.
So that's why you sell these souvenirs here?
This is our best-selling souvenir.
What is it?
Ah! There's a figurine of Saint Anthony inside!
When you pray for something,
you carry it upside-down.
When you pray.
I have one.
See?
I prayed for something.
Oh?
And it was granted.
I'm so glad!
What did you pray for?
A woman I know wanted a child,
so I prayed for her.
She's pregnant with a daughter.
She'll be born next month.
I'm so happy!
What a great thing to do!
Saint Anthony brought us joy.
He sounds wonderful!
I think I'll go take a look at his church.
Bye!
Take care!
That must be Saint Anthony's church up ahead.
Praying for a friend.
What a generous thing to do!
And her prayers were answered. How amazing!
What a stunning church!
Hello!
Hello.
Did you go to the church?
Yes. It's very beautiful.
I agree! Did you pray for something?
World peace.
World peace?
I'm from Ukraine.
Yes.
We should all pray for peace.
Yes.
Thanks. Bye!
Thank you!
They were also praying for others.
The people here are truly kind hearted.
It's four o'clock.
Another elegant arcade.
Hmm? What's that over there?
A broad green space.
Is it a park?
I'll take a look.
The lawn looks so inviting.
This must be where Paduans come to relax.
These two look like cycling buddies.
Hello!
Ah, hello!
You're cycling today?
Just for a visit here in Padua today.
So...
he's my tour guide.
How nice!
I'm from Germany, I'm just studying here for a half a year.
I see.
I hope you like it, but...
Ha, ha!
So far I've liked it.
What do you plan to do next?
We'll eat something, probably.
Like gelato.
Gelato!
That would be nice.
- Yeah, we should get going.
- Ha, ha!
Thank you!
Take care and have fun!
Guiding a German exchange student around the town.
What a generous thing to do!
Okay, I think I'll head back to the center of town.
And I'm back at Palazzo della Ragione.
This morning the plaza was filled with fruit and vegetable stalls, and now it's full of dining tables.
Oh, I hear singing...
In here?
- Viva Scarabello! Cheers!
- This is the place.
Beautiful Padua,
blessed by the gods.
The whole world is jealous
that we can live like this.
Rich, but poor, full hearts
but empty pockets.
That's a Paduan!
Ha, ha! They're having fun!
Well now, good evening!
Ah, hello.
- I'm Scarabello, protector
of Padua's good fortune.
- Mr. Scarabello.
I've been coming to this
shop for 50 years.
I'm their oldest patron.
I drink and enjoy each day.
This is my fifth glass!
I heard someone singing.
That was me.
My voice is a bit rough.
You were singing with great verve.
I sing for everyone.
Being upbeat and happy with myself
enables me to work well with others.
That's how I've lived.
Thanks for sharing your time with me!
Being upbeat and happy enables one to work well with others.
True words of wisdom!
Night has fallen.
And all of these people on the terrace are enjoying being with each other.
Padua, in northern Italy.
The people here love their city, live in freedom, and take care of each other.
This must be a great place to live!
I bet I could be happy here!