Why is Padua called the city of 3 without?

Padua is a city that enchants all its visitors with its elegance and the history that exudes from every corner. Located in the heart of Veneto, it houses beautiful monuments, ancient architectural testimonies and has one of the oldest universities in Europe. But why is Padua nicknamed " the city of the three without "? A nickname to be discovered that contains historical curiosities and legends. This saying, in fact, although playful, allows us to reflect on three iconic places of the city.

The origin of the three without

Padua is known as the city " of a saint without a name, a meadow without grass and a café without doors ", this ancient phrase is linked to three places in the city that absolutely must be visited because each one tells a part of the history of Padua.

The first “ without ” refers to Saint Anthony , the citizen saint; although his full name is Saint Anthony of Padua, the inhabitants simply call him The Saint, so well known and venerated that he needs no further specification. Its majestic Basilica, which stands as one of the main places of worship in the Catholic world, is visited every year by millions of pilgrims and its presence in the historical and spiritual fabric of the city was so strong that even mentioning its name was superfluous.

The second “ without ” concerns the Prato della Valle , one of the largest squares in Europe. Today it is a wonderful green space adorned with a large central island surrounded by statues, but the saying "lawn without grass" comes from more ancient times, when the area was marshy and devoid of greenery, used for markets and other commercial activities. Only the intervention of the mayor Andrea Memmo at the end of the eighteenth century transformed this space into the unique and spectacular place that is still known.

The third and last “ without ” refers to Caffè Pedrocchi , known as “ the café without doors ”, a place known as the symbol of the intellectual and cultural life of the city, open 24 hours a day in past eras, a detail that earned it such a nickname. Built in the 19th century, the Pedrocchi was an important point of reference for intellectuals, artists and politicians.

Some places of interest to visit in Padua

After discovering the places that transform Padua into the city of three without we see some other noteworthy monuments, certainly worth visiting in the city, such as the Scrovegni Chapel which has become famous for:

• Giotto's frescoes;
• To be like one of the great masterpieces of Western art.

Alternatively, for those who love nature, the Botanical Garden of Padua is an absolute must-visit. Founded in 1545 it has several records such as:

• Be part of the UNESCO heritage;
• Being the oldest university botanical garden still in use.

The city, of course, still has much to offer such as its street art , the Bo Palace and its university.

Padua: how to see everything

For those who visit Padua, both for work and pleasure, the city has many cultural offers and recreational events to enjoy and if you want to live an experience without haste and without constraints then short-term rentals are a unique solution for staying in Padua with maximum comfort. Thanks to its strategic position in the heart of Veneto, Padua is perfect both for tourists who wish to explore its beauties and for workers who need to stay in a city rich in history and culture.

Whether you want to enjoy the historical wonders of the city or simply stroll among its evocative arcades, Padua is a destination that offers much more than you can imagine. Booking an apartment online allows you to completely immerse yourself in Padua life, calmly exploring its secrets and savoring its unique atmosphere.