Even by the time of the Holy Roman Empire, Padua had become an important religious, cultural, artistic and commercial centre. In the heart of the town centre, arcaded squares contrast with the dark narrow streets.
The University of Padua is very ancient, being founded in 1222. Here Galileo was a Professor and Pico della Mirandola, Conpernico and Tasso studied here. Today it is possible to visit the ancient seat of the University and especially to see the anatomy theatre dating from 1594 and perfectly preserved.
The city also houses the Scrovegni Chapel, competely decorated by the great master Giotto, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Botanical garden, one of the oldest in Europe, laid out in 1545.
