The University of Padua situated in Padua, Italy was founded in 1222. It is between the earliest of the European universities and the second oldest in Italy. As of 2003 the university had approximately 65,000 students.

Modern changes in state legislation have also opened the way to greater autonomy for Italian universities, and in 1995 Padua adopted a new Statute that gave it greater independence.

The University of Padua is older than any other in Italy except that of Bologna and the coats of arms which encrust the courtyard and Great Hall attest to the social and intellectual rank of its alumni. The first permanent anatomy theatre was built here in 1594, a facility that doubtless greatly helped William Harvey, who went on to develop the theory of blood circulation after taking his degree here in 1602. Galileo taught physics here from 1592 to 1610, declaiming from a lectern that is still on show. And in 1678 Elena Lucrezia Corner Piscopia became the first woman to collect a university degree when she was awarded her doctorate in philosophy here - there's a statue of her in the courtyard. The Bò is only open for guided visits, which should be booked in advance (March - Oct Mon, Wed & Fri 3 pm & 4 pm, Tues, Thurs & Sat 10 am & 11 am; Tel: 049.820.9773).

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