Discount Hotels Padova
Historical interest: Padova
    
Probably better known as the 'city of St Anthony' or as the 'economic capital
of Veneto', Padova is one of the most important art cities in Italy.
In the 4th century BC, Padova rose from a fishing village to become the most
important centre of the Veneto people. Allied with the Romans against the Gauls,
it became a Roman Municipium in 45 BC. The city reached a high degree of economic
prosperity and great urban development under Augustus.
Unfortunately, the town suffered a mortal blow when the Longobards set fire
to it in 602. The ensuing recovery was slow.
At the beginning of the 12th century, Padova was a free commune, and by the
second half of the following century it was spreading its influence well beyond
the communal territory, clashing with the emperor, Arrigo VII, and with the
La Scala family (1311-1329).
During the 13th century and for the whole of the 14th century, the city went
through a period of great cultural and artistic fervour. The first circle of
walls was built, followed by the Palazzo della Ragione, the Basilica of St Anthony
and the Church of the Eremitani.
Padova's university was founded in 1222; it was the second in Italy and attracted
teachers and scholars from all over Europe. Both Dante and Petrarch stayed in
Padova.
Padova continued its renewal in the 16th century. The new circle of fortified
walls was built, along with the new Town Hall, the Palazzo del Capitanio, the
imposing Basilica of St Giustina and the new cathedral.
During the following three centuries, Padova underwent a slow economic decline,
reflected in the modesty of private and public buildings from this period. After
the fall of Venice (1797) and the period of Napoleonic rule, Padova passed into
Austrian hands in 1813. In 1866, the town was annexed to the kingdom of Italy.
Starting from the early years of the 20th century, a new period of economic
growth began and was strengthened in the period between the two world wars,
thus making Padova the most important centre in northeastern Italy.
Today, the city is one of the region's main industrial and commercial centres,
with numerous international trade-fairs.
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