Life in Padua

Education in Padua

Home to the famous, 800 year old University of Padua, this is a city that places a great deal of emphasis on education. The Italian education system has seen many changes over recent years, and schools which once demanded that students pass an examination to enter are now open to anyone.

While primary school is free, Padua residents must pay a small, annual enrollment fee for their children’s education through to the age of 16 as well as class materials. New residents in Padua should note that children attending secondary education facilities must pass the “Esame di Stato conclusivo del corso di studio di Istruzione Secondaria Superiore” in order to attend university in the country.

The Italian university education system has also undergone recent and significant changes, with the new “3+2” initiative giving students a lot more choice of courses. And with Padua boasting a reputation as one of the country’s best university cities, anyone coming to work in Padua can be sure that their children will receive a good education.

Culture and Leisure

As an Italian city, it will come as no surprise that Padua has an abundance of cathedrals and chapels, and those new to the city should head straight for the likes of Basilica di Sant’Antonio – Basilica del Santo, and Scrovegni Chapel.

Elsewhere, the city’s botanical garden, Orto Botanico di Padova, is the oldest in the world, while museums such as Chiesa degli Eremitani and Opere di strada di Kenny Random offer glimpses into the city’s history as well as its modern day artistic spirit. New Padua residents should note that the Basilica is closed on Sundays and religious holidays.

Simply walking around Padua is a lovely experience, particularly for those planning to live and work there. One of the most notable sights is Prato della Valle, which is Italy’s largest square, and is thought to be the largest in Europe after Moscow’s Red Square.

Aside from the tourist sights, new residents and their families can enjoy the city’s emphasis on sports, with rugby, football, horse riding, basketball, cycling and rowing all popular past times in Padua.

Safety and Security in Padua

Padua is an extremely safe city, and ranks as one of the most secure parts of Italy. However, like all places, there are some areas that should be avoided, and one of these is the Stanga/via Venezia, Centro Giotto region. There are also higher crime rates close to the Stazione di Padova – the city’s main railway station.

The majority of incidents in the city involve theft or drugs, with more serious attacks such as robberies or murders rare. The safety levels in Padua reflect those of Italy as a whole, with countries such as the UK experiencing almost 3 times as much crime.

A sensible head and a little caution is all that is needed in Padua, and avoiding the aforementioned areas and keeping an eye on your belongings will ensure a peaceful stay.