Università Di Padova
Università Di Padova
4.5
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4.5
747 reviews
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196
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32
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8
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10
Pioneer15314
Chicago, IL1 contribution
The beauty of the University district of Padua is situated right between it's three city centre squares. You can go and see the lectern from which Galileo taught, the anatomy theatre built in 1594, or just sit and watch the new graduates of the University parade the streets in their ridiculous hazing costumes followed by all of their family and friends.
Written 24 September 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hutchss
Benicia, CA1,139 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
I have read previous reviews which were positive, but for me, this was one of the worst tours ever in my travels. There was a tour today at 2:30. Tickets (7€) do not go on sale until 15 minutes prior. Supposedly only 40 tickets were sold. The tour guide arrived to first sell tickets asking patrons for exact change, and after selling the tickets, escorted all of us (a mixed group of multi-language travelers) into a beautiful auditorium. No pictures allowed. Ever. She then surveyed the crowd and decided she would speak English, then repeat everything in Italian.
Here's the problem - her English was spoken with such a thick Italian accent that she was nearly impossible to understand. Plus she seemed to lack enthusiasm and interest. This tour has the possibility to be outstanding! But the University needs to do this right. Have pre-recorded info on private head sets and let each person listen in his/her native language. It would be stellar. But today was a waste of my time and money.
One more item - let people snap a picture w/o a flash. The Borghese Gallery, the Vatican, the Scrovegni Chapel as well as other historical sites allow photographs. So why doesn't this tour?
Sorry. A real disappointment for me.
Here's the problem - her English was spoken with such a thick Italian accent that she was nearly impossible to understand. Plus she seemed to lack enthusiasm and interest. This tour has the possibility to be outstanding! But the University needs to do this right. Have pre-recorded info on private head sets and let each person listen in his/her native language. It would be stellar. But today was a waste of my time and money.
One more item - let people snap a picture w/o a flash. The Borghese Gallery, the Vatican, the Scrovegni Chapel as well as other historical sites allow photographs. So why doesn't this tour?
Sorry. A real disappointment for me.
Written 15 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allie J
Redwood City, CA37 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
I was traveling solo in Padova for a few days, and someone who studied here suggested I take the guided tour of the university. When I visited, they were doing three tours a day, six days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were afternoon tours, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday were morning tours. You can't book in advance; the ticket office opens 15 minutes before the tour starts, and they take the first 35 people in line (though some guides will accept more if they know the other tours for the day are booked). Tickets are 5 euro.
It's possible to see the anatomical theatre, Galileo Galilei’s Aula Magna, the “Hall of the Forty”, and the hall where lectures on medicine were given, but some tours skip a few of those rooms if other events are happening at the university. You might want to ask before you buy your tickets if all the rooms will be open. The first time I went, everything but the anatomical theater was closed. I decided to come back on a different day and got to see everything.
It's possible to see the anatomical theatre, Galileo Galilei’s Aula Magna, the “Hall of the Forty”, and the hall where lectures on medicine were given, but some tours skip a few of those rooms if other events are happening at the university. You might want to ask before you buy your tickets if all the rooms will be open. The first time I went, everything but the anatomical theater was closed. I decided to come back on a different day and got to see everything.
Written 25 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielK1979
Gdynia, Poland18 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
I have known quite a few interesting facts regarding University of Padova, however about the tour itself I have only found out recently from TripAdvisor. I was able to give it a try on Saturday, 9th of February while in Padova. People in a formed group were of mixed nationalities, but the University guide managed to communicate well and efficiently with both Italians and foreigners. Her English was very good and communicative, and yet she was very nice, informative and knowledgeable person. With the University remianing the main focus, some stories regarding history of Padova were included during tour.
Strongly recommended as the tour is not too long but it is simple a great and worthy experience. So while in Padova, make sure you include it in your plans.
Here is the useful link where you can find all the necessary details.
http://www.unipd.it/en/guided-tours-palazzo-bo
Strongly recommended as the tour is not too long but it is simple a great and worthy experience. So while in Padova, make sure you include it in your plans.
Here is the useful link where you can find all the necessary details.
http://www.unipd.it/en/guided-tours-palazzo-bo
Written 13 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJandSJ
Matlock, UK1,260 contributions
July 2016 • Couples
The University of Padua … almost something of a pilgrimage to those interested in the Renaissance. Galileo worked here, and who wouldn’t want to walk in his footsteps!? Copernicus, Vesalius, William Harvey and even Francis Walsingham (Elizabeth I’s spymaster) all strolled through these hallowed portals … and what a privilege it is to be able to follow in least some of their footsteps. Understandably, perhaps, the only access is by guided tours.
And yet, and yet … it’s all so appallingly organised.
We turned up at the (unmanned) ticket desk about 20 minutes before the next scheduled tour, only to join a somewhat lengthy queue. Oh well … never mind, we (foolishly) thought – it won’t take too long. Eventually, someone turned up, rather nonchalantly, and eventually began to issue tickets. The queue inched forwards. We got to about fourth in line when the person issuing tickets announced that all had been sold, and that we should all come back in an hour’s time. Understandably, some frustration ensued amongst those remaining in the queue – not everyone was free to return in an hour’s time. But we, along with some others, decided to wait.
There were very few seats available in the room where tickets are issued, and some elderly people soon occupied them. I didn’t want to lose my place in the queue, so simply sat down – almost in protest – on the floor. A hangover, I suppose, from my erstwhile hippy days. My wife found a seat. Eventually – an hour later – the earlier farcical scene repeated itself. People incrementally joined the queue for tickets for the next guided tour: the queue grew longer. Eventually, the same ticket-seller lady appeared and began issuing tickets. Cash only of course (and no change, if I remember correctly). Being at the front of the queue, I secured my required two tickets. But others were not so lucky, and people towards the end of the queue left in some frustration.
The tour itself was reasonably interesting – though I would rate it no higher than that. We were told that no photos were allowed, but I discreetly ignored that (why on Earth not, as long as flash is not used!?).
Overall, I would say that this is an interesting venue, but the organisation that supports it is appalling. Visitors, and the standing of the institution itself, deserves better. If you want to visit it, be sure to take your place in the queue at least 30 minutes before the ticket desk is scheduled to open – and have your exact cash at the ready!
And yet, and yet … it’s all so appallingly organised.
We turned up at the (unmanned) ticket desk about 20 minutes before the next scheduled tour, only to join a somewhat lengthy queue. Oh well … never mind, we (foolishly) thought – it won’t take too long. Eventually, someone turned up, rather nonchalantly, and eventually began to issue tickets. The queue inched forwards. We got to about fourth in line when the person issuing tickets announced that all had been sold, and that we should all come back in an hour’s time. Understandably, some frustration ensued amongst those remaining in the queue – not everyone was free to return in an hour’s time. But we, along with some others, decided to wait.
There were very few seats available in the room where tickets are issued, and some elderly people soon occupied them. I didn’t want to lose my place in the queue, so simply sat down – almost in protest – on the floor. A hangover, I suppose, from my erstwhile hippy days. My wife found a seat. Eventually – an hour later – the earlier farcical scene repeated itself. People incrementally joined the queue for tickets for the next guided tour: the queue grew longer. Eventually, the same ticket-seller lady appeared and began issuing tickets. Cash only of course (and no change, if I remember correctly). Being at the front of the queue, I secured my required two tickets. But others were not so lucky, and people towards the end of the queue left in some frustration.
The tour itself was reasonably interesting – though I would rate it no higher than that. We were told that no photos were allowed, but I discreetly ignored that (why on Earth not, as long as flash is not used!?).
Overall, I would say that this is an interesting venue, but the organisation that supports it is appalling. Visitors, and the standing of the institution itself, deserves better. If you want to visit it, be sure to take your place in the queue at least 30 minutes before the ticket desk is scheduled to open – and have your exact cash at the ready!
Written 1 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon C
Vancouver, Canada116 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
This is the 2nd university in Europe, and site of the first anatomical theatre in the world! For just 5 euros, you get a tour of the building with the monumental great hall, and a couple other rooms. Definitely check out the coats of arms on the walls from each class council for the last 600 years.
The anatomical theatre was the highlight for me, and there are some funny stories (listen to the tour guide, won't ruin them here). Smaller than you'd expect, it's perfectly preserved. Unfortunately you'll only be able to look up from the bottom, but it's still cool.
When buying tickets, make sure to get there right on the hour before the tour (begins at :15, 3 times a day). It's a first come/first serve kind of deal, so make sure you don't have to wait another 45 minutes!
The anatomical theatre was the highlight for me, and there are some funny stories (listen to the tour guide, won't ruin them here). Smaller than you'd expect, it's perfectly preserved. Unfortunately you'll only be able to look up from the bottom, but it's still cool.
When buying tickets, make sure to get there right on the hour before the tour (begins at :15, 3 times a day). It's a first come/first serve kind of deal, so make sure you don't have to wait another 45 minutes!
Written 20 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAAPMKC
Boston, MA15 contributions
The University tour is about an hour long, and stops at 4 of the most important historical rooms/areas of the University (including the old anatomy/dissection theatre). Our tour guide was efficient and interesting, although she mostly stuck to her "script".
I'd recommend the tour to those who have a particular interest in the history of Padova or the history of higher education in Europe, or who want to get a "peek" inside some of the most interesting areas of this very historic University.
I'd recommend the tour to those who have a particular interest in the history of Padova or the history of higher education in Europe, or who want to get a "peek" inside some of the most interesting areas of this very historic University.
Written 5 May 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LightFighter
Lafayette, CA1,903 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
The tour was a complete disappointment - completely disorganized!
People crowded into a small room haphazardly waiting for tickets to go on sale. A lady, who appears to hate her job, showed up late, yelled at everyone to only give her the exact amount as she won't give out change, sold a number of tickets then turned away everyone else including a number of people who arrived with us and who were ahead of much of the crowd.
The same lady them led the tour in a monotone voice repeating the same information in multiple languages. She made it quite clear that no photographs would be tolerated.
A disappointment on many levels. As a former medical student, I planned the trip in part to see the anatomical theatre. As it was, we were led to a tiny dark room under the theatre and allowed to look up through a small hole for a few moments at the impressive room. Hardly what I envisioned.
The university has a long, impressive history. The tour in no way does justice to it. The tour of the University and the anatomical theatre in Bologna was far, far better better organized.
Fire the tour guide, fill the coin box with change, sell tickets in advance for specific times, hand out a headset with the tour pre-recorded by an enthusiastic narrator in multiple languages and allow photos. As it is now, a huge disappointment!!!
People crowded into a small room haphazardly waiting for tickets to go on sale. A lady, who appears to hate her job, showed up late, yelled at everyone to only give her the exact amount as she won't give out change, sold a number of tickets then turned away everyone else including a number of people who arrived with us and who were ahead of much of the crowd.
The same lady them led the tour in a monotone voice repeating the same information in multiple languages. She made it quite clear that no photographs would be tolerated.
A disappointment on many levels. As a former medical student, I planned the trip in part to see the anatomical theatre. As it was, we were led to a tiny dark room under the theatre and allowed to look up through a small hole for a few moments at the impressive room. Hardly what I envisioned.
The university has a long, impressive history. The tour in no way does justice to it. The tour of the University and the anatomical theatre in Bologna was far, far better better organized.
Fire the tour guide, fill the coin box with change, sell tickets in advance for specific times, hand out a headset with the tour pre-recorded by an enthusiastic narrator in multiple languages and allow photos. As it is now, a huge disappointment!!!
Written 7 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirk E
Santa Fe, NM982 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
The University of Padua was Europe's second institute of higher learning, after Bologna and before Oxford. Once dedicated exclusively to the law, it later grew to include the liberal arts and earned itself a rather renegade reputation. Open to Jews and Muslims in the 17th century, it later became a hotbed of anti-Nazi resistance. Non-students may visit the campus' more historical rooms, but only as part of a one-hour guided tour. Experiences may vary depending on the guide's level of enthusiasm. Ours was cordial and informative, frequently digressing from the canned speech and addressing individual questions. Padua's medical school became world-famous, and the highlight of the tour is the anatomy theatre with its conical observation platform, which still manages to convey just how grisly the science of anatomy was many centuries ago. Equally fascinating is the theory room next door, where students defended their theses amidst the skulls of past professors who had willed their bodies to the university for research. And you thought you had it tough in college.
Written 22 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue C
Wellington, New Zealand145 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
A must for anyone visiting Padua. The university is the second oldest in Europe and the first in the world where a woman graduated. The guide was informative, the tour was in Italian and English which was extremely helpful. The anatomical theatre was amazing never mind the skulls of lecturers past or the lecturing platform built for Galileo. Definitely worth the 5 euro. There were a number of stairs but there was a person in a wheelchair on our tour and the staff appeared to be able to accommodate them.
Written 2 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long is the the tour of the University of Padua? What was the cost?
Written 29 April 2019
Saben en que idiomas son las visitas guiadas además del ingles?
Written 8 June 2015
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