Location
Location
The conference will be held in the buildings of the School of Psychology and organized by members of the Departments of Psychology (DPG) University of Padova, Italy, which is at 15–20-minute walk from the train station and bus station, and 20-25 minute walk from the city center.
Padova and the University of Padova
Padova is a charming city with a rich history dating back to its foundation in the 12th century BC, located in the Venetian region of northern Italy, characterized by its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Padova is known for its university founded in 1222; one of the oldest universities in Europe. According to the historian of Science Herbert Butterfield: “So far as any single place could claim, the honor of being the seat of the scientific revolution, the distinction must belong to Padova.” Among other famous scholars, let us remember Copernicus and Galileo Galilei (the founders of modern astronomy and physics), Vesalius (the founder of modern anatomy), Morgagni (the founder of modern pathological anatomy), and Harvey (the first to comprehensively describe blood circulation. Finally, the University of Padova is the place where the first woman in the world graduated (i.e., Elena Lucrezia Piscopia Cornaro, 1678).
The “Palazzo del Bo”, the historical seat of the University, is open to visitors and offers an opportunity to explore the first anatomic amphitheater, and the famous Aula Magna Galileo Galilei. Finally, the Botanical Garden of the University of Padova, founded in 1545, is the oldest one in the world and a site of UNESCO world heritage. One of the main attractions of Padova is the Basilica of San Antonio, a magnificent church that houses the tomb of Saint Anthony of Padova, one of the most venerated saints in the world. The pilgrimage site attracts millions of tourists every year and is surrounded by beautiful domes, art works and a unique spiritual atmosphere. Another must-visit place is the Chapel of Scrovegni, where the famous Giotto frescoes are located. These masterpieces of Renaissance art, a collective site of UNESCO world heritage, are considered among the world's most important visual cycles and attract art lovers from all over the world. In terms of museums, among the others, the Museum of Natural History houses a vast collection of naturalistic archeological findings, including dinosaur and prehistoric animal skeletons. Finally, the Eremitani Civic Museum is an art and historical treasure trove, with an extensive collection of works of art dating from ancient times to Renaissance.
How to reach Padova
Getting to Padova is easy via train or plane. The city is well-connected to the Italian railway network, offering direct trains from cities like Venice (30 minutes) and Milan (2 hours). The closest airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located approximately 40 kilometers away. From there, a direct bus or taxi ride takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Other regional airports include Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), about 120 kilometers away, Treviso Airport (TSF), roughly 55 kilometers away, and Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), situated approximately 85 kilometers from Padova.
Accommodations and attractions
Padova offers a wide range of accommodations for all budgets. From five-star luxury hotels with first-class services and modern comforts to intimate and welcoming boutique hotels in the heart of the historic center. There are also more affordable options, such as beds and breakfasts and accommodation for those who prefer a more informal solution.
Padova offers diverse shopping opportunities. Corso Italia has fashion boutiques, international brands, and specialty shops. Every Saturday, Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, transforms into a bustling open-air market, selling fresh products and local goods. The center of Padova houses the Oldest Covered Market in Europe: “Il Mercato Sotto il Salone”. In its eight centuries of history, the ancient market has become the symbol of the city of Padova and a unique place in the world, a meeting point between the passion of taste artisans and the unconditional love of consumers. Via San Fermo has antique shops and art galleries. Nearby outlet malls like McArthurGlen offer discounted designer brands.
Additionally, Padova enjoys an ideal geographical position to explore other nearby cities. For example, Venice, whose unique beauty and romance are only 30’ by train from Padova. Moreover, Vicenza, known for its Renaissance architecture designed by Andrea Palladio, and Verona, known for the history of Romeo and Juliet and the Arena, are also easily accessible.
Finally, the University of Padova has a long lasting tradition in the study of numerical and mathematical cognition, with a large number of researchers currently working in this field of research.
Accomodation suggestions
- near to the School of Psychology:
Hotel Galileo (Best Western Plus)
- near to the city center and Tuesday evening restaurant: have a look at Padova official Tourism Information Office
Meal suggestions
The coffee breaks are offered by the Department of General Psychology. Lunches and dinners are not included. For lunches and dinners, attendees will be free to test Padova's many restaurants on their own!
Here are some suggestions:
- Al Porteo (pizzeria, restaurant), Via del Portello, Padua;
- HANDĀ (Asian restaurant), Via del Portello, 32, Padua;
- Peace 'n' Spice Portello (Ethnic-AsianFusion restaurant), Via del Portello 40, Padua;
- DìVi Coffee & Co, Via Francesco Marzolo 17/D Zona Portello, Padua.
