Padua is a city with an ancient heart and a curious soul — rich in history, art, devotion, and irony. Among the many nicknames and expressions used to describe it, one stands out for its wit and charm: the city of the three withouts.
It’s a popular, affectionate saying that tells a lot about Padua — its iconic landmarks, the spirit of its people, and its unique ability to blend the sacred with the playful, history with legend.
But what are these three “without” things? And why have they become part of the city’s identity? Let’s find out together.
1. The Saint without a name
In Padua, everyone knows Saint Anthony, but no one calls him by his name. He is simply known as “The Saint.”
And his basilica — one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Europe — needs no further introduction. To locals, it’s just “the Basilica of the Saint.”
This familiar yet reverent way of referring to him shows the deep bond between the city and the Franciscan friar from Portugal who became a symbol and patron of Padua.
Each year, millions of pilgrims travel to visit his tomb inside the majestic basilica built in the 13th century. But for the people of Padua, there’s no need for names: “The Saint” is all you need to say.
2. The Meadow without grass
The second “without” is equally famous and refers to Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe — over 88,000 square meters of open space, surrounded by statues and a canal enclosing the central Memmia Island.
But why “without grass”?
In the past, this large area was a marshy, muddy ground used for fairs, markets, and public events. Long before the major 18th-century urban renovations, Prato della Valle was anything but a meadow — more of a swamp than a green space.
The name “prato” (meadow) sounded ironic, almost sarcastic. Hence the nickname: a meadow… without grass.
Today, the contrast is striking. The area is now lush and beautifully maintained — perfect for strolling, relaxing, or attending public events under the open Padua sky.
3. The Café without doors ☕️
Last but not least, the third “without” involves one of the city’s most beloved spots: the Caffè Pedrocchi.
Opened in 1831 by the visionary Antonio Pedrocchi and designed by architect Giuseppe Jappelli, it was meant to be a place open to all — regardless of social class or time of day.
And for decades, it truly was: always open, day and night, without doors.
Known as “the café without doors,” it became a cultural and political hub — frequented by students, intellectuals, artists, revolutionaries, and free thinkers.
It even played a role in Italian history: in the famous White Room, a student was shot during the uprisings of 1848. You can still see the bullet holes in the wall — silent witnesses of that turbulent time.
Legends, curiosities, and other “absences”
Like any self-respecting historic city, Padua doesn’t stop at just three “without” stories.
Over time, other expressions, urban legends, and tongue-in-cheek tales have enriched the local folklore:
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The capital without a column, a small shrine in the historic center that seems to float in mid-air.
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The horse without a rider, referring to Donatello’s equestrian statue of Gattamelata — which, at a glance, can appear empty.
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The clock without the letter G, in Piazza dei Signori, where the ancient astronomical clock omits the “G” in the zodiac, as medieval tradition considered it unlucky.
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The church without a façade, namely the Basilica of Santa Giustina, which features a deliberately unfinished front.
And finally, a beloved local legend suggests that the saying “to be broke” (in Italian, “essere al verde”) originated at the Caffè Pedrocchi, where people who couldn’t afford a coffee would still sit and socialize in the Green Room — hence, being “at the green” meant having no money.
Conclusion: a city that’s witty, proud, and full of soul
The three “without” of Padua are not signs of absence, but of presence so strong they need no explanation.
They reflect a uniquely Padovan way of telling stories — full of irony, affection, and a touch of mystery.
It’s a city that knows how to take itself seriously… but never too much. And that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable.
Want to discover many more activities to do in Padua and all the upcoming cultural events? Read our articles to learn more. Take the ATVO bus and visit the most important cities!
