Celebrating 800 Years of History with Projects, Plans, and Events
Since its foundation in 1222, when a group of students in search of greater autonomy and independence left Bologna for Padua, freedom, in all its modern forms, has been the heart of the University of Padua’s cultural identity. Eight centuries ago a European identity had already begun to form under the University’s banner of multiculturalism and protection of freedom, making Padua perfect candidate for cultural and scientific exchange.
The University’s motto – Universa Universis Patavina Libertas – represents not only an abstract invocation of freedom, continually held in practise for eight centuries, but also concrete and multifaceted freedoms: freedom of ideas and movement; freedom of thought, expression, and debate; religious and political freedom; academic freedom of study. Freedom also includes the protection of negative consequences from oppression, from outside interference, from all forms of discrimination (be it gender, class, geographical origin), exclusionary borders and, as a consequence, the claim to the right of resistence to any constraints. Above all, freedom to live freely, using research and the exploration of knowledge in a positive manner protected by the values of diversity in all its forms, and the collective richness of inclusive differences.
The eight hundred years of Padua’s freedom are therefore a precious opportunity to outline its unique history towards the future in a world that, more than ever, needs to reaffirm shared secular values of freedom, acceptance of diversity and civilization. This is an opportunity to leave a legacy of the past and a guide for the future using tangible and enduring marks after the end of the celebrations. The three main guidelines focus on museums, historical studies, as well as the University’s editorial and communication actions. Objectives aim to:
- enhancing scientific, cultural, and artistic heritage
- studying and disseminating the University’s history
- strengthening the University’s role in its creation and sharing of knowledge
- increasing the participation and involvement of local communities with regards to the University’s educational and research activities
- cultivating the University’s image on a national and international level