Cafe Pedrocchi

This historic cafe in the heart of Padova has been serving coffee and other delights since 1831. Cafe Pedrocchi was inaugurated as a "cafe senza porte," a coffee house without doors, because of its elegant arched portico that welcomed people, and because for many years (up until 1916) it was open 24 hours to provide hospitality to travelers, locals and anyone who happened by.

They renovated the first floor of the neoclassic building to become "Il Ridotto" - an elegant ballroom and entertaining space for Padova's society elite, while retaining the coffee house downstairs for everyone to enjoy. A pasticceria was added in 1836 in the neogothic building next door to make delectable pastries. Eventually, a restaurant was also included.

A visit to the historic center of Padova should include a stop at this stalwart cafe that is still welcoming travelers after 180 years.