From the Loggiàto Superiore countless painted and sculpted coats of arms are clearly visible. How many? It is said that in the whole building there are almost three thousand: let’s start counting ...

The coats of arms commemorate the rectors and councillors of the University of Padua. These were simply students appointed to specific public roles. Indeed, from the very start, the University of Padua was organized as a free corporation of students who fell into one of two large groups: the “citramontàni” (Italians) and the ultramontàni (non-Italians). Each group was made up of specific “nationes”, depending on their place of origin.

At that time, students approved the statutes, elected rectors from within the student body, and chose professors, who were paid with monies collected. 

Two courses were organized for each subject of study, scheduled on the same day and at the same time. Students were free to follow the professor they considered best, not only for knowledge of the specific subject but also for teaching skills. For example, a professor who read from or consulted their notes too often was rated very negatively.

This approach kept the professors on their toes and guaranteed quality of teaching.

In 1688, Venice decided to ban coats of arms, on one hand to protect the most ancient insignia and on the other to prevent them becoming a reason for clashes between students.