Depicts the grand entrance gate of the Bo Palace, the historical seat of the University of Padua. To the right is the handrail of the Stairs of Knowledge, which is located inside the palace and reproduced together with frescoes by Giò Ponti showing the symbolic path a student follows until he reaches the Alma Mater. On the stairs is the motto of the University (“Paduan freedom is universal for everyone”), and along the left edge the country and the designer names.

Depicts the seal of the University of Padua, standing out on the stylised reproduction of the Anatomical Theatre of the University and which was the first stable theatre of its kind in the world. Above the primary design are the years 1222 • 2022, denoting the years of the foundation of the university and that of the coin’s issue. Below the seal is the letter R identifying the Mint of Rome and the value 5 EURO.

The Anatomical Theatre of Padua is the first permanent anatomical theatre in the world. Still preserved in the Palazzo del Bo, it was inaugurated in 1595 by Girolamo Fabrici of Acquapendente, according to the project of Paolo Sarpi and Dario Varotari. This theatre constituted the model for the anatomical theatres built during the seventeenth century in the main universities of Europe: all would have been based on the Paduan archetype. It is the symbol of a successful period in the University of Padua's history, and it is considered one of the most important achievements for the study of anatomy during the sixteenth century.