When I was in Padova last time I went in search of the tomb of Antenore, the supposed founder of Padova, or Patavium as it was called then. Antenore was a Trojan prince mentioned in Homer’s Iliad.
The stone sarcophagus was built in 1274 by the citizens of Padova to honour their founder, and it remains in its original position, in what is now called Piazza Antenore.
The city has grown around it.
Opposite the tomb is the 15th century Palazzo Sala with its beautiful facade.
Beside it is the gothic Palazzo Romanin Jacur, where Dante Alighieri was said to have stayed to escape arrest after he was charged with political corruption and banished from Florence . There is a plaque in his honour on the facade of the building.
While I was admiring the tomb and the old buildings, a DHL delivery truck turned up. A matching bicycle appeared to ferry the deliveries to an address down a tiny alley.
I really love the way Italians adapt their modern lives to the ancient streets…much better than demolishing buildings to widen streets…just build smaller vehicles.
Loved Padova – merits a return visit
By: Liz Litzow on January 12, 2016
at 12:05 pm
Padova is a great place to visit. I will be back.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 12, 2016
at 9:25 pm
What an ingenious tricycle! Love it!
By: Mulino Dominillo on January 12, 2016
at 12:25 pm
I was very impressed.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 12, 2016
at 9:26 pm
I love the cute delivery bicycle! It does add a comical touch to the practicalities of life commuting throughout lovely old cities. Another comical touch are the little electric buses careening in and out of the narrow streets of Florence. I had such fun riding in those ingenious modes of transport. The Italians I met in those buses were so friendly and helpful. There are many reasons why I LOVE Italy!
By: Sandra Hoopmann on January 12, 2016
at 1:12 pm
There is much to love about Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 12, 2016
at 9:26 pm
Wow, top marks to the City planners – such beautiful and old structures deserve respect.
By: Jan on January 12, 2016
at 9:48 pm
It is great that old and new live together so well.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 13, 2016
at 10:49 am
The DHL pic reminded me of see a small speedboat for DHL in Venice. As always, thanks for showing me another treasure.
By: aFrankAngle on January 13, 2016
at 12:32 pm
I have seen the DHL boats in Venice. Deliveries in Venice take some diligence.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 13, 2016
at 9:44 pm
The streets are so narrow and that’s a clever way to do it! Could you imagine if they tore the buildings down. That would be a tragedy.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on January 14, 2016
at 1:38 am
…much better to make smaller cars.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 19, 2016
at 9:41 am
Debra, I enjoy your beautiful little articles from all over Europe, and Italy of course. My grandfather was from Bagni di Lucca. Today, I visit my family that remains in this beautiful little city every year.
By: noragaribotti2014 on January 19, 2016
at 6:22 am
Thank you for your kind comments. My other blog, Bella Bagni di Lucca concentrates more on our lovely collection of villages. I hope I meet you in Bagni di Lucca one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 19, 2016
at 9:42 am
I hope to meet you too Debra!
By: noragaribotti2014 on January 24, 2016
at 4:02 am
[…] via Antenore, Dante and DHL — Bagni di Lucca and Beyond […]
By: GOOD LUCK on February 5, 2017
at 7:26 am