Padua & Lake Como, Italy, November 2011

Padua (Padova), Northern Italy

1st November 2011

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (Basilica Pontificia di Sant’Antonio di Padova). It’s known locally as “Il Santo”. Construction began circa 1232 and was completed 1401. It consists of several architectural styles with many additions being added throughout the centuries. The church’s interior contains numerous funerary monuments. It’s worth visiting on 1st November, ‘All Saints day’, a National holiday in Italy.

Outside the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.Outside the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Gattamelata statue by Donatello, Piazza del Santo, Padua.Gattamelata statue by Donatello, Piazza del Santo, Padua.

Prato della Valle, PaduaPrato della Valle is a 90,000 square metre (968,751 square feet) elliptical square in Padua. It’s the largest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. Today it contains a green island at the centre, l’Isola Mennia, surrounded by a small canal, bordered by two rings, containing 78 enormous statues. The canal is traversed by four stone foot bridges. The monumental square was a project conceived in 1775 by Andrea Memmo, the Patrician Venetian, known as the provider of Padova.

Canal on the edge of Prato della Valle.Canal on the edge of Prato della Valle.

Bridge over the canal. Prato della Valle, Padua.Bridge over the canal.

Outside the Benedictine Abbey and adjacent Basilica of Santa Giustina.Outside the Benedictine Abbey and adjacent Basilica of Santa Giustina. They face the Prato della Valle in Padua. The abbey was founded in the 6th century, its present shape derives from its construction in the 17th century. The basilica church with its profusion of Byzantine style domes is known for its diverse relics.

Tony and Tatiana outside the Basilica of Santa Giustina.Tony and Tatiana outside the Basilica of Santa Giustina.

The Basilica of Santa Giustina.The Basilica of Santa Giustina.

Inside the Basilica of Santa Giustina.Inside the Basilica of Santa Giustina.

Inside the Basilica of Santa Giustina.Inside the Basilica of Santa Giustina.

Looking towards the domes of Santa Giustina basilica.Looking towards the domes of Santa Giustina basilica.

Lake Como, Italy

2nd November 2011

Photos of Lake Como, taken at the small city of Como. Lake Como (Lago di Como) is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is Italy’s third largest lake.

Tony and Tatiana by Lake ComoTony and Tatiana by Lake Como.

Lake ComoLake Como.

Como CathedralComo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta Duomo di Como). The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the city of Como and seat of the Bishop of Como. Built 1396-1770.