Chapter 3: Day Trip to Padua (Part 2: Santa Sofia & The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua)

The previous Chapter 3, Part 1 bloggie entry ended not in Marpigz style, which is rather an abrupt end. No matter, letz continue with Part 2 of the day trip to Padua

Having walked through the alleys, wat greeted Marpig was the 1st attraction, Santa Sofia
Itz said tt Paduaz most ancient church is Santa Sofia. Crypt building begun in late 10th century. The design see Romanesque-Gothic interior and Byzantine elements. The apse (see pictures below) was built in the 12th century. Due to the soft terrain, the edifice appears to be tilting slightly.
Marpig and fren wanted to go in to have a gd look at the interiors but...have no idea wat the above said since itz all in Italian... but one th is for sure...Itz NOT OPEN!! :SPic above is Santa Sofia in the olden daes. Marpig kop the pic from Wiki :PNext up (& shown above) is the Cathedral of Padua. The Baptistery is on the right. Wat is a Baptistery? Marpig noe little... itz smth like a separate chapel. A place where Xtains get baptised? Anyw, it was just a very brief visit, dont think Marpig went in...

The next attraction, which is the sole reason why Marpig wanted to go to Padua, is the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua aka Sant' Antonio da Padova or known as Il Santo locallyMarpig spoke bout St. Anthony in one of her previous bloggie entries where the St. is invoked when smth is lost... anyw, this is the place where the St.'s bones are buried. Built in 1235 and fin in 1301, there is no absolute architectural style. Pple from all over the world made pilgrimages to the Basilica, so did Marpig

No particular reason why Marpig wanted to go there, maybe as with many pple, pursuing smth tough yet achievable gives Marpig drive & suit Marpigz wandering personality. For e.g., going to UNESCO places is also smth which Marpig am doing, ylwols. Much like ticking off a list of to-go places!! One must at least have an objective while travelling!!

Anyw, there is a show on the history and life of the St. which was really interesting!! It also xplores the many diff portrayal of the St. in diff statues, context, etc:Marpig did not get anyth although she bought 2 small cards with the prayer of St. Anthony on the back and a pepper-sized relic (a bit o the cloth which was in contact with the St.'s tongue) for Marpigz sis and Marpig

Note tt relics have many "tiers". There are relics which are those of Saints, for instance, the Saints' bodies, bones, etc. Next are relics which the Saints worn or used finally, therez relics which came into contact of the Saints, which are those on the cards Marpig bought

In fact, whilst in the Basilica, one is not permitted to take any pics but being Marpig, she sneakily took 1 quickly!!As with many places Marpig visited in Europe, all the statues, carvings on buildings, etc are so detailed and complex tt it would take ages for sm1 like Marpig to fully satisfy her awe and interest :P But time is never enough so Marpig got to get a move on!! Outside, Marpig saw...
a love triangle btw Mr and Ms Pigeon!! :P In addition, Marpig was "captivated" for a gd few minutes just looking at the little gal and her grandpa feeding the pigeons in front of the Basilica
Once again, an image which contrasts btw age and youth, old and new, love, adoration, etc... Tsk. Marpig must stop thinking too much over simple ths in life!!