Tomb of Anthenor, Medieval monument in Piazza Antenore, Padua, Italy
The Tomb of Antenor is centered in Padua within a protective tabernacle structure that elevates an ancient marble sarcophagus above ground level. The raised stone coffin serves as the focal point of the Piazza Antenore.
Workers unearthed the sarcophagus in 1274 during orphanage construction, and scholar Lovato dei Lovati identified it as belonging to Antenor. This identification permanently linked ancient mythology to Padua's sense of self.
The monument honors Antenor, a Trojan prince whose name is deeply tied to Padua's founding story. Visitors can sense here how the city's identity is rooted in this mythological connection.
The monument sits beside Palazzo Bo and is straightforward to reach on foot while exploring Padua's historic center. The piazza remains open and accessible at any time for visitors to view the structure.
Bone fragments found inside the sarcophagus during 1995 renovations were scientifically dated to the third or fourth centuries CE. This discovery creates an intriguing puzzle, since the remains are far more recent than the legendary ancient figure they supposedly belong to.
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