Greetings from Italy -- Villa Communale
Author: Carolyn Peace
Greetings from Italy -- Villa Communale
Carolyn Peace
The Villa (city park) is situated along the Adriatic Sea. At the entrance is a marker placed by the Rotary Club of Trani. It reminds us of our own Townsend Rotary Club.
As you walk into the park, you cannot believe all of the flowers planted to mark the season. Today they are red and white and there are over 250 plants. Continuing on, you will face a large statue commemorating Italy's Liberation at the end of WWII.
Walking along the ancient wall you will find at one end a large aviary with a wide variety of birds, a turtle pond and a view of the lungomare (coastal walkway).
Midway, back towards the other end of the park, you will find mile markers that were once along the Appian Way (the ancient road that ran from Rome to Brindisi).
Continuing on to the other end of the park, you will find an exercise area, a play area for children and a paved walkway going up a hill. If you walk up the hill, you will see the Cathedral, the port entrance and the Bay of Trani.
In the center of the park there is a stage where various performances occur. Each Sunday during December and the first of January, the nearby towns will take a Sunday and send their city band to perform a free concert. This event is referred to as "the battle of the bands." We have seen several art and cultural events on the stage, all of which have been provided free of charge.
When I next write, I will tell you about Trani dressing up for Christmas. Buonganta (have a good rest of your day)!
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Don Peace
Image 1 Caption: Rotary Sign at the entrance to Villa Communal
Photo Credit: Don Peace
Image 2 Caption: "Mile Marker" on the Appian way of ancient Rome
Photo Credit: Don Peace
Image 3 Caption: Statue in the Villa Communal
Photo Credit: Don Peace
