Welcome, dear visitor. Now that you are here, in front of my tombstone, memories of my existence emerge from the past and come to life in this instant, through my voice. I am Giacomo Levi Civita, born into a wealthy family of Jewish origin, destined to play my part in the constant and inexorable course of history. Even as a child I could feel the weight of the world around me, the echoes of the past echoing through the streets of Padua... my Padua, which I would take care of, loving it with all my being, protecting it and accompanying it into the future.
Even as a young boy I could not stand the Austrian domination that gripped our land. The memory of the student revolts of 1848 haunted my dreams, igniting a fire within me. Determined to free myself from the chains of oppression, my family sent me to Piedmont in the Kingdom of Sardinia to pursue my studies. There, amidst still landscapes and new horizons, I found my voice amid whispers of revolution.
After graduating in Law at the prestigious University of Pavia, I found myself embarking on another extraordinary journey. In 1862, the call for liberation resounded throughout the country, echoing through streets and alleys, valleys and mountains, hills and cities, until it reached the deepest corners of the country... and of my soul. Garibaldi, a figure of indomitable spirit, invoked the hearts of brave men to join him on the Aspromonte day aimed at the liberation of Rome.
As fate would have it, I became a volunteer for Garibaldi during the Trentino campaign of 1866. Without hesitation, I left everything determined to follow in his footsteps, proud of my role as a soldier of change. It was there, in the chaos of battle, that I discovered the true measure of my courage.
Incorporated into the Second Regiment of Italian Volunteers, I found myself serving as quartermaster in Captain Bartolomeo Bezzi Castellini's Third Company. Together, we fought valiantly to liberate Valvestino and Magasa, our spirits inflamed by the hope of a better future. Our actions attracted the attention of Major Luigi Castellazzo, who applauded our courage, earning me an honourable mention for valour on that fateful day of 21 July 1866.
But I was not the only Levi Civita to sow the seeds of heroism. At my side fought my brother Anselmo, equally devoted to the cause. His actions in the battle of Pieve di Ledro on 18 July were also recognised, as he too was awarded a silver medal for military valour. The name Levi Civita resounded with pride and sacrifice.
Returning to the embrace of Padua after the liberation of Veneto in October 1866, I embarked on a new chapter of my life. It was here, among the familiar streets that witnessed my growth, that I began my professional career. The fields of civil and commercial law became my domain and soon my reputation spread like wildfire. In the legal field I carved out a place for myself, gaining widespread admiration and respect.
But I was more than just a lawman. Deeply attached to the soul of Padua, I sought to protect and preserve its sacred treasures. And so, it was thanks to my commitment that the Scrovegni Chapel, adorned with evocative frescoes by Giotto himself, found safe harbour under the watchful eye of the City of Padua.
As word spread of the Foscari family's intention to sell Giotto's priceless frescoes to a foreign company, turmoil and concern filled the air. The municipality, desperate to avoid such a tragedy, undertook a seemingly endless series of attempts to expropriate the artwork. However, despite their best efforts, none were successful.
It was during this tumultuous period that I, as a young lawyer, became the harbinger of an ingenious solution, an 'expedient' as I liked to call it. My aim was clear: to prevent the transfer of such cultural treasures into private hands. To achieve this goal, a dense collection of documents and testimonies became my arsenal to establish beyond any doubt that the Chapel, from its inception, was not meant to be subject to the whims of private interests but to be destined for public use.
This victory marked one of the crowning achievements of my illustrious career. And indeed, my efforts extended far beyond the legal sphere. As a senator of the Kingdom of Italy, my influence encompassed several areas of society.
It was a fitting tribute to the artistic heritage that graced our land, a testament to the power of beauty amidst the chaos of this world.
My love for Padua did not stop there, as I became a municipal councillor in 1877 and eventually served as mayor from 1904 to 1910, working to implement create prosperity and spread ideals of freedom and equality that extended beyond all differences, including those considered sacred because inspired by faith. I fought wholeheartedly for secularism in schools and to promote women's education. Because knowledge, as much as the air and the city streets, had to belong to everyone. Without any distinction. The pulse of Padua beat within me and I worked tirelessly to promote its prosperity and embrace it. its rich history.
In 1908 I was bestowed a great honour, which touched the depths of my being. On 3 June, I was appointed Senator of the Kingdom of Italy. In the hallowed halls of power, I fought for justice and equality, my voice resounding with passion and determination.
The world was on the brink of great change and I found myself swept up in its tumultuous embrace. As World War I loomed on the horizon, I became convinced that our nation had a duty to join the fight for a better future. My determination never wavered and I continued to lend my voice to the cause, knowing that our sacrifices would not be in vain.
Time passed quickly and as the years went by, the world changed as it always had. But my legacy remained, imprinted in the very fabric of Padua. A bust, a masterful creation of the hands of the talented Augusto Sanavio, now resides in Padua's Council Chamber. It is a profound reminder of the path I once trod, a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to dream.
And within my lineage, greatness has continued to flourish. My beloved son, Tullio Levi Civita, emerged as a luminary in the realms of mathematics and physics, his genius reaching far beyond our humble homeland. His name became synonymous with genius, his contributions carried the weight of the stars. And my nephew, Alessandro Levi, a noble soul born from the loins of my sister Irene, grew to become a figure of immense courage and strength. He fought valiantly against the oppressive grip of fascism, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our nation.
As I reflect on the countless number of events, choices and circumstances that have shaped my life over the years, an overwhelming sense of gratitude pervades my heart. Gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped me, for the battles I have fought, and for the love that has guided my every step, including my last, on 30 March 1922.
I am Giacomo Levi Civita, a man who embraced the spirit of change, upholding the values of justice and freedom until my last breath. And in the realm of memory, my story will forever dance on the lips of those who speak my name.