In the first three parts of this series we covered the family’s great creative and innovative spirit in applying itself to shipbuilding. We also learned that this trade was a mainstay that passed from father to son in the early twentieth century.

This family story was documented by scholar Sergio Piva in “I Paulus – Polo – Poli,” a volume published in 2012 by Nuova Scintilla and available at the Hotel Boutique.

THE HISTORIC HERITAGE OF THE POLI FAMILY

The Poli’s family connection to shipbuilding can be traced back to Nicoleto Poli’s activity in 14th century Chioggia. The trade passed down through family generations until the craft was discontinued in Capodistria, Slovenia in 1918. Given that the Polis now live Abano Terme, it is clear this family has been a stable presence between the two shores of the Adriatic for nearly 600 years. Moreover, the family offers a rare testimony to longevity in the world of ancient naval art. In the Istrian city alone, the Polis built 80 registered canals over 90 years of operations. For this reason, the Poli family of Abano Terme is considered by contemporary historians to be the heir to the longest-running naval industry in the Upper Adriatic.

THE END OF THE EXPERIENCE IN CAPODISTRIA AND THE MOVE TO PADUA

First the salt pans and then the shipyard were the work camps of the Poli family until the end of the First World War. Luigi Salvatore Poli and his sons Francesco Nino and Pio stayed in Capodistria for several years to attend the famous Carlo Combi school.  They then moved with their mother Diana Chiara Gambrini to the city of Padua to study medicine and begin a new journey.

Once in Padua, the Poli family followed the medical-surgical career path of great-great-grandfather Alberto Pattay: Francesco Nino Poli graduated from Alberto’s university in 1927. Francesco’s sons Glauco and Laerte followed in their father’s footsteps, graduating from his university in 1969 and 1970 respectively. However, the family never forgot its deep and atavistic bond with water, an element that, more than any other, has marked its history.

WALTER POLI AND THE BOND WITH WATER

Dr. Walter Poli, owner and General Manager of the Hotel Tritone in Abano Terme, has the same passion as his forefathers: dedicating himself to the thermal hotel business, he combines the beneficial functions of water with those of medicine. However, the family has such a strong passion for water that Walter Poli took to Formula 18 catamaran competitions, ranking at the top of the Italian league and receiving numerous awards.

The history of the Poli family and its bond with water is thus complete. In the coming months we will interview General Manager Walter Poli and ask him to tell us the Hotel Tritone story in his own words.

To learn about the Poli Family and its activities at Hotel Tritone, you can write to us or call (+39) 049 8668099.