Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca

Archive | Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca RSS feed for this section

Cortona Medieval Marriage and Joust

Our last weekend in Cortona was filled with traditional Medieval customs, celebrated annually by the locals.

Saturday evening, the town reenacted the 1397 marriage of Francesco Casali, Lord of Cortona, to Antonia Salimbeni, a noble woman of Siena, complete with flag-throwers, musicians, and a drawing for the shooting order for Sunday’s crossbow competition.

But let’s step back for a moment. Our great friend, Ivan, (Il Pozzo Galleria) has acted in the role of Francesco for as long as anyone can remember, along with his daughter, Marta, who annually serves as the lovely Antonia. We stopped in to see Ivan midday and were fortunate enough to experience not only the intricate detail of their costumes but also the weight.

©blogginginitaly.com

And then this… gym shoes and all!

©blogginginitaly.com

It’s hard to describe the beautiful detail, complexity and weight of these costumes, and true to form, the evening would be the hottest of the year! I was sweating just thinking about it. But on to the evening…

Drum roll, please!

©blogginginitaly.com

This year, the bride-to-be arrived in a chianina drawn carriage, much to the delight of the patrons.

©blogginginitaly.com

After being helped out of her coach by her lord in waiting,

©blogginginitaly.com

she was introduced to the appreciative crowds.

©blogginginitaly.com

As is customary for all important Cortona events, traditional flag throwers accompanied the ceremony.

©blogginginitaly.com

Before the final entertainment began, the lights unexpectedly went out, ©blogginginitaly.com

but as if on cue, in came the flame throwers, so it was a perfect ending to a wonderfully entertaining evening.

©blogginginitaly.com

As the people dispersed, we bumped into a very hot, tired, but always happy to greet people with a smile, Ivan.

©blogginginitaly.com

Sunday was another hot day, both weather and competition wise for the Archidado. Peccioverardi won after 4 playoffs, 24-23 over S. Andrea.

©blogginginitaly.com

Afterward, they paraded around town for their well-fought victory march, carrying the near bulls-eye arrow.

©blogginginitaly.com

One final thought about the weekend…

Each year, Ivan tells us it’s his last, yet for those of us who know him, it’s hard to imagine that anyone else could fill his shoes!

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,
Judy

Tags: 2019 Cortona Giostra dell'Archidado

Comments 12 Comments
Categories Cortona, Cortona weddings, Italian Festival, Italian History, Italy, Medieval, My Blog about Italy, Pageantry, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Medieval Market Cortona

4 Jun

June arrived in Cortona and brought along not only warm sunny weather but also the first of several annual summer festivals. Last weekend was the Medieval Market filled with games, costumes, food, shops and entertainment. Here’a a sampling…

©blogginginitaly.com

And of course, great sunsets,

©blogginginitaly.com

and great friends!

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,
Judy

Tags: Medieval Market Cortona

Comments 10 Comments
Categories Cortona, Cortona Market, Food shopping in Cortona, Italian Festival, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italy, Market Day, Medieval, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Easter Weekend In Cortona

22 Apr

Throughout Italy, Easter week is filled with religious and cultural traditions. Each town has its long-held ceremonies, and Cortona is no exception. Children who held their grandparents’ hands as they were first introduced to the Good Friday procession now carry those same heavy and beautifully crafted statues through the streets of town as their own children watch in awe.

©blogginginitaly.com

The solemnity of Friday evening fades Saturday morning as people gather along the streets and in the markets to shop for their Easter meal. Friends are greeted with Buona Pasqua and the double cheek kiss as they exchange pleasantries and best wishes while shopping.

One dessert staple is the Colomba di Pasqua, a traditional Italian Easter cake, which comes in various sizes and a few flavors, but is always shaped like a dove.

©blogginginitaly.com

On Easter Sunday, although most cook and eat at home with family, there are also many restaurants offering multi-course traditional meals.

And then comes La Pasquetta, Easter Monday, or Little Easter. This is a national holiday when families pack up Easter leftovers, head to parks or beaches for picnics, or stroll around towns like Cortona. And stroll they do. I always need to remind myself to slow down on these days.

©blogginginitaly.com

La Pasquetta is a time for relaxation, and a midday Aperol Spritz seems to be the colorful beverage of choice for many.

©blogginginitaly.com

Amid the crowds and festivities, we always manage to find time for quiet walks, alone or with friends, taking in some views that newly trimmed trees now offer,

©blogginginitaly.com

as well as the magnificent signs of spring.

©blogginginitaly.com

And then, of course, there are the sunsets, with or without aperitivo, no description needed.

©blogginginitaly.com

Happy Easter, Passover, and Spring!

Ciao
Judy

Comments 16 Comments
Categories Cortona, Italian Festival, Italian History, My Blog about Italy, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Re-entry!

11 Apr

We returned to Cortona over two weeks ago, and we’ve been busy. While sometimes it seems as though we have the town to ourselves,

©blogginginitaly.com

the weekends remind us that Cortona is a “happening” place.

©blogginginitaly.com

Occasionally, however, there are “happenings” we’d rather avoid.

©blogginginitaly.com

We managed to get “fined” on a 10 minute bus ride from Camucia to Cortona. Longer story shortened, our to-and-from rides were all on one ticket, which we validated each way. However, we didn’t realize, or frankly just forgot, that we had to validate the single ticket twice each way, and consequently, we were fined by the very occasional inspectors who boarded our bus one stop from Piazza Garibaldi, our final destination. Yes, we paid for both of us, and yes, we thought we had correctly validated the ticket, but none of that mattered. Word to the wise: validate, validate, validate, or pay 60 euros!!!

But as always, our days and nights are filled with great friends and great food, some shown here.

©blogginginitaly.com

During our second week, we spent several days in Lucca. Although it rained each day, we were able to walk the wall, do some sight seeing, visit with a friend, and find some great restaurants.

©blogginginitaly.com

On the way back, we stopped in Firenze as we had been invited to visit the Carabinieri Training School. Len just couldn’t resist.

©blogginginitaly.com

A few days ago, we drove with friends to a medieval town in Umbria called Narni. There are hundreds of towns like this in Italy, each with its own history and legends, and usually an interesting fact for which they are known. For Narni, it is being very close to the geographic center of Italy.

©blogginginitaly.com

©blogginginitaly.com

On Monday of this week, we picked up our car, this time a Fiat Panda.

©blogginginitaly.com

The weather has not been great, but mostly I feel like her… I’m here and I’m happy!

©blogginginitaly.com

And today, before the rains fell, we drove through the Tuscan countryside, as if driving through a painting, and witnessed, once again, the stunning landscape and the ever-spectacular views that always bring a smile to my face.

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,
Judy

Comments 22 Comments
Categories Cortona, Italian Cooking with Friends, Italian countryside, Italian Food, Italian History, Italy, Medieval, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany, Umbria

Mille Miglia Cortona 2018

17 May

Cortona was ready…the Mille Miglia was passing through the town for the first time ever and the spectators eagerly awaited their arrival. Although the main viewing area was Piazza Repubblica, where each car was announced as it arrived,

©blogginginitaly.com

each car first had to pass through the adjacent Piazza Signorelli, my first vantage point. I was in place as the first car arrived in this three-day Italy event from Brescia – Roma – Brescia.

©blogginginitaly.com

Other cars soon followed. Given that I took nearly 200 photos today, I leaned on Len to help choose a good sampling.

©blogginginitaly.com

As the cars passed from one piazza to the next, the delighted crowds cheered and waved flags. I love that some drivers seemed as taken with Cortona as the spectators were with them (see driver in the red sweater!).

©blogginginitaly.com

And then the parade continued, sometimes in single file

©blogginginitaly.com

and sometimes in clusters.

©blogginginitaly.com

Stopping isn’t as easy as one might think – these cars have mechanical, not power brakes.

©blogginginitaly.com

An exception, of course, is this Ferrari pace car which Len said was too beautiful to leave out. Ok, ok.

©blogginginitaly.com

I decided to head toward the area where the cars were entering Cortona. On the way, I passed this vintage car on Via Dardano.

©blogginginitaly.com

Entering Porta Colonia is a rather tight turn, and I was interested in seeing how the drivers were maneuvering. This driver made it look pretty easy as these cars also have no power steering.

©blogginginitaly.com

However, when I passed through Porta Colonia to Piazza Mazzini, I discovered the answer. The usual parking lot had been turned into a wide turning radius, greatly minimizing not only the tight turn but also the chance for scratches and scrapes.

©blogginginitaly.com

And then the cars kept coming and coming and coming. Whatever the final count, the original estimate was around 600 – with such an impressive array of makes, styles, colors, and sizes.

©blogginginitaly.com

Not quite sure I could spend three days/1000 miles in this!

©blogginginitaly.com

Kudos to Cortona for making its debut in the 2018 Mille Miglia circuit and for a job well done!

Arrivederci, Mille Miglia, hopefully we meet again.

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,
Judy

Tags: 2018 Mille Miglia Cortona

Comments 23 Comments
Categories Cortona, Italian Festival, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Cortona: Expect the Unexpected

31 Aug

Teatro Signorelli, built in 1854, is an imposing and beautiful theatre gracing the upper part of Piazza Signorelli. Over the years, it has been home to many cultural and theatrical events. Today, in addition to these events, one can see a movie or attend a conference.

©blogginginitaly.com

The Teatro’s grand portico also serves several functions, from a place for coffee, lunch or dinner to hosting a wedding reception. Last night it was host to us, a large gathering of friends coming together for dinner. And while the group size was a bit larger than normal last night, these gatherings are a familiar and wonderful way of life in Cortona.

©blogginginitaly.com

And while we expected the evening would invariably be fun, little did we know there would be a DJ in the piazza. As we sat for dinner, the DJ began with some Italian classical music, including Andrea Bocelli singing Nessus Dorma.

©blogginginitaly.com

After our first course, however, the tempo changed to disco and we were out of our seats dancing to such classics as I Will Survive, sung by Gloria Gaynor.

©blogginginitaly.com

After our second course, many in our group formed a human chain and invaded the piazza below to join others near the DJ.

©blogginginitaly.com

Even the canines were enjoying the entertainment.

©blogginginitaly.com

My favorite moment of the evening was our rendition of Village People’s Y.M.C.A. Every local Italian I know is familiar with the arm moves – Y-M-C-A– and we didn’t miss a beat. Unfortunately, I was too involved myself to get a photo – che pecato!

I did, however, manage to get a great group photo.

©blogginginitaly.com

Thanks to our “organizers” and Caffe del Teatro Signorelli for such a fun and memorable evening filled with good friends, good food, and some unexpected and much appreciated good music!

Ciao,
Judy

Tags: Caffe del Teatro Signorelli

Comments 12 Comments
Categories Cortona, Cortona Restaurant, Italian Hospitality, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Piazza Life, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

S. Margherita Festival Cortona

21 May

This weekend, the people of Cortona celebrated the feast of S. Margherita, Cortona’s patron saint, and kicked off the two weeks of the Medieval Giostra dell’Archidado.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Events began Friday night with the Colata dei ceri, or the casting of the candles, a religious practice that dates back to 1325. At the time, wax was collected and used by churches for candle making and also sold as a source of income.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Locals dressed in traditional costumes of the time and processed into Piazza Repubblica accompanied by drummers and flag bearers.

©Blogginginitaly.com

S. Margherita was eventually led into the piazza

©Blogginginitaly.com

and a few events from her life were reenacted.

©Blogginginitaly.com

If you look closely in the pink part of the photo, you will see a headsman or executioner. After Margherita was willing to sacrifice her life in place a convicted criminal, her followers cried out, “She is a saint!” and the criminal’s life was spared.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Saturday was the Offerta dei ceri or the offering of the candles. Large candles were carried into the piazza and blessed by the bishop.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Each quartiere or neighborhood of Cortona was represented in a procession that portrayed nobility, religious and workers of the time.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Following the blessings, the flag bearers delighted the crowds with their skills.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Then the candles were taken to the Basilica of Santa Margherita.

©Blogginginitaly.com

On Sunday morning, several masses were held at the Basilica. We walked up Via Santa Croce…

©Blogginginitaly.com

where beautiful mosaics of the stations of the cross are built into the wall.

©Blogginginitaly.com

S. Margherita died in 1297 in a room behind the old church where she had lived the last years of her life. Over the years, the beautiful Basilica of Santa Margherita was rebuilt in her honor.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Her body is preserved in a silver casket on the altar. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII on 16 May 1728.

©Blogginginitaly.com

On my way out of the Basilica, I turned once again to admire its beauty, said one more quick prayer, and as I headed toward the door, a gust of wind blew it open. Really.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Such a wonderful weekend and such an interesting way to understand and celebrate this important part of Cortona’s history.

Ciao,
Judy

Tags: Santa Margherita Cortona

Comments 20 Comments
Categories Cortona, Italian Festival, Italian History, Italy, Medieval, My Blog about Italy, Pageantry, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Pasqua and Pasquetta

17 Apr

Yesterday throughout Italy, families and friends gathered after mass for warm hugs, long Easter lunches and lively conversation. Intermittent rain showers didn’t dampen any spirits, although we were happy we ate inside.

We joined some friends at their beautiful home just past Pergo, a short ride from Cortona. We’ve been before, but it is always a pleasure to return as the setting is incredible.

Len, of course, needed to check out the 1975 Fiat 500 parked in the drive.

The house, built in the late 1700’s, was originally a farm-house, but is now a beautifully restored/renovated home with guest house, covered pool, garage and incredible 360° views, (and it is on the market as grandchildren live too far away!)*

We began on the terrace with a Prosecco toast.

Then lunch was served in the dining room.

Unfortunately, I missed taking photos of the delicious chicken with gorgonzola lunch, but desserts included a traditional Easter colombo – a dove shaped cake…

as well as fresh strawberries and cream on sponge cake.

After a few attempts, we even managed to take a timed selfie.

Afterward, some of us took a leisurely stroll around the property, admiring the views…

while others retired to the terrace.

Many thanks to our gracious hosts, shown in a photo I took of them on our last visit.

Pasqua and Pasquetta, Easter and Easter Monday, two holidays in Italy, the first religious, the second not. Once again today, Cortona was packed with people. In fact, both yesterday and today, there were traffic jams.

But today, Pasquetta, is a day set aside for relaxation. All the solemnity and preparation of Easter are over, and it is a day to relax, except, of course, for restaurants and retail shops who serve the masses of people enjoying a day off.

Strolling is the norm, so strolling we did. The park was filled with people,

taking in the views.

Others were enjoying entertainment in the piazzas, including the Old Florence Dixie Band,

and just appreciating the beautiful day.

Between the park and the piazza, we found an empty park bench and literally put our feet up as we took in the view.

Late afternoon, we headed home for a brief riposo (rest) before meeting friends for dinner.

And that’s what one does in Cortona for Pasqua and Pasquetta, a perfectly lovely few days.

Ciao,
Judy

*Note: Many have asked me what the inside of an Italian house looks like. If interested, you can see more photos via the listing link below.

http://www.abodeitaly.com/property/68c/tuscany/casa-giordano-piazzano/arezzo/farmhouses-and-count/4-bedrooms

Comments 20 Comments
Categories Cortona, Food, Italian Cooking with Friends, Italian countryside, Italian Festival, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Piazza Life, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Renting in Cortona, Tuscan hill views, Tuscany

Easter in Cortona

15 Apr

In cities and towns all over Italy, religious processions are held during Easter week. Many churches have large statues and crosses that are carried on the shoulders of locals in Holy Week processions through city streets.

Last night, Good Friday, Cortona held its annual Procession of the Stations of the Cross. Signs in English were all over town to remind visitors that this is a solemn event.

The procession began at 9 PM at the Church of Spirito Santo, a 17th-century church built just outside the medieval walls of Cortona. For those of you familiar with Cortona, picture the church beyond the bottom of steep Via Guelfa and out the wall’s entrance. Noting this is important because the route the procession takes is pretty amazing…either steeply uphill or down, and very rarely flat. (*See below for more of route.)

We waited for the procession at the Church of Saint Francis with others who had lined the steps.

The Stations of the Cross were being read over a loud-speaker as the procession moved through parts of town.

Local children were as involved as their parents.

A group of strong women carried the statue of the Blessed Mother.

After reaching its highest point, the procession came down Via S. Margherita toward Via Nazionale.

The final destination was Piazza Republicca, where the statues were placed on platforms.

At about 10:30 PM, religious dignitaries gathered at the top of the Municipio and a local bishop led all in prayer before the choir sang.

A year ago, Len and I were in Trapani, Sicily, for their incredible Misteri di Trapani, a 24 hour procession. It was large and dramatic, with musicians and choirs accompanying each heavy statue carried on the shoulders of dozens of men. But Trapani is flat, and Cortona is anything but. So, while Cortona’s procession was smaller, with less music and drama, it was nonetheless incredible to see the procession maneuver through the ancient town. Whether elaborate or small, dramatic or simple, it is each town’s commitment to carrying out tradition that matters.

Today, Saturday, Cortona is bustling with people, here to participate in the Easter weekend. I’m told there is a midnight mass tonight at the Duomo, and masses at various times and churches tomorrow.

The smells of special Easter breads and pastries fill the spring air, and tomorrow most Italians will gather around large lunches with their families and friends to celebrate Easter, as will we.

In Italy, the Monday after Easter is also a holiday called Pasquetta. Though not a religious holiday, Pasquetta is another day for family and friends to gather and also spend some relaxing time outdoors. It was introduced by the government after World War II.

Wherever your plans may take you, a gathering big or small,
I wish you a very Happy Easter – Buona Pasqua to all!

Ciao,
Judy

*Note: for those wanting more on the route, I believe it was up Via Guelfa, connecting to Via Ghini, up the very steep Via Maffei to San Francesco Church, on past the old hospital to Via S. Margherita, down through Piazza Garibaldi to Via Nazionale and finally ending in Piazza Republicca.

Tags: Buona Pasqua, Easter in Cortona

Comments 13 Comments
Categories Cortona, Italian History, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Pageantry, Piazza Life, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Medieval Jousters on Horses in Cortona

22 Oct

For days, we had heard that the horses were coming, yet no one I spoke with knew why. Today, as with many days in Cortona, we were surprised and delighted with a colorful Medieval spectacle.

As overheard in the piazza, the nearby city of Arezzo has been highly victorious in jousting competitions this year. They came to Cortona today, dressed in their finest and with their victors high on horseback, to give thanks to their patron saint, Margherita. One of the participants told me this was a festival of adoration to their patron saint in appreciation for their success this year.

From our house, I heard the drummers and arrived just in time to see them enter the piazza from Via Roma.

A few minutes later, the horses and jousters appeared in full matching Medieval regalia.

Once the horses took their places,

the flag wavers entered and all watched as they performed.

In Italy, flag waving and throwing is a skill learned by the young and perfected over many years. It is an important part of many of the Medieval festivals and ceremonies, and one that requires years of practice.

When the performance was finished, they joined the dignitaries on the grand steps of the Municipio for the speeches of gratitude.

Following the ceremony in the piazza, the parade moved down Via Nazionale, the main and only flat street of Cortona.

Their ultimate destination was the beautiful Santa Margherita Church at the top of Cortona –

where the saint lies in glass at the foot of the altar.

In towns and cities all over Italy, ancient customs live on in the hearts, minds and practices of the people who received them from their ancestors and pass them on to future generations. It’s easy to get caught up in the pageantry and imagine days gone by. No matter how often I see one of these, it’s always quite a spectacle to behold.

Ciao,
Judy

Note: Click on any picture to enlarge.

Tags: Arezzo, Flag Bearers, Medieval Festival, Medieval Jousters, Medieval Pageantry

Comments 12 Comments
Categories Cortona, Italian Festival, Italian History, Italy, Medieval, My Blog about Italy, Pageantry, Piazza Life, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

← Older Entries

Search

Blogging In Italy

Cortona Medieval Marriage and Joust

Medieval Market Cortona

Easter Weekend In Cortona

Re-entry!

Mille Miglia Cortona 2018

Cortona: Expect the Unexpected

S. Margherita Festival Cortona

Pasqua and Pasquetta

Easter in Cortona

Medieval Jousters on Horses in Cortona

Follow this Blog via Email

Blog Stats

Calendar

Categories

Blogging In Italy

Past Posts

© Blogginginitaly.com, 2011-2022

Blogroll

Search

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Follow this Blog via Email

Blog Stats

Calendar

Categories

Past Posts

© Blogginginitaly.com, 2011-2022

Blogroll