All throughout Italian culture the
idea of a Piazza has been utilized. One can see them almost after every corner
in a seamlessly random orientation. They are essentially small, beautiful
squares with an occasional fountain or two situated towards the periphery or
towards the center. Some can be very congested with people, while others look
like a pestilence has befallen the area. It is a place to laugh, converse,
gossip, flirt, scream, traverse, and fall in love with. The Piazza is simply a
wonderful place.
One may ask what the particular
significance of a Piazza is. What is so special about it? Why does it exist? No
buildings are erected in it, are they essentially small little urban parks? The
answer is in actuality quite simple. It is a place that more or less serves as
a communal living room. Italians by nature and by culture do not like to have
huge social gatherings in their homes. The Piazzas provide a place where Italians
in the surrounding area or from other areas can gather and engage in lively
conversation. Different families and friends can catch a breath of fresh air
and enjoy themselves a little bit in the open. The Italians by their very
nature are vivacious and sociable which the Piazza helps to bring about.
In that air
of confidence and congeniality the Italians nonetheless have a fearful
undertone that seems to stamp their hearts. According to Barzini (1964), “fear
can also be detected behind the Italians’ peculiar passion for geometrical
patterns, neat architectural designs, and symmetry in general, which is part of
their love for show, mainly the fear of the uncontrollable and unpredictable
hazards of life and nature; fear and also its shadow, a pathetic desire for
reassurance” (The Italians, p.111-112). The Piazzas are no exception to this
observation. In most Piazzas, beautiful fountains are erected and stand proud
and tall. They are undeniably symmetrical and are beautiful representations of
an artful taste that Italians are well known for. In the book The Smiles of Rome Alice Steinbach
furthers this point by stating that, “I was particularly drawn to the lovely
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which I wandered into quite by chance.
With its elegant raised fountain and charming sidewalk cafes, the square was an
oasis of pleasant neighborhood bustle minus the motor scooters.” However,
through this beautiful physical representation it seems that the Italians
exhibit it to ward off their own insecurities. They are absolutely obsessed by
appearances and cannot stand when they are unnaturally exposed. It’s almost
like being naked to them. You take away their passion for exterior beauty, and
they are left raw. It is something that is very unique to their culture and
lifestyle.
There is a
place by the name of Piazza Farnese that is very close to Campo de Fiori and
Via Giulia one of the longest straight streets in Rome. It’s a relatively
quaint little area with a fountain characterized primarily by a large basin. The
Palazzo Farnese is now the French Embassy and is a very historic building. The
Piazza even though primarily known for being a place of splendor, it can also
be a place of trepidation. This applies to all Piazzas. One day when I was
quietly sitting in the Piazza I noticed several people walking in the little
square. One notable pair were an attractive couple that were strolling
nonchalantly. The Two middle-aged men were observing this pair quite closely.
Meanwhile another man came into the piazza relatively close to the men who were
observing the couple. They did not say any words but they exchanged glances,
gestured at each other and casually got up and strolled after the couple until
they all left the square. This experience kind of shocked, while at the same
enlightened me. This example provides a particularly close look into the
Italian Culture. Italians are by their very nature and culture keen observers.
They are constantly interested and/or worried about other people regardless of
ethnicity. Whether their intentions are malicious or genial this is a true
deduction. Piazzas will continue to fascinate me regardless of the negative
aspects. Piazzas belong to the Italians, and to the Italians they shall remain.
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