Blog #4 How does the Piazza provide a lens into the Italian Culture

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” (Steinbach, 241). 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.