History Archivi

The Albornoz Fortress in Orvieto

28 May 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, ORVIETO Architecture, Art, CULTURE, History, Orvieto

A sinistra è visibile il torrione della Fortezza Albornoz mentre il resto dell’immagine è occupato dalla vista dall’alto della città sottostante e delle campagne umbre.

From Freedom to Being Dominated

During the Middle Ages, Orvieto enjoyed a long period of welfare and independence as a “free Commune” – its rulers being autonomous from the Emperor, both politically and economically – in spite of the intestine clashes between the parties of Guelphs (who supported the Pope’s authority) and Ghibellines (who supported the Emperor). During the whole 13th century the town was a rich one, and organized itself through the basic communal institutions insofar as it was perfectly in a position to rule itself, control its own territory, and thrive.

The Citadel of Assisi

28 May 20211 June 2022 admin ASSISI, CULTURE Architecture, Assisi, CULTURE, History

Vista panoramica della Rocca maggiore. Arroccata sul monte si erge imponente staccandosi dal verde dei boschi circostanti.

A Stronghold to Guard Assisi

So sings the Hymn of the Sentinels (Scolte) of Assisi, the town’s hymn:

The trumpet blares, the days ends already,
already the curfew song soars.
C’mon, sentinels, up to the towers,
O armed guardians, hey there!
Heads up, keep silent, and watch!
Heads up, sentinels, and watch!

Town Hall Square

28 May 20211 June 2022 admin ASSISI, CULTURE Architecture, Assisi, CULTURE, History, Tradition

Vista ravvicinata della fontana dei 3 leoni di assisi. In primo piano un leone dalla cui bocca esce uno zampillo d'acqua. Dietro il leone le vasche della fontana e parte della piazza sul fondo.

The Main Square in Assisi

Piazza del Comune (the town hall square) has always been the hub of social and cultural life in Assisi. Not by chance do all the main streets from the town gates meet here.
Built upon a Roman forum, in the Middle Ages it became the place for the people’s gatherings. Therefore, here rise the most important buildings of town life: the Temple of Minerva, also used as the oldest Town Hall in Assisi (later transferred to Palazzo dei Priori, the palace of Medieval “priors”); the palace of the Capitano del popolo (the “common people’s” – actually, the middle class’ – political spokesman), and the People’s Tower.