Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Certaldo Alto, Italy



Double click on the picture to see it more clearly.

I first heard of Certaldo Alto when I studied Boccaccio at University, where I majored in Italian studies. A few years later I found myself standing inside the church of SS. Jacopo and Filippo, built in the thirteenth century. It contains a fourteenth century font, Boccaccio’s tombstone on the floor, and the della Robbias up on the walls.

On my long stay in Italy – the time I went for three months, I took my two sons into the church. The oldest was fascinated by the resident saint, well preserved in her glass cage. The youngest and I sat in a pew for quite a while, enjoying the serenity and the quiet beauty of the artwork.

In 2005 when I walked up to the top of Via Boccaccio, where I am standing in the photo, there was a handwritten card by the bell on an apartment door with the surname of my children and the first name of their grandfather. A coincidence.

I have a watercolor painting of Certaldo, that is one of my favorite pictures. I like to have a cappuccino from one of the cafés there, stroll from one end of the town to the other, look across at tiny San Gimignano, way over in the distance – and check out the current cats.

8 comments:

Lilly said...

Your work is really amazing Leslie. I love the additions of the little stories about the pictures. You are going back to Italy this year arent you? Seems you have had a long love affair with the country - its wonderful.

hiccup42 said...

Great page! It's always good to "see" you :)

Anne said...

Beautiful entry, Leslie, and I also love the story. I didn't know you majored in Italian studies, how cool is that?!? Now that I've fallen in love with Italy, I want to time warp backward and change my major to Italian studies too!! :)

Sandrac said...

What a wonderful story, Leslie! Like Annie, I wish I could turn back the clock and have majored in Italian studies (especially in Italy!!!)

NitWit1 said...

I love the bright, cheerful and inviting chairs. I lived in Morocco for awhile and traveled thoughout the country, also Spain and Gibralter. The sidewalk cafe, or the inside/outside cafe seemed so interesting. Not so in US where we are more concerned with bugs and germs.

Thanks for stopping by.

María I. said...

Lovely story, Leslie. Thanks for sharing it with us. :)

girasoli said...

Beautiful photo and design. I have heard wonderful things about Certaldo Alto. Loved your story.

Gerry said...

I so enjoy the glimpses of your travels. Thanks for sharing this memory.