L'Italo-Americano

hamlet of Montegiove, in the c o m m u n e o f M o n t e g a b - bione, Terni, is the home of La Scarzuola, a whim- sical architectural ensemble b o r n f r o m t h e v i s i o n o f renowned architect Tom- maso Buzzi, between the late 1950s and the 1960s. H i s a i m w a s t o c r e a t e a n ideal city, and I reckon La Scarzuola may be just that, if you're into dreamlike atmos- p h e r e s a n d t i m e l e s s s u r - r o u n d i n g s . I t p r e s e n t s a fusion of classical and surre- alist elements, so much so the complex seems like a scene from a Salvador Dalí p a i n t i n g b r o u g h t t o l i f e . Towering staircases, invert- e d d o m e s , a n d s y m b o l i c s t r u c t u r e s m a k e u p t h i s enchanting labyrinth. Curi- ously enough, the area was very peculiar construction we can find in the Marche region, in Central Italy. Nes- t l e d w i t h i n t h e n a t u r a l splendor of the Gola della R o s s a R e g i o n a l N a t u r a l Reserve, Il Tempio di Val- adier (Valadier's temple) stands as an architectural mar vel of unique beauty. T h i s s m a l l n e o c l a s s i c a l church blends seamlessly w i t h i t s p i c t u r e s q u e s u r - roundings, because it has been, quite literally, carved into the rocky landscape of the area. La Scarzuola L e t ' s n o w m o v e t o Umbria, leaving behind the serene beauty of Valadier's temple. It's time to get ready and step into a surreal world w h e r e a r c h i t e c t u r e a n d d r e a m s i n t e r t w i n e . T h e originally the site of a 13th century monastery, which was abandoned in the 19th century. The Castello di Sam- mezzano We are now in Tuscany again, more precisely in Lec- cio, not far from Florence. Here, we can visit an opu- lent location awaiting redis- c o v e r y , t h e C a s t e l l o d i Sammezzano. Originally built in the 17th century by Spanish nobleman Ximenes of Aragon, it was turned into a masterpiece of Moorish revival architecture by Fer- dinand Panciatichi Ximenes between 1853 and 1889. The c a s t l e b o a s t s a f u s i o n o f architectural styles, show- casing intricate details and vibrant colors that evoke an otherworldly charm. Its cor- r i d o r s , e m b e l l i s h e d w i t h ornate mosaics and elabo- rate frescoes, whisper tales of grandeur and forgotten history. After years of aban- donment, efforts are under- way to restore this hidden gem, allowing visitors to wit- ness its former glory and immerse themselves in its captivating ambiance. P a r c o d e i M o s t r i d i Bomarzo Last but not least, let's venture into an enchanting garden where mythical crea- tures and stone giants come t o l i f e . T h e P a r c o d e i Mostri (the monsters' park) located in the lush region of Lazio, is an extraordinary testament to the creative vision of P r i n c e V i c i n o Orsini. This Renaissance- era park is adorned with a c o l l e c t i o n o f m o n s t r o u s sculptures, each one intri- cately carved from stone. While exploring this whim- sical wonderland, visitors can unravel the symbolic m e a n i n g s b e h i n d e a c h sculpture and delve into the depths of Orsini's imagina- tion. It was a short, but fasci- nating journey, don't you think? Because these enig- matic places hold a magnetic allure and draw us into their hidden narratives and capti- vating landscapes. Each of them invites us to delve into a realm where history meets with imagination, and spiri- tuality goes hand in hand with mystery. deep sense of serene isola- tion. This hermitage, with its rustic stone structures a n d b r e a t h t a k i n g v i s t a s , offers a sanctuary for intro- spection. Legend has it that I r i s h m i s s i o n a r y S a i n t Columban sought refuge in this secluded haven during the 7th century. The mysti- cal aura of the hermitage, coupled with its dramatic setting, creates an atmos- p h e r e o f t r a n q u i l i t y t h a t truly touches the soul. Il Tempio di Valadier Giuseppe Valadier is considered one of the most accommplished neoclassical architects in Italy. Known especially for his grandiose work in our capital, Rome — he is behind the urban plan- ning of Piazza del Popolo — V a l a d i e r a l s o d e s i g n e d a THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 18 L'Italo-Americano I t's time to step into a land of captivating wonders and mysti- cal allure, where the ancient and the enig- matic come together. Italy, a c o u n t r y r e n o w n e d f o r i t s rich history and cultural her- itage, conceals hidden gems that exude an aura of mys- tery and intrigue. Join me on a journey as we unravel the secrets of six fascinating locations that b e c k o n c u r i o u s s o u l s t o explore their mystic realms. From the legendary ruins of San Galgano to the surreal architecture of Castello di S a m m e z z a n o , e a c h p l a c e holds its own enigmatic tale, waiting to captivate your imagination. Prepare to be enchanted as we embark on an extraordinary adventure t h r o u g h t h e m y s t e r i o u s landscapes of the Belpaese! The Abbey of San Gal- gano You're familiar with the "`Sword in the Stone" leg- end of King Arthur — and Disney — fame, right? Well, it may have been all inspired by this place. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, t h e r u i n s o f S a n Galgano stand as a testa- ment to the passage of time: o n c e a s p l e n d i d G o t h i c abbey, its roofless walls and exposed arches now offer a hauntingly beautiful panora- ma equally steeped in mys- tery and spirituality. Howev- er, it is the legendary sword in the stone that truly cap- tures the imagination of visi- tors. According to the tale, Galgano Guidotti, a knight turned hermit, thrust his sword into a rock as a sym- bol of renouncing violence, and there it remained. This awe-inspiring relic, which y o u c a n s t i l l s e e t o d a y , serves as a reminder of both spiritual devotion and the enduring power of ancient legends (and... movies!). L ' E r e m o d i S a n Colombano Let's move from Tuscany t o L o m b a r d y t o v i s i t t h e Eremo di San Colombano. Perched atop a steep cliff, S a n C o l o m b a n o h e r m i t ' s retreat is still today a place where one can experience a FRANCESCA BEZZONE One of the "monsters" at the Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo (Photo: Andrei Vasilev/Dreamstime) Unveiling the enigmatic beauty of Italy A view of La Scarzuola, built as an ideal city (Photo: Massimo Scacco/Dreamstime) ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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