L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano C astel Gandolfo is a small but his- t o r i c a l l y r i c h town located in the Alban Hills, about 25 kilometers (just over 15 miles) southeast of Rome, overlooking the waters of Lake Albano. Despite its size, this village is interna- tionally known as the tradi- tional summer residence of the Popes and for its stunning natural setting, which has made it a favored retreat for centuries. Perched on the rim of an ancient vol- canic crater, Castel Gandolfo offers visitors amazing views, a relaxing atmosphere, and a deep connection to Italy's religious and cultural history. The origins of Castel Gan- dolfo date back to ancient R o m a n t i m e s : t h e a r e a around Lake Albano was once the site of Alba Longa, a legendary city said to have been founded by Ascanius, the son of Aeneas. According to tradition, Alba Longa was the mother city of Rome, and its destruction eventually gave rise to the power of the E t e r n a l C i t y . D u r i n g t h e imperial era, the Roman aris- tocracy built luxurious villas in the area to escape the heat of the city, taking advantage of the fresh air and peaceful setting. Emperor Domitian, in particular, established an imposing residence on the shores of the lake, remnants of which can still be visited today. The name "Castel Gandol- fo" is believed to derive from t h e G a n d o l f i f a m i l y , a noble Lombard lineage who held feudal control over the area during the Middle Ages. They built a fortress here that eventually gave the town its name, with "Castel" referring to the castle or fortified resi- dence. Over the centuries, the town passed through the hands of various powerful families and church authori- ties until 1596, when Pope Clement VIII acquired the property for the Papal States. In the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII commissioned the construction of the Apos- tolic Palace, which became the official summer residence of the Pope. Castel Gandolfo remained the papal summer retreat for over four centuries. Popes would stay here during the hottest months of the year, enjoying the cool lake breeze a n d s e r e n e e n v i r o n m e n t . T h e A p o s t o l i c P a l a c e , while closed to the public for many years, was opened as a museum by Pope Francis in 2016, offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore papal apartments, gardens, and ecclesiastical treasures. The adjoining Barberini G a r d e n s , w h i c h s t r e t c h across the ancient ruins of Domitian's villa, are among the most enchanting attrac- tions of the town, blending archaeological heritage with m a n i c u r e d R e n a i s s a n c e design. Apart from its papal asso- ciations, Castel Gandolfo offers much to explore within i t s h i s t o r i c c e n t e r : t h e Church of San Tommaso da Villanova, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, dominates the central square with its ele- gant Baroque architecture, w h i l e n a r r o w s t r e e t s r u n through the village, lined with small artisan shops, tra- ditional cafés, and panoramic terraces that look out over Lake Albano. The lake itself is popular for rowing, walking, and picnicking, and its circu- lar shape hints at its volcanic origins. Castel Gandol fo is al so known for its food, which reflects the rustic and hearty t r a d i t i o n s o f t h e C a s t e l l i Romani area. Local special- t i e s i n c l u d e p o r c h e t t a (herb-stuffed roast pork), c o p p i e t t e ( s p i c e d d r i e d meat), and panzanella, a refreshing bread salad. Wines from the nearby vineyards, especially Frascati, are a per- fect match for these dishes. D u r i n g t h e s u m m e r months, the town hosts festi- v a l s a n d o p e n - a i r e v e n t s , including food tastings and concerts, that bring together locals and visitors in celebra- tion of tradition and convivi- ality. One lesser-known curiosi- ty is that Castel Gandolfo technically served as a refuge for Popes during times of political crisis: during World War II, Pope Pius XII shel- tered hundreds of displaced persons within the palace w a l l s , t u r n i n g t h e p a p a l estate into a haven for civil- ians fleeing the bombings in Rome. Today, Castel Gandolfo remains a place layered with history, and where visitors are always close to beauty. Its quietness and cultural rich- ness continue to charm trav- e l e r s w h o , j u s t l i k e t h e Romans of old, seek peace and relax just a stone's throw away from the city. W h e n w e t h i n k o f P i s a , w e t h i n k o f its leaning t o w e r , b u t t h e r e i s m u c h more in town to enjoy, start- ing with the famous Lumi- nara di San Ranieri, one of the most charming and visually striking traditions in Italy, celebrated every year on the evening of June 16th. H e l d i n h o n o r o f S a n Ranieri, the city's patron saint, the event transforms t h e h i s t o r i c c e n t r e i n t o a glowing spectacle of light and r e f l e c t i o n , w h i c h a t t r a c t s t h o u s a n d s o f v i s i t o r s a n d l o c a l s , e a g e r t o w i t n e s s a night where architecture, tra- dition, and devotion merge breathtakingly. San Ranieri, a 12th-century Pisan hermit who renounced wealth to live a l i f e o f p i l g r i m a g e a n d humility, has always been revered by the people of Pisa for his piety and charity. The first luminara took place over 300 years ago, in 1688, when the urn contain- ing the relics of San Ranieri w a s t r a n s f e r r e d t o a n e w chapel within Pisa's cathe- dral. To mark the occasion, the city was illuminated with c a n d l e s p l a c e d i n s p e c i a l glass holders, a practice that eventually developed into the elaborate luminara that is known today, an event deeply connected with Pisan identity. As night falls, the lights of the city are turned off, and more than 70,000 candles are lit and placed in transparent white frames, called biancherie, which are fixed onto the façades of churches, palaces, and towers along the Arno River. The effect is magical: the buildings appear to float in golden outlines against the darkness, and the river itself becomes a mirror, doubling the shimmer of candlelight. Among the most impressive s i g h t s i s , o f c o u r s e , t h e Leaning Tower, delicately illuminated in contrast to its usual tourist-lit appearance. F i r e w o r k s l a u n c h e d f r o m platforms on the river add to the atmosphere, lighting up the sky in vivid bursts that reflect across the water. To people in Pisa and all visitors who had the fortune to experience it, the lumi- nary is a moment of collec- tive memory and celebration of the city, even though the d i s p l a y l a s t s o n l y a f e w hours. Its impression, how- ever, lingers, offering a beau- tiful reminder of the power of tradition, faith, and beauty. T h e s t r e e t s o f P i s a d u r i n g t h e L u m i n a r a d i S a n R a n i e r i ( P h o t o : G i o v a n n i Gagliardi/Dreamstime) Celebrating San Ranieri: Pisa's iconic light festival Castel Gandolfo: the Pope's summer retreat The Pope's summer residence, in Castel Gandolfo (Photo: Anilah/Dreamstime) LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE TRADITIONS

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