Urbino
It is not uncommon to discover thriving tourist economies within the walls of the old cities. What was unexpected was the fact that Urbino was a city of enlightenment. A city mainly devoted to high
er education. Most of the industry or commercial activity related to the enormous population of students and academics. Streets, lanes, cafes, bars and ristorantes absolutely bustled with young people between lectures or taking lunch with friends. The lunch hour traditionally sees many places of business close for several hours but this was not as apparent in Urbino. The university's buildings dotted the city. The main cathederal or church was majestic in proportion and presence over the square. Statues rose to great heights and towered well above the usual dimensions. Narrow cobbled passageways linked in a complex and bewieldering style. The charm of the shuttered buildings combined with the elegant and classic lighting transformed the visit into a step back in time. As the visitor the sight of the random streets and lanes cautioned me to take note of routes 
taken to avoid becoming lost. Lunch was taken down one turning to take respite from the crowds and a growing cocophony of raised voices and whistles in the main thoroughfare. The last time we heard similar was in France, lasy year, during all of the protest marches. Was it possible that we had come to Italy to repeat our past holiday happenings? Fortunately, there were no magaphones, drums or the singing of choruses and the group dispersed without further ado. Much ado about niente.
er education. Most of the industry or commercial activity related to the enormous population of students and academics. Streets, lanes, cafes, bars and ristorantes absolutely bustled with young people between lectures or taking lunch with friends. The lunch hour traditionally sees many places of business close for several hours but this was not as apparent in Urbino. The university's buildings dotted the city. The main cathederal or church was majestic in proportion and presence over the square. Statues rose to great heights and towered well above the usual dimensions. Narrow cobbled passageways linked in a complex and bewieldering style. The charm of the shuttered buildings combined with the elegant and classic lighting transformed the visit into a step back in time. As the visitor the sight of the random streets and lanes cautioned me to take note of routes 
taken to avoid becoming lost. Lunch was taken down one turning to take respite from the crowds and a growing cocophony of raised voices and whistles in the main thoroughfare. The last time we heard similar was in France, lasy year, during all of the protest marches. Was it possible that we had come to Italy to repeat our past holiday happenings? Fortunately, there were no magaphones, drums or the singing of choruses and the group dispersed without further ado. Much ado about niente.
No comments:
Post a Comment