Here we are again in my Macerata. The name Macerata has a feminine form and on Christmas in various publications it was referred to as Lady Macerata –‘Signora Macerata’. Matters of the city are treated with a great respect here. Even if these are big, small, happy or sad matters, everyone animatedly takes part in it.
Here, we have beautiful theatre ‘Lauro Rossi ‘ which was built in the 18th century and was designed by Antonio Bibbiena. An elegant hall with three levels was recreated with its original features of 18th century. Stukki, marble-like sculptures in silver, blue, green and gold tones make this place a real treasure – like a jewel casket. One of those treasures are well selected spectacles. Many Theatre Societies from all over Italy visit Macerata. Here we can admire famous Italian actors who we see on TV every day. Each spectacle is an important thing for the audience because of the direct contact with living arts in wonderful, historical surroundings. It’s like a further enrichment of knowledge about past and present time; like reading a book with our eyes and ears. The heart with its strings of sensitivity compiles our emotions. My friends and I try to visit this tabernacle of passionate curiosity of life whenever we can. After leaving the Theatre, we always go to a restaurant or café for a cup of black coffee, tea or for a dinner to share our impressions about the spectacle. It’s hard not to discuss our feelings because the more moving and controversial the spectacle is, the more thoughts we have. That’s the point of performances here.
The city puts a big emphasis on the musical education of youths. There is a well-known and very good music school ‘Liviabella’ which prepares young generation for a new life with music.
Italians have sensitivity to beauty in their blood. Perhaps it’s because of the beautiful and fertile land they live on. They have a fortune and they don’t even realize in what a wonderful country they live in.
When I’m walking in alleys, looking at old medieval buildings, I think about the people who used to walk here just like me now. I see in my head fragments of films about old traditions and ways of life which give me a lot of pleasure. It’s an unusual phenomenon that the magic of history inscribed in these buildings gives me a feeling of bilocation. I’m simultaneously in past and present. My dearest Macerata. You are full of puzzles and mysteries. I’ve been living here for many years and I could say that I “got married” to this city. It is “my husband”, it accompanies me in every matter of life.
Theatre ‘Lauro Rossi’ is located on Piazza della Liberta – which means Liberty Square. Along the Square there is City Hall, Merchant’s Loggia, Prefacture Palace, and the Clock Tower. It is a highest and central point of the city. From here, you can only go down. When a lost tourist asks for directions to Liberty Square we usually say to keep going up, no matter which alley you will choose.
The City Hall was built in 17th century and was restored in 1820. At the front wall, next to entrance, there appears a painting of the Virgin of Mercy. Macerata is a city devoted to the Virgin Mary. In 2000, also the Pope John Paul II visited Macerata.
St Paul’s Cathedral was built in 1655 and 1623 by Ambrose Mazent of Milan. Until 1810 it was used by the Barnabites, then in 1830 it was given for town use by the Papal State. During wars it was used as a warehouse but nowadays, after restoration, it’s a place of art exhibition.
The Merchant’s Loggia was made with specific architectural lightness in imitation of Tuscan patterns by Cassiano da Fabriano and Matthew Sabbatini at the beginning of the 16th century at command of papal legate- Alessandro Farnese-future pope Paul III. Now, it’s a café with beautiful open view on the whole Square. It’s a perfect place to sit and rest in the shade after a day of pilgrimage on Macerata.
The building work of the City Tower began in 1492 but was finished in 1653. It is 64m high. On the base of it there is a plaque in memory of Victor Emmanuel II. From the terrace tourists can admire unusual panorama of the Sibillini Mountains on the one side and panorama on the sea on the other side. Glances fly over the numerous towns in mountains and valleys, tangled with farmlands.
Now I go down the horse stairs from the Liberty Square and I will be outside the walls in a moment. I will be home in few minutes as well. I open balcony window with sight on historical centre and in my thoughts I send a kiss towards old city’s soul. Then I will contemplate in silence, with the sight on the mountains from the balcony on the other side.
I live and work here, my life goes with its own rhythm but sometimes I feel like I’m on vacation here in Italy. Others have to pay for each day spent in this wonderful land of art, and I am here every day and I can always go sightsee whenever I want to. I can live in an atmosphere of Italian culture.
Sometimes when we get used to the place we live in, we forget how beautiful it is…
Photos © Courtesy of the Municipal Council of Macerata