|
by Antonio Parisi and Tony Ghezzo. Originally
printed in Italoamericano, reprinted with permission, with
minor edits and a change in title.
In 1777, H. Swinburne wrote about the province of Vibo Valentia:
"Monteleone is a well known town built at the top of a beatiful
hill. From this incomparable position I had the opportunity
to admire for long stretches of time the beautiful panorama.
The castle of the Barons, surrounded by luxuriant evergreen
trees, occupies the highest part of the hill. Down, in the
eastern side is the placid Gulf of St.Eufemia on one side
and on the other side the majestic Apennine mountains. I don't
believe anybody can find a better looking, richer and more
majestic sight in the world".
In 1778, John Richard, abbot of Saint Non, wrote: "We were
very surprised to see that this land, Calabria, described
by some as a frightful place, is one of the most hospitable
places filled with cordial and generous people. Without a
touch of exaggeration, I must say that its kind and peaceful
inhabitants when they open the door of their homes they make
you feel that you own the place, that you're free to do whatever
you like. They are happy to satisfay any of your wishes and
desires".
In 1778, Dominic Vivant de Non wrote about the province of
Cosenza: "Nothing is more attractive, richer, better farmed
and better populated of the coastal area. The towns are built
one next to the other: we don't have in France anything like
it: this area, near Cosenza, is built so richly and with such
a charm. We followed the Crati river that runs in a plain
not larger than 2-3 miles. This is a wonderful land that looks
like a garden cultivated with lots of fruit trees, but among
the olive and the mulberry trees grain and wheat are planted.
The coastal area has good-looking homes and is definitely
one of the richest and best developed areas in the world".
In 1780, John Baptist Fortis wrote about the province of
Reggio Calabria: "The coastal area of Reggio is no doubt the
most beautiful and mesmerizing sight in Italy. The area abounds
with gardens planted with all kinds of citrus trees. The heavenly
fragrance that emanates from their blossoms in the early evening,
the harmony of the farmhouses, the friendliness and the amiability
of the local people, everything make this country superior
to any other country that I have known and visited so far."
In 1786, John Henry Bartels wrote about the province of
Vibo Valentia: "Among all the people that I have known here
prevails a kindness that in our country is totally unknown.
If you, for instance, walk in one of their fruit orchards
or in one of their vineyard, the owner always greet you with
a big smile, picks up the best fruit from a tree and offers
it to you saying: "Please, try this one."
In 1792, Fredrick Leopold, Count of Stolberg, wrote: "I'm
leaving deeply moved this most beautiful province of beautiful
Italy, the closest to the sun that everybody loves. This great
land is cooled by the breeze of the two seas, by the gentle
winds from its high montains, by the shady wood, by the numerous
creeks and rivers. Sights of the sea, of the beaches of Calabria,
of the channel, views of the open sea, of the Lipary Islands,
of the Aetna Mountain, everything glorified by the splendor
of an extraordinary nature fill my life of beautiful memories".
In 1792, Frederick Leopold, count of Stolberg, wrote about
Catanzaro: Catanzaro is situated at the top of high hills.
The sight of the city surrounded by lush green meadows is
most beautiful. From Catanzaro to the valley down below there
is a beautiful paved road."
In 1806, P.L.Courier wrote about the province of Reggio
Calabria. "We are at the lowest point of the boot in the most
beautiful country of the world. Looking at these rocks surrounded
by myrtle and aloe or at the palm trees down the valley, you
have the impression of being near the river Gange or the Nile....The
sight of Nature is breathtaking....and what about the perfume
and the scent in the air around the city of Reggio..... You
can smell the fragrance for miles....."
In 1879, Francois Lenormant wrote the following about the
province of Catanzaro: "We left Catanzaro very early in the
morning to reach the railroad down the hill before the sun
became too hot. The cool air of the early hours produces a
fantastic atmosphere that is difficult to describe: thousands
of delicate perfumes from plants, flowers and trees all around
you permeate the area with their devine scent. Then slowly
the sky becomes clear, there is not a cloud in sight, the
top of the mountains assumes a beautiful color pink, as the
poet Homer wrote "just as touched by the pink fingers of Down"....All
of a sudden a golden ray appears over the mild waves of the
sea and over the land, the red disk of the sun starts emerging
from the sea while Apollo Helios reveals his presence throwing
his victorious darts."
In 1890, Paul Bourget wrote about the province of Crotone:
"Crotone lies down there majestic, white and yellow, near
the limits of its harbor, where yachts of all sizes are lazily
anchored. Our boat left the harbor about a hour ago and we
are sailing now along the coast. The cliff and rocks slip
near by while we admire down below the intense blue sea. A
pleasant breeze produces at times long gentle waves that are
comparable to the languid swelling of the chest of a sleeping
person. Then the coast becomes rather flat and in its center
stands up a bright column: it's the only relic of the ancient
temple of Hera Lacinia. |
