Arezzo

Pieve Santo Stefano: The City of Diaries

Since 1984, at the entrance to the tiny Tuscan commune of Pieve Santo Stefano, in addition to the sign with the name of the city, you could see a small sign with the inscription "Città del diario" ("City of Diaries"). In Pieve Santo Stefano there is a huge archive of personal notes and letters from different people, where some details from their lives and secrets are traced, as well as new facts are discovered in the history of Italy.

More than 7 thousand unique letters, diary entries, magazines, memoirs and autobiographies were collected by the head of the National Organization of the Archives of Records, Salverio Tutino, who is himself a journalist and writer. Certain notes, he claims, were handed over to him by his friends and acquaintances who trust him infinitely. By the way, not all exhibits from the archive can be easily read: some of them are written in rare dialects of the Italian language.

Among the author of letters, records and documents there are representatives of not only different eras, but also different professions. So, in the archive you can find a personal diary of a thief who has cleansed more than one bank, as well as cooking records of a housewife. The oldest record dates back to the 18th century, while most of the materials date back two centuries later. Perhaps, in the era of modern technology, when it takes a few seconds to send and receive a letter and when people openly share their news and thoughts on social networks, information and experiences recorded “by hand” are especially appreciated.

Among the most outstanding things that are stored in the archives in Pieve Santo Stefano is Clelia Marchi's personal diary, written on a sheet, because the girl did not have the opportunity to write on paper. It was on the fabric that Clelia described her life in detail (she lived, by the way, at the beginning of the 20th century). It is worth paying attention to notes belonging to Orlando Orlandi Posti, a member of the Resistance movement captured during the Second World War. The young man regularly wrote letters to his family and girlfriend, in which he warned them about the possible attacks of the German invaders.

The archive in a small town has become a fairly important and significant center for scientific research. Thus, the historian Christopher Duggan, whose book Fascist Voices: An Intimate History of Mussolini's Italy was published in 2013, spent more than one night in the local archive. carefully studied the records and documents presented here relating to that time period.

"At a time when everyone and everyone neglected personal, the creation of such centers, which would be a repository for documents and records made by hands not outstanding and unknown to people, would be an excellent option," says Duggan, writing the same in his the book.

“Tutino believed that one person is one person, but together we can make history,” explains Loretta Veri, who once headed the archive. Now the woman is engaged in raising funds that would go to the maintenance and further development of the archive. Her predecessor, who is the creator of the entire huge collection, died three years ago. According to Veri, Tutino liked to say that "we were lucky because we have the opportunity to listen to other people who have expressed their thoughts on paper."

A visit to this unique town can be combined with a holiday at the Agriturismo Segalare agricultural farm, which can be accommodated by a company of up to 8 people.

Every September in the town of Pieve Santo Stefano, a contest is organized for the most interesting recording or other work. The work of the winner goes to press, and the work of the other participants forever remains in an amazing archive, which continues to grow day by day.

Watch the video: Mi Racconto (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Arezzo, Next Article

Holidays in Rome with children - what to see, where to go
Rome

Holidays in Rome with children - what to see, where to go

How to walk with children in Rome and not be killed? No way, because Rome is a city not very adapted for small travelers. But a good preparation can save your vacation and save your nerves.Let's start with small rules: In the summer it is very hot, so do not plan anything for children from 12 to 16 hours, spend this time in the park, in the museum or just go to sleep.
Read More
Castle of the Holy Angel in Rome
Rome

Castle of the Holy Angel in Rome

Castle of the Holy Angel in Rome (Castel Sant'Angelo) has a grandiose view and no less impressive history. The cylindrical mausoleum, built at the dawn of Christianity on the banks of the Tiber, during its long life managed to visit the last refuge for the Roman emperor, the residence of the pontiffs, turn into a fort, then into a dungeon, and later receive the status of a museum and a treasury.
Read More
How and where to celebrate the New Year 2020 in Rome?
Rome

How and where to celebrate the New Year 2020 in Rome?

New Year in Rome is one of the brightest holidays that you will definitely remember for a lifetime. If you are going to the Eternal City at this wonderful time, you should especially prepare for your vacation, because you have to meet Italian New Year traditions, choose one of hundreds of places where to celebrate the New Year and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of endless celebration and fun.
Read More
Museum of Criminology in Rome
Rome

Museum of Criminology in Rome

So, you threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climbed the Spanish Steps, and also managed to enjoy the amazing Colosseum. What are your future plans? Why don't you try something unusual that is radically different from everything you saw in the Eternal City? Visit the criminological museum in Rome, located at Via del Confalone 29.
Read More