La passeggiata e piazze Italiane – Hidden Treasures

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Piazza San Marco – Venice

August 21, 2023

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

Summer strolls along the beautiful Italian piazzas are a hidden treasure of Italy. As the golden hour approaches and long summer nights linger, Italians walk leisurely among the many exquisite squares in Italy. La passeggiata or a relaxing walk is a general pass time that is part of the Italian repertoire. It consists of friends walking arm in arm, shopping, people watching, and getting some low impact exercise before the sumptuous late night cena that awaits them. Italians are usually slim, but their custom of walking everywhere, and strolling just for pleasure helps them to remain trim and happy.

La passeggiata is most memorable among the many iconic piazzas, one of which is Piazza San Marco in Venice. Venice is a walkers dream, and you are walking in a dream in this gorgeous place. To walk among the palaces of the Doge, and to cross the Bridge of Sighs is enchanting, and a memory that will never diminish. Each pace along the Grand Canal with gondoliers singing romantic arias touches the senses to infinite ends.

Walking in Siena is just as magical, you can almost hear the minstrels from the Renaissance, and you can see the ornate porticos along Piazza del Campo. Every moment seems otherworldly and surreal as you walk serenely toward the Basilica di San Domenico which has the relics of St. Catherine of Siena. It’s amazing how you can get an Art History lesson, a spiritual message, and burn calories while enjoying a passeggiatta in Siena, or really anywhere in Italy. Works of art are in small streets and in small villages everywhere in Italy.

Piazza Del Campo – Siena

A stroll in Florence brings you back to visit the treasures of some of the greatest art masters in history. Piazza Della Signoria is an outdoor museum. The famous Giotto baptistry doors are a world renowned masterpiece. Works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini and other famous artists will greet you with every step you take. The overwhelming beauty of the art, but also of the people who eyes are filled with awe, is inspiring, and breathtaking.

Piazza Della Signoria – Florence

All roads lead to Rome, and two of my favorite piazzas in Rome for a passeggiata, are Piazza Navona, and Piazza San Lorenzo. The very famous and also touristy Piazza Navona still captures the heart with the fabulous Bernini statues, and enticing cafes, where tempting gelatos are ready to be enjoyed. One of the best flavors is stracciatella, which is a creamy vanilla with streaks of fudgy chocolate. It will change your life!

Piazza Navona – Rome

For a hidden gem of a piazza, Piazza San Lorenzo, is frequented more by locals, and eclectic shoppers who are not looking for designer labels, but for quality clothing and fine dining. It is a quiet square with unique boutiques which are filled with understated classics, and the piazza is just a wonderful place for a quiet walk. Somewhere to stroll, think, and be joyful.

Piazza San Lorenzo – Rome

I haven’t been back to Italy in four years, I miss Italy so much, it is truly a part of me. I can still see these piazzas in my dreams, I hope to see them again someday. Please share your memories from your passeggiatas in Italy, I would love to hear about them.

About the Author:

Joanne has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB.  For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Piazza De Ferrari – Genoa

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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