TikTok and the Roman Empire
When my children asked me the TikTok trend “how often do you think of the Roman Empire” I answered, without hesitation, every two weeks. Yes, I have always been obsessed with the Roman Empire since childhood. As a certified history geek, being able to get to the birthplace of the Roman Empire was a dream come true. The running joke was when I see the colosseum I would begin to cry. In actuality, I was more angry than elated since I was not able to take the personal tour of the colosseum (long story short, the claim for the tour never existed so I was refunded my money). Anyway, I made it a mission to enter the colosseum before the day ended. Mission accomplished.
Dream Fulfilled
The colosseum was all I expected-massive, a beauty among modern buildings and a technological wonder. Being in that space had me in my geekdom wanting to learn more than I already know. No matter how much I believe I know, there is always something new I would find about the impressively vast Roman Empire.
Of course, the country of Italy has more to offer than the colosseum. Italy, a country rich in history and culture, offers countless stories through its architecture. Among the most captivating are the ancient Medieval doors, each with its own tale to tell. On my recent journey through Italy, I encountered these remarkable portals to the past.
The Obsession Begins
The obsession began when we arrived in Florence. Florence is famous for many reasons-center for arts, the Duomo, which is stunning in person, and the food. But what caught my eye were all the doors. Each door I would pass had a different design, different function which led to me to think: what can these doors tell us if they could talk? Wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets of Florence, I stumbled upon door after door that seemed to whisper secrets of centuries gone by. Its heavy wooden frame, adorned with intricate carvings and weathered by time, stood as a silent witness to countless generations. As I visited different cities in Italy, I paid attention to the doors, which was a treat in itself!
A Portal to the Past
Each door I encountered on my travels had its own unique character. Some were grand and imposing, with iron studs and massive knockers, hinting at the wealth and power of the families who once resided behind them. Others were smaller, more humble, yet equally compelling, bearing the marks of countless hands that had pushed them open over the years.
One door in particular caught my eye in the town of Bologna. It was adorned with beautiful carvings depicting patterns from the town’s medieval history. As I traced my fingers over the patterns, I imagined the craftsmen who had painstakingly chiseled these designs, immortalizing their era’s stories in wood. What emotions did the craftsman have once their piece of art was completed? Were the owners satisfied with the work? How did others in the town react to the doorway? The door was massive, giving off energy of centuries past that helped build the lively city of Bologna.
A Living History
These doors not only protected homes but also served as a canvas for artisans, a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the medieval period. They stood as reminders of a time when every element of daily life, even something as functional as a door, was created with care and attention to detail. Long lost as the days of wanting to create a piece that is long standing, a piece that reflects your own personal character.
The Floating City
As I continued my exploration as we arrived in Venice, I realized that these doors were more than just historical artifacts. Doors were a pathway to represent a home among the many clustered homes floating on the 118 lagoons that make up the city of Venice. They were living connections to the past, still in use today, bridging the gap between the medieval and the modern. Each creak and groan of the hinges seemed to echo the voices of those who had passed through them over the centuries. The beauty, grandeur and functionality reflects the importance of legacy for times that value quick snap shots and online appearances.
The wanderer
As a person who likes to travel to places that offer rich cultural, historical perspectives, wandering is the best way I stumble upon city gems. Reading tips from those who traveled the same paths are insightful. I always like to take a different route to see what others may not be paying attention to as they visit. Walking through the streets of Rome or Venice was more than enough to enjoy a trip that was a dream fulfilled. The artistry, craftsmanship but also the centuries that have passed tell the secrets these doors have that are long lost. The numerous people have come and gone who walked in and out, knocked on or down the doors and lived in refuge behind the doors but the doors remain.
The legacy
The ancient Medieval doors of Italy are not just architectural features but storytellers in their own right. They offer a tangible connection to the past, inviting us to pause, look closer, and appreciate the rich tapestry of history that they represent. Through these doors, we step back in time, experiencing the enduring legacy of Italy’s medieval heritage.
Experiences beyond the classroom
Our trip to Italy was a dream fulfilled since this was a place I was enchanted with since childhood. Sharing these experiences with my children is something that is absolutely invaluable. Travel not only exposes your children to other cultures and the world, but allows them to learn using all their sense. Something classrooms do not always provide.