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The Old Buildings |
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The houses lean against
each other looking out onto the restricted space of the narrow paths
as if they were proper courtyards. The houses are high and narrow and
they can be distinguished by their small sandstone doors. The form of
the arches are often different from one family's home to another.
The small balconies in beaten iron are sustained by brackets and they are characterised by the plant vase holders which contains plants of basil and other plants to protect against the "evil eye". The houses are built of the local rocks and sand. Some of them still have wooden floor boards. The attic roofs are made of cane with a staircase leading to a trap door. In the centries the design of the houses have progressed from the pre existent designs of the rough structures that had been sketched in the medievel taste. New elements have been added to create elegance and lightness to the structures. Of particular interest is the Durazzesco Arch of the Gothic and Catalan style and its staircase leading to the entrance of the Holy Trynity Square. In the XVII Century some country gentlemen constructed true mansions which are evident by their majestic decoration which reflect the Spanish design. Of this particular design are the Palazzos of Miano-Pizzolo, Mauro. Bondi, Garufi-Schipilliti. In 1900 alongside the Forzese medievel and Renaissance tradition a more graceful and floral design was added to give a more modern aspect to the buildings - a modest but pleasant building - a "minor" liberty for the lower class and worker. The characteristic features of some buildings on the main street is the sinuous line of the prospect with floral designs stylized on the brackets which support the balcoies and also on the arches of the doors. There is an interesting afresco of a naturalistic theme on the building of Garufi. |
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Translation by Maria Nirelli |
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Forzadagro.org 2001-2017 |
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