Walking through the San Faustino District yesterday morning, I had the ability to experience a new side of Viterbo.
Here the inviting atmosphere of various local shops that lined the streets
seemed to warm what was a chilly fall morning. Past the stores and outdoor produce vendors, we reached The Church of the Trinity. Built in 1256, this Medieval Church is now a community center for a multitude of families of different cultural backgrounds. Courtesy of Father Guiseppe, we had the opportunity to tour the private garden of the church. In the garden the cultivation of these community values felt tangible. I appreciated the ability to get a little more personal with the people as well as the Church.
During our walk we discovered the delightful gem that was Salone GiBì. Walking into the barber shop felt like stepping back in time. Its quaint, vintage feel shook up the historic atmosphere of the quarter. Despite its aesthetic appearance, the shop has maintained the Italian tradition of a family business. The shop has remained in the Braconcici family, and Gianluca and his son Lorenzo continue to run the small business today. It was captivating to watch the father and son duo at work, and I watched them as their task became more synonymous with a craft.
From historic churches to vintage barber shops, the social and cultural diversity of this district creates not only an expansive atmosphere, but allows residents and visitors to experience a multicultural and colorful experience within this little town.
It was a beautiful Italian experience, getting to know the heart of a small provincial town and its soul.
Article author
My name is Hannah Ferguson and I am a senior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I will be graduating this December with a Bachelors in Art History. I chose to take my last semester abroad so that I could fully immerse myself in Italian culture and language. I’m excited to experience the art and culture that I have spent my time in college only ever reading about, and very excited use these experiences in my postgraduate life!
Mi chiamo Hannah Ferguson e sono una studentessa presso l’Università del Nevada, Las Vegas. Mi laureerò questo dicembre con una laurea in storia dell’arte. Ho scelto di fare il mio ultimo semestre all’estero per potermi immergere completamente nella cultura e nella lingua italiana. Sono entusiasta di sperimentare l’arte e la cultura con cui ho condiviso il tempo al college leggendo e studiando. Sono molto entusiasta di poter continuare a coltivare queste esperienze nella mia vita post-laurea!
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Photographic author
My name is Sebe Shearer and I am from Texas, United States. I am studying history with a minor in Italian at the University of Houston. I am doing a semester abroad in Italy to learn more about the Italian language and also explore its rich culture. It has always been my dream to come here and experience a place with so much history, especially coming from a country that is so new in the grand scheme of things. I feel so incredibly lucky to have this opportunity.
Mi chiamo Sebe Shearer e vengo dal Texas, Stati Uniti. Sto studiando storia in italiano all’Università di Houston. Adesso sto vivendo un semestre all’estero in Italia per saperne di più sulla lingua italiana ed esplorare anche la sua ricca cultura. È sempre stato il mio sogno venire in Italia e vivere un luogo con così tanta storia, soprattutto venendo da un paese così nuovo nel grande schema delle cose. Mi sento incredibilmente fortunata ad avere questa opportunità.
