The literary town of Recanati in Le Marche is a town of/for/by the Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. I say this not only because Leopardi was born here but also because he spent a majority part of his life writing poems inspired by the town. Leopardi had a conflicting relationship with Recanati but one of his most famous poems “L’Infinito” (The Infinite) was written from a solitary hill of this town. Now a famous vantage point, the hill is known as “Hill of the Infinite” with views that go as far as the Sibillini Mountains!
Hill of the Infinite
Palazzo Communale and a statue of Leopardi
The Literary Town of Recanati
Giacomo Leopardi was a scholar who wrote many poems in his short lifetime of 38 years. A few such as “A Silvia” (To Silvia), published in 1828 really stand out.
A Silvia describes about Leopardi’s sad and tumultuous life state. He is madly in love with girl living across the piazza. While he would love to woo her, he cannot because she is below her stature.
Another popular poem written by Leopardi is “Il Sabato del Villaggio” (Saturday in the Village). The poem describes the same piazza opposite his house and his observations of the many people who come and go.
The town evoked sadness to me
If this corner could talk….
Recanati is a fascinating town that evoked a sense of sadness in me. I remember the feeling of walking through the streets and thinking of the story of Leopardi.
In 2014, the popular film “Il Giovane Favoloso” (Leopardi) captured the essence of the town and the poet’s life. Ever since, Recanati is a revamped town with poems of Leopardi at every bend. It truly gives Recanati a real picture of being called a Literary city!!
Giacomo Leopardi: 1798-1837
Also Read- 10 of the most prettiest places in Le Marche, Italy
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32 Comments
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September 14, 2021 at 9:13 am[…] is a film on the life of Giacomo Leopardi- the Italian poet from Recanati in Le Marche. A period drama set in the 18th century, the film is not only captivating but also very romantic. […]
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April 23, 2018 at 4:46 pm[…] The Literary Town of Recanati […]
sumi.live
December 8, 2017 at 6:18 pmNice post
Ishita
December 28, 2017 at 3:22 pmThanks so much 🙂
Meenakshi
November 30, 2017 at 9:47 amAs I am blogging more and more about Architecture, I realize that the European architecture is brilliant but has melancholy painted all over it! Maybe this is the reason why these places inspire beautiful poetry!! Beautiful captures, Ishita 🙂
Ishita
December 1, 2017 at 2:43 pmThanks Meenakshi 🙂 Indeed it is and very different. You will find a town only 5 kms away from the next country so different as you cross the border. It is amazing!
Anuradha Goyal
November 27, 2017 at 3:07 pmWow, how interesting to see places around the lives of a poet. In India, I could only find a Shanti Niketan by Tagore. Its strange that Leopardi could not win a woman as se was below his stature – hierarchies exist in the society, no matter where it seems.
Ishita
November 27, 2017 at 6:23 pmThanks Anuradha 🙂 As far as I know he did not even tell her but wrote about her often. Yea they do unfortunately
amindfultravellerblog
November 25, 2017 at 5:39 pmWow, such a short lived life for Leopardi. There would definitely be stories and secrets within those town walls!! Xx
Ishita
November 26, 2017 at 3:22 pmTruly. And you can really sense his presence throughout.
karenincalabria
November 25, 2017 at 3:16 pmNice post. And you’re absolutely right – old Italian is extremely difficult. Don’t worry about it – you don’t have to be able to read the classics to be able to communicate perfectly well in contemporary society.
Ishita
November 25, 2017 at 4:06 pmThanks Karen.Are you in Calabria currently?? How is the weather?
karenincalabria
November 25, 2017 at 8:57 pmYes. Nice fall weather right now with highs around 18 and lows around 13 C. Sometimes fall is a little warmer, though. There was some strong rain and flooding a couple of weeks ago. Tomorrow is the Procession of the Madonna, when she returns to the location she resides for most of the year, so hopefully it won’t rain even though it’s in the forecast. Ciao!
Ishita
November 26, 2017 at 3:22 pmNice. Almost as much as Delhi low.. yesterday it was 18 C and the night before it was 15. looking forward to knowing more about it. Ciao!
karenincalabria
November 27, 2017 at 4:07 pmIt rained yesterday for the procession of the Madonna – very uncharacteristic – so it had to be postponed for next week and it turned cold overnight – a low of 9 in Reggio – brrr….
Ishita
November 27, 2017 at 6:23 pmOh dear. Next week then….x
thewonderer86
November 25, 2017 at 1:07 pmWhat a (seemingly) sleepy, charming little place.
Ishita
November 25, 2017 at 1:34 pmIt was also a great weather to add to the drama
aesha thakur
November 25, 2017 at 4:55 amLovely article,Ishita..and the way you described it was so great
Ishita
November 25, 2017 at 12:38 pmThanks darling!
Alok Singhal
November 25, 2017 at 12:59 amThere truly is some sense of sadness there. I would have painted the whole town with street art!
Ishita
November 25, 2017 at 12:38 pm🙂 Interesting
Darlene
November 24, 2017 at 10:53 pmMy kind of town!! This looks amazing.
Ishita
November 24, 2017 at 10:54 pmI hope you can visit soon!
Lyn Douglas
November 24, 2017 at 10:42 pmAnother lovely little town in Italy. There are so many to see and all so special.
Ishita
November 24, 2017 at 10:47 pmThanks Lyn. Isn’t it?? Have you been here? I hope you can see it soon
Lyn Douglas
November 24, 2017 at 11:14 pmHi Ishita. I have been there many years ago but I cannot remember very much apart from it being the kind of delightful town that I like.
Ishita
November 24, 2017 at 11:15 pmIt would be so cool to go back and remember it.
Lyn Douglas
November 24, 2017 at 11:15 pmYes I agree
Lyn Douglas
November 24, 2017 at 11:15 pmPs. I am leaving Hawaii today and flying home.
Ishita
November 24, 2017 at 11:15 pmBuon viaggio:)
Lyn Douglas
November 24, 2017 at 11:15 pmThanks