Tuesday, April 2, 2013

B is for Bologna, Italy. The Golden Age of Travel Posters

Bologna, Italy.  My first reaction when seeing this poster, was, "What are those two red towers?  And the answer is . . . they are two medieval towers built in Italy in the 12th Century during the tower building era, where over 200 of these towers were built in Bologna, alone.  And these two towers have names.  The tallest is Asinelli, 318 feet tall, and 500 steps.  Garisenda is 157 feet tall.  Asinelli is open to the public but not Garisenda which is too unstable to climb.  

 The names are intriguing.  This is where the ideas for the Princess in the Tower stories originated -- all those towers in various countries, poor Rapunzel.

 Bologna, a city in Northern Italy, is also the home of the first University, founded in 1088.  And from what I read, is the true "Foodie Capital" of Italy with not only four-star restaurants but less expensive cafes serving delicious regional food.

 Bologna is also famous for its Bolognese Ragu, a hearty meat sauce which is served with Tagliatelle not spaghetti as it is here in the States.

  Severino Trematore, the artist of this poster, published in 1928, has an interesting and sad history.  His work in the 20's was mainly travel posters and brochures for Italian cities and ocean-liner advertisements.  But, while in London in 1940, he was arrested with other foreign nationals and deported.  His ship was sunk by a German torpedo.

 I have added a You Tube link, travel photos of  Bologna.

 .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHL08n1MGOE

Servino Trematore (1895-1940)    Dover Press Attribution
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20 comments:

  1. Margo KellyApril 2, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    I had to come back today and see the next travel poster! LOVE IT! :) Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday!

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  2. AnonymousApril 2, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    The tower building era...funny, they found something tall to build and had to keep creating more. I love your theme!

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    1. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 7:55 AM

      Did you notice that one is leaning, leaning, leaning? The towers are a bit like people who build the McMansions -- as they were built by the wealthy families of that time. It's all about "Look at me, look at me -- I am so important."

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  3. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    I think the poster would stir the creative juices in the writers out there. Thanks for your comment.

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  4. Francene StanleyApril 2, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Beautiful picture and interesting story with a sting in the tail. Everyone suffers during a war, those who die along with those who remain.

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    1. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 10:55 AM

      A perfect analogy "a sting in the tail," oh you are a writer FS!

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  5. katie eggemanApril 2, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    Italy is on my bucket list. I like your travel posters and your words. I am a new follower.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

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    1. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 10:59 AM

      Thanks, Katie. Your "name" and picture are perfect. I think I am running out of years to travel, but Italy is one of my favorite locations. An interesting mystery series is Donna Leon's set in Venice. She is such a good writer.

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  6. Lynn ProctorApril 2, 2013 at 10:40 AM

    sounds really lovely--i must come back and take a look at the travel video--thanks!

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    1. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 10:59 AM

      Thanks Lynn. I always feel as if you are next door and dropping by for coffee when I read your blog and words.

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  7. Joe LunieviczApril 2, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    I enjoyed the post. Greats bits of history and lore and oh the food! I love the picture of the inside passage in Alaska on your homepage. I've been there and it is spectacular.

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  8. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Thanks, Joe. I would go back in a minute, not in the Winter though.

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  9. GhadeerApril 2, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    Ah, Italy. Home to such rich culture and history. I have been to many cities in Italy, but sadly, not Bologna. I'd do anything for another visit!

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  10. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    This time, Bologna would be on my list. Thanks for your comment, Ghadeer.

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  11. Golden EagleApril 2, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    I've heard of the towers, but I didn't know their names. Interesting post!

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  12. loverofwordsApril 2, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    Thank you, Golden Eagle. The names almost sound like first names, but I think they are the last names of the families that built them.

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  13. Kate OMaraApril 2, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Bologna... not just a lunch meat. ;) Do glad you're doing A to Z this year again.

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  14. UnknownApril 3, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    Lovely blog! One to follow, read at leisure, and click on all those links. Thank you for sharing this with us. I'll be back after the hustle of Challenge is over.

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    1. loverofwordsApril 6, 2013 at 10:26 AM

      It is a bit of a hustle, isn't it? Thank you for stopping by.

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