Enchanting Dwelling-places in Cava de’ Tirreni, Italy

In October, 2005 I spent one week in Cava de’ Tirreni as an exchange student in the LAGOS project. At forty kilometres to the south of Naples and at 10 kilometres to the north of Salerno lies Cava de’ Tirreni, enriched by the multifarious woods and surrounded by pleasant hills that separate Cava from Ravello and Amalfi. Cava boasts quite ancient origin. The traditional image of old Italian towns situated around piazzas adorned with fountains remains valid in a country where ruins from Classical antiquity may stand alongside modern construction.

I was surprised and fascinated by the interior design of the dwelling where I stayed. One of the aims of the project was also to learn about foreign cultures and lifestyles, therefore students were accommodated with their Italian coevals. I will never forget how charming the house where I spent one week was; everywhere pictures with depicted landscape and luxurious frames, sumptuous furniture etc. Nevertheless I would not say that the interior was gaudy, the furniture was namely carefully chosen and despite richness in colours the colours were not glaring.

The next thing I noticed was the importance of particular equipment, for instance the large oval table in the living room. I suppose that table was the most significant piece of furniture in the house, it was used for eating, social gathering, discussions about important issues, such as finances or politics etc. And each family member had a distinguished chair, always used by him or her.

As my host family was very large and extended I seized an opportunity to observe the attitude between the family members, especially towards aged. I was astonished, my hostess’ grandparents were not a drag on other family members, instead they were recognized as the most wise and prudent in decision making. I mentioned the latter because I found it very relevant in explaining spatial repartition of their dwelling. The most glamorous and spacious rooms were dedicated to the elders.

Italy was home to many well-known and influential European cultures, it is also highly-developed country with prodigious values therefore their dwellings are reflection of glorious past and present.

By Marinka Zitnik