Terrazza - A large usable open space, usually on the top of a building. Glamorous, roof top views, it will usually make even a modest apartment spectacular.
Balcone - Small outdoor additions to the sides of a building, often no bigger than the racks left on them to dry clothes. Enough space to stand on, two abreast if of the larger variety, in order to watch the world go by.
Now, conventional wisdom would suggest that a terrazzo is a must in Rome. Outdoor space, roof top views, morning caffé in the sun, blah blah blah. Sure, those lucky few who have one enjoy it fully, but without one you simply get your caffé at the bar (more simpatico anyhow), and enjoy outdoor space with the rest of the neighborhood in the piazza, also more simpatico, usually. (Can you tell we don’t have a terrace?)
The terrace is in effect the prima donna of outdoor Roman space, top of the totem pole so to speak. The poor, smaller humble balcone on the other hand, lives forever in its shadow, considered merely an accessory that is nice, but certainly not the “real thing”.
Except for spring! In this period, for these two or three months, the balcone gives the terrazza its deserved annual comeuppance. For once the terrace is at a disadvantage, in that it is unseen and invisible to those below. While small, the balcone instead comes into its own. It can finally be a star in its own right, take the lead role, be the diva of the neighborhood! “Take that, you pompous terrazza! Over here, me, me! Look at me!” they seem to say.
And rightly so.
(Note: re-published from two years ago for the 7000+ new subscribers since then…)
– Contributed by GB (see bio), Editor, Italian Notebook.
A true ItalianNotebook gem of a Note! Loved it….
GB,
Your writing style always makes me smile. Who would have thought to write a piece pitting “terrazzo” vs “balcone”??? Beautifully written. Mille grazie!
Beautiful pictures. Oh, how I wish. . . . .
GB, love your contributions.
I would love to be back in Rome right now.
I am daydreaming with myself on the balcony enjoying the color, the fragrance, the luxury of being in such a paradise! Beautiful Notebook contribution. Love your writing style and creativity. We have a balcony and this has given me inspiration!!! Thanks.
WHAT a job you do, all of you, every single time and every single day!
PURE joy and pleasure: the good life! THANK YOU!
xoxooxo T.
A splendid Note!
Here in California there are balconies galore but they never seem to be used, they are usually outdoor storage units along with a pot or two holding somewhat withered plants. But while living in Piemonte, Milano or Sicily I spend a good amount of time at the balcony, be it eating, talking to friends or family, or looking at the street life below; the balcony allows for a constant comforting connection with the outside world.
Lovely, lovely note! I do miss all the beautiful flowers spilling out of balconies all over Italy.
Always loved the red geraniums in contrast to the stone of Italia. I now plant over 50 red geraniums in pots in my backyard in Seattle in honor of the Bella Italia. Beautiful note GB!
This is fantastic, I love it! Your photo looks fairly similar to one I took in 2004 in the Piazza Navona.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skywalkerbeth/1019006344/
bello fiori balcone and the note
Loved seeing this one again! Like an old friend. Do bring back some of the favorites. Wonderful writing, wonderful pics.
What a gem. Back in 2007 I framed these photos and they sit where I can enjoy them every day. Thank you so much for this.
Even the notes you repeat are wonderful.!!!! What a sight to see!!! Wish I was there.
Wish I had a terrace!! See you in October.
Oh how beautiful. It makes me want to take the next flight to Rome and enjoy the flowers, balconies and terrazze in person. Bella Italia.
Just recently as my husband and I walked through many of the small towns of Italy- I thought “how nice to through open those doors and bring in the beautiful sunshine and fresh air” . Ahh, Molto bene !!
Never apologize for reprinting one of your notes as they transport us back to Bella Italia. One of my favorite balcone was in Monterossa al Mare in Cinque Terre. You must go see the bouganvilla there in June on a green house just across from the beach. Two plants provide a magnificent display around the window on ground floor and extend up to the balcone above and around the sides of a second window.
There’s something beyond wonderful about the combination of soft new flower colors against the worn and ancient patina of the stone! Wow – can’t wait to get back to Rome and crane my neck!
Lovely note GB. A classic. I wish I had green fingers and could get my balcony plants to thrive as well as these!
Che bellissimissimi!
Thank you GB! Good to see you have a well-deserved fan club. Love, Iris
Gorgeous photos, I wish I was there …..
GB…Most often strolling, I like to look up because it seems that is where you see real “life” happening. You hear babies crying, a husband and wife quarelling, smells of lunch cooking, itimates hanging out to dry….sometimes a balcone tells a story. Thanks for the note. Toni
My favorite Italian balcony memory was passing under a balcony in Montecatini Terme where a small capuchin monkey sat, peeling an orange and throwing the peels at passers-by!!!
I just returned from Rome and am ready to hop on a plane and go right back there again! Thanks.