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Michael Martoglio IT 130 Italian Culture and Civilization Fiona Stewart December 12, 2011 Il bel paese? Despite the recent struggles of the country of Italy, I believe Dantes term il bel paese is best used in a positive sense. The term originated hundreds of years ago in Dantes Inferno, when Dante referred to his home as our beautiful country. The beauty of Italy lies within its landscape, its people, and its history. Italy is famous for its beautiful scenery, architecture, and artwork, always has been and always will. I have been to Italy twice in my life and each time has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. In recent years Italys name has been tarnished by the acts of corrupt politicians and a faulty economy. At the front of this unfortunate series of events is a man that is no stranger to the Italian public, Silvio Berlusconi. Silvio Berlusconi is one the richest, most powerful businessmen in Italy. He used his success and popularity as a businessman to enter the political world and came to power as Prime Minister for the first time in 1994. He has been surrounded by scandals for years, including criminal accusations, mafia connections, tax fraud, bribery and corruption. However the wrongdoings of one man are not enough to erase the beautiful work of several Italian men. Italy has one of the most extensive, exciting histories of any European countries. Each piece of the history has contributed to the Italy we know today. Italys beauty can be seen in the work of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The paintings tell several stories from the bible including the Creation of Adam and Eve and the Last Judgement. Leonardo da Vincis painting of The Last Supper is a beautiful depiction of a crucial scene in the Roman Catholic religion. The most obvious form of beauty is Italys natural beauty seen in the landscape. Along the coastline in southern Italy lies the Amalfi Coast, a 25 mile stretch of pristine white beaches with crystal clear blue water. I had the privilege of staying in Palermo and its scenery will forever be imprinted in my mind. The rolling hills in Tuscany are decorated with wine trees, provide a calming, serene environment. Also highly effective, the wine trees produce some of the most delicious wines in the world. Some of Italys landmarks can be credited to historical events. In AD

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79, Mount Vesuvius erupted and poured lava for two straight days. The city of Pompeii lays adjacent to the mountain and was buried in 15-20 feet of ash. Lost for nearly 1700 years, the city was rediscovered in 1749. The ash formed a mold of the cities structure, people, and buildings and much of it can be seen today. One of the most iconic pieces of Italy is the Colosseum in Rome. This massive amphitheater was a source of entertainment to the citizens of Rome displaying gladiator fights, drama shows, and re-enactments of historical events. Unfortunately, some of the building was destroyed over the years due to weathering and earthquakes. Its remains are one of the most visited sites by tourists in Italy. Berlusconi did not destroy the Colosseum. Berlusconi did not take down the painting of The Last Supper. Berlusconi did not ruin the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast. Berlusconi has not damaged the Tuscan wine country. Italys beauty cannot be credited to one man, nor can one man take it away. Italy beautiful landscape is the backdrop to a suffering country, but it still remains. Every country endures a time period of distress, but like everything else in our world, it must come to an end. Italys future is bright under the lead of new Prime Minister Mario Monti. In fact, most countries in Europe are finding themselves in a period of distress. The term Euro Crisis has been coined to deem a financial epidemic sweeping through European countries. The crisis concerns several countries such as Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and France. Many countries are in debt and with the rising borrowing rates it has become difficult for them to refinance their debts. It is not fair to criticize Italy and question the beauty of its history while other countries are experience similar circumstances. Another form of Italian beauty comes from the people themselves. In my experiences, Italian citizens have been some of the most friendly, helpful people I have encountered in my travels. I have learned that Italians stress the simple things in life. Family is the most important to Italian people and spending time with family is a significant past time. They believe in loyalty to their family and hometown. This is a beautiful way to live. Even hundreds of years ago, Dante was able to realize beauty of Italy. The beauty of Italy is unique trait that has been characteristic in the country since its discovery. It has been a work of progress and continues to grow each day. Several people, places and events have contributed and it is insulting to mock the countries beauty. I look forward to the day when I can return to Italy and experience its beauty first hand.

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Words Cited Fraser, Christian. "Something Rotten in State of Italy." BBC News. 24 Jan. 2008. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7206817.stm>. Stweart, Fiona. Class Lecture. 11 November 2011. Worrachate, Anchalee. "International Debt Sales at 6-Year Low on Euro Crisis, BIS Says Businessweek." Businessweek. 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 11 Dec. 2011. <http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-11/international-debt-sales-at-6-year-low-on-eurocrisis-bis-says.html>.