A Renaissance Life in Italy
by Lynnette Marzano
Published by
Northwest Digital Publishing
© 2009
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It was a cool autumn morning in Vomero, Italy. The small provincial town outside of Venice had undergone many changes after the turn of the 16th century. Many of the townspeople had moved from the village to the countryside, where land was very negotiable, and cattle and sheep raising was expanding rapidly.1 Back in town, some of the upper class built villas for their country summer home.2 Manufacturing was also a growing enterprise, with silk and paper-making becoming very popular.3
Gina Razenbelli placed the copper pot over the fire, hoping that the Polenta ai funghi (mushrooms)4 would turn out well. She wanted to do something special to thank her Aunt Sofia and Uncle Carlo for letting her live in town with them while she prepared for her wedding. She missed living in the farmhouse out in the country, but it all belonged to her brother now. When their father died, several years after their mother, custom dictated the oldest son inherit the small estate.5 Living in town also kept her closer to her fiancé, Lorenzo. Their engagement had been arranged many years ago between their parents. Gina had only recently met her future husband, but already they could see that they would be happy together.