Caterina Bon Brenzoni was a woman of rare literary talent and deep sensibility. A poet and writer, she became a central figure in Verona’s cultural life during the 19th century. Her story is one of passion, sorrow, and resilience, leaving a poetic legacy that still echoes through the city’s historic streets.

A Life Marked by Art and Loss

Born in Verona on October 28, 1813, Caterina grew up in a noble family during the Napoleonic rule. Her father, Count Alberto Bon, passed away when she was just three years old, leaving her in the care of her strict and demanding mother, Marchesa Marianna Spolverini. Seeking to instill discipline, her mother sent her to study in a convent, a common practice for young noblewomen of the time.

However, even in such a rigid environment, Caterina’s literary gifts began to emerge. Upon returning home, she was mentored by Father Angelo Bianchi, who nurtured her love for literature and poetry. At just eighteen, she married Count Paolo Brenzoni, an art enthusiast and member of a recently ennobled family. The couple settled in a prestigious palace in Verona’s historic center, where Caterina began to cultivate her intellectual and artistic passions.

A Literary Salon in Verona

Tragedy struck Caterina’s life early on. In 1833, she gave birth to a son, Giuseppe, who tragically passed away the following day. A year later, she had another son, Alberto, who also died at just two years old. These immense losses deepened her natural melancholic disposition, yet she channeled her sorrow into literature, creating poetry rich in emotion and reflection.

Despite her grief, Caterina transformed her home into a renowned literary salon, attracting Verona’s finest intellectuals and aristocrats. Writers, poets, and scholars gathered there to discuss ideas, literature, and philosophy. Among her close acquaintances were notable figures such as Giuseppe Zamboni, Francesco Paolo Perez, Giovan Battista Carlo Giuliari, and Cesare Betteloni. It was a time of cultural flourishing in Verona, and Caterina was at its heart.

Illness and Legacy

In 1845, after returning from a long journey, her husband found Caterina gravely ill. She underwent extensive treatments, but her health continued to decline. She passed away in her beloved Verona on October 1, 1856. Deeply devoted to her memory, her husband ensured that her writings were published posthumously, preserving her poetic legacy for future generations.

Explore Verona with City Sightseeing Italy

To truly experience the Verona that inspired Caterina Bon Brenzoni, take a journey through the city with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

Begin at Piazza delle Erbe, where Verona’s aristocrats once gathered, much like those who attended Caterina’s literary salon. Then, visit the Church of Sant’Eufemia, where Caterina married Count Brenzoni, marking the beginning of her new intellectual and artistic life.

A stop at Castelvecchio will give you a glimpse into Verona’s artistic heritage, one that Caterina and her husband deeply admired. Lastly, take in the beauty of the Biblioteca Civica di Verona, home to her bust in the Protomoteca, a tribute to her literary contributions.

With the City Sightseeing bus, you can explore Verona at your own pace, immersing yourself in the atmosphere that once inspired one of its greatest poetesses.

A Poetess who lives on

Caterina Bon Brenzoni’s life was filled with both artistic brilliance and personal sorrow, but her legacy remains vibrant. Her poetry, her passion for literature, and her influence on Verona’s cultural scene ensure that her name is not forgotten.

As you journey through the city, whether walking its charming streets or admiring it from the City Sightseeing Italy Bus, take a moment to reflect on the powerful words of a woman who turned pain into poetry and left an indelible mark on Verona’s history.

Giuseppina Turrisi Colonna was a woman ahead of her time. A poet, intellectual, and advocate for progress, she emerged as one of the brightest minds of 19th-century Sicily. In a world where women were often denied a role in cultural and political discourse, she broke barriers with her literary talent and forward-thinking ideas, becoming a symbol of Palermo’s vibrant intellectual scene.

A Life of Poetry and Knowledge

Born in Palermo in 1822 into an aristocratic family, Giuseppina received an exceptional education, something rare for women of her era. Her father, a strong supporter of female education, encouraged her to study literature, philosophy, and languages, allowing her to develop a refined and profound voice as a poet.

Her literary works reflected not only her love for Sicily but also her progressive ideas. She wrote about freedom, patriotism, and the role of women in society, themes that were revolutionary at the time.

Despite her short life (she passed away at just 35) Giuseppina left an indelible mark on Sicilian culture, inspiring future generations of women to pursue education and self-expression.

Palermo: the City that shaped her genius

Palermo was more than just Giuseppina’s home, it was her muse. The city’s history, art, and vibrant intellectual circles influenced her deeply. From the grand palaces of the aristocracy to the lively debates in literary salons, Palermo provided the perfect backdrop for her creative spirit.

Her poetry often evoked the beauty and contradictions of Sicily: a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions, yet struggling with social inequalities. She was particularly passionate about the importance of education as a tool for change, a vision that still resonates today.

Explore Palermo with City Sightseeing Italy

To truly understand Giuseppina Turrisi Colonna’s world, one must explore Palermo’s historical and cultural landmarks. The best way to do so is with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which allows you to experience the city’s beauty at your own pace.

Start your journey at Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, where intellectuals and artists once gathered. Then, hop off at Palazzo dei Normanni, a place that symbolizes Sicily’s layered history, a theme that fascinated Giuseppina in her writing.

Make sure to visit the Orto Botanico, Palermo’s botanical garden, which was a source of inspiration for many poets of the time. With the City Sightseeing bus, you can easily reach these and many other sites, immersing yourself in the Palermo that shaped Giuseppina’s legacy.

A Legacy of Words and Ideas

Though her life was brief, Giuseppina Turrisi Colonna’s influence on Sicilian literature and society was profound. She proved that women could be more than muses, they could be thinkers, writers, and agents of change.

As you explore Palermo, whether strolling through its historic streets or admiring its landmarks from the City Sightseeing Italy Bus, take a moment to reflect on the courage and brilliance of a woman who dared to dream beyond her time. Giuseppina Turrisi Colonna’s voice still echoes through the city she loved, inviting us to discover Sicily through her poetic eyes.

Matilde Serao was one of the most remarkable women in Italian journalism and literature. A trailblazer in a male-dominated world, she was the first woman to found and direct a newspaper in Italy. With her sharp writing and deep understanding of society, she gave a voice to the struggles, dreams, and beauty of Naples, the city she loved and described with unparalleled passion.

A Life Dedicated to Writing

Born in 1856 in Patras, Greece, to an Italian father and a Greek mother, Matilde moved to Naples as a child, where she would develop a profound connection with the city. Despite financial struggles, she pursued an education and soon found her talent in writing. She started her career as a journalist and novelist, quickly gaining recognition for her unique storytelling and ability to capture the essence of Naples.

In 1885, she co-founded Il Mattino, one of Italy’s most important newspapers, alongside her husband Edoardo Scarfoglio. Later, in 1904, she established Il Giorno, becoming the first woman in Italy to direct a major newspaper. Her work was revolutionary, she reported on the lives of ordinary people, denounced social injustices, and shed light on the reality of Naples beyond its picturesque landscapes.

The Naples of Matilde Serao

Through her novels and journalistic pieces, Matilde Serao painted a vivid picture of Naples. She wrote about its vibrant streets, its deep-rooted traditions, and the daily struggles of its people. She did not shy away from discussing poverty, superstition, and the challenges of modernity, yet she also celebrated the city’s resilience and beauty.

Her most famous novel, Il Paese di Cuccagna (The Land of Cockaigne), delves into the obsession with the lottery among Neapolitans, portraying the hope and despair it brings. Other works, like Il Ventre di Napoli (The Belly of Naples), exposed the harsh conditions in the city’s poorest neighborhoods, drawing attention to issues that many preferred to ignore.

Discover Naples with City Sightseeing Italy

To truly experience the city that inspired Matilde Serao, there is no better way than exploring Naples with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

Start your journey in the historic Spaccanapoli, where Serao’s characters and stories come to life among the narrow streets and bustling markets. Then, hop on the bus to visit Piazza del Plebiscito, one of Naples’ most iconic squares, and the National Archaeological Museum, home to treasures that fascinated the writer.

Don’t miss the chance to see San Carlo Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest opera houses, a place Serao often wrote about in her articles. With the convenience of the hop-on hop-off service, you can explore Naples at your own pace, taking in its energy and history just as Matilde Serao once did.

A legacy that lives on

Matilde Serao passed away in 1927, but her legacy remains deeply rooted in Naples. Her fearless journalism and literary works continue to inspire writers, historians, and those who seek to understand the true soul of the city.

As you travel through Naples, whether on foot or aboard the City Sightseeing Italy Bus, take a moment to appreciate the world that Matilde Serao so passionately described. Her words still echo in the streets, the markets, and the people—reminding us that Naples is not just a city, but a living story.

Olimpia Maidalchini, often referred to as “La Papessa” (The Popess), was one of the most powerful and controversial women of 17th-century Rome. As the sister-in-law and close advisor to Pope Innocent X, she wielded immense influence over the Vatican, navigating politics, wealth, and power in an era when women were rarely seen in positions of authority. Her story is one of ambition, intelligence, and strategic maneuvering, making her one of the most fascinating figures in Roman history.

From Humble Origins to the Heights of Power

Born in 1591 in Viterbo, Olimpia came from a modest noble family. Determined to rise above her circumstances, she married into wealth, first to Paolo Nini and later to Pamphilio Pamphilj, a member of the powerful Pamphilj family. This second marriage would change her life forever, as it connected her to Giovanni Battista Pamphilj, who would later become Pope Innocent X.

When her brother-in-law ascended to the papal throne in 1644, Olimpia quickly became one of the most influential figures in Rome. She was his closest advisor, controlling appointments, financial matters, and even influencing church policy. Her political acumen earned her both admiration and resentment, with some referring to her as the true ruler of the Papal States.

The Shadow Behind the Pope

Olimpia’s influence over Pope Innocent X was undeniable. She was involved in appointing cardinals, managing Vatican finances, and making key political decisions. Her power was so extensive that many believed she was the real force behind the papacy. However, her control over the Vatican’s wealth led to accusations of corruption and greed.

Despite the criticism, Olimpia was also a patron of the arts and played a significant role in shaping Baroque Rome. She contributed to the construction of Piazza Navona, including the magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini. Her legacy can still be seen in the grand palaces and churches of Rome, which she helped finance and develop.

Fall from Grace and Legacy

After the death of Pope Innocent X in 1655, Olimpia’s fortunes changed dramatically. Without her protector, she was forced to withdraw from public life and eventually retired to her estate in San Martino al Cimino, where she lived until her death in 1657. Despite her fall from grace, her impact on Rome remained undeniable.

Today, Olimpia Maidalchini is remembered as one of the most formidable women in Vatican history, a woman who defied societal norms to hold power in one of the world’s most male-dominated institutions.

Explore Olimpia’s Rome with City Sightseeing Italy

To truly understand Olimpia Maidalchini’s influence, one must explore the places in Rome that bear her mark. The best way to do this is with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which allows you to visit some of the most iconic landmarks connected to her legacy.

Start at Piazza Navona, where you can admire the stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers, a project she helped fund. Then, hop on the bus to reach St. Peter’s Basilica, where Olimpia once held immense power behind the scenes. Don’t miss Palazzo Pamphilj, now home to the Brazilian Embassy, which was once her family’s grand residence.

With the convenience of the hop-on hop-off service, you can explore Rome’s rich history at your own pace, enjoying panoramic views of the Eternal City while uncovering the fascinating story of Olimpia Maidalchini.

Olimpia Maidalchini’s story is one of power, intelligence, and resilience. Though she was often vilified by her enemies, she was a woman who managed to navigate the complexities of Vatican politics with skill and ambition. Today, as you explore the grandeur of Rome, take a moment to reflect on the legacy of the woman who once ruled from the shadows—Olimpia Maidalchini, the Popess of Rome.

Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the last descendant of the illustrious Medici family, played a crucial role in preserving Florence’s artistic and cultural heritage. Thanks to her foresight and determination, the treasures of the Medici dynasty remained in the city, ensuring that Florence would continue to shine as one of the world’s most important centers of art and history. Her story is one of intelligence, resilience, and a deep love for her homeland.

The Last of the Medici

Born in 1667 in Florence, Anna Maria Luisa was the only daughter of Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici and Marguerite Louise d’Orléans. Raised in the grandeur of the Medici court, she received an exceptional education, particularly in the arts, literature, and politics. Unlike many noblewomen of her time, she was highly involved in cultural and political affairs, demonstrating a keen intellect and strong will.

In 1691, she married Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatine of the Rhine, and moved to Düsseldorf. Although she lived abroad for many years, she remained deeply connected to Florence, maintaining strong ties with her homeland. Her marriage, however, was childless, and when her husband passed away in 1716, she returned to Florence, where she faced the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Medici dynasty.

A Legacy of Cultural Protection

By the time Anna Maria Luisa returned to Florence, the Medici family was on the brink of extinction. Without an heir, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany was set to pass into the hands of the House of Lorraine. Realizing that this transition could lead to the dispersal of the Medici’s vast collection of art, she took a decisive step that would change the course of history.

In 1737, she signed the “Family Pact”, an agreement with the new rulers of Tuscany that ensured the Medici treasures (including paintings, sculptures, books, jewels, and other invaluable works of art) would remain in Florence forever. This act guaranteed that the artistic heritage accumulated by generations of the Medici family would not be taken to foreign lands but would stay in the city to be admired by future generations.

Thanks to her vision, today we can still admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci in Florence’s museums and palaces, such as the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and the Medici Chapels.

Discovering Florence with City Sightseeing Italy

Florence, the city that owes so much to Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, is a must-visit destination for lovers of art, history, and culture. To explore its magnificent landmarks with ease, the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the perfect choice.

This convenient and flexible service allows you to visit Florence at your own pace, stopping at key locations such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace, and the stunning Ponte Vecchio. You can also admire the Medici Chapels, where Anna Maria Luisa herself is buried, honoring the dynasty she fought so hard to preserve.

With panoramic views of Florence’s Renaissance beauty, the hop-on hop-off bus makes it easy to navigate the city while learning about its rich history through the informative audio guide available onboard.

Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici passed away in 1743, marking the end of the Medici dynasty. However, her legacy remains alive in every masterpiece that still graces Florence’s museums and palaces. Without her determination and love for her city, the world might have lost some of its greatest artistic treasures.

Visiting Florence today is a tribute to her extraordinary vision. As you explore the city’s wonders, whether by foot or aboard the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, take a moment to appreciate the woman who made it all possible—the last Medici, Anna Maria Luisa.

The story of Caterina Campodonico, known to most as the “Hazelnut Seller,” is one of the most touching and emotional tales in the history of Genoa. With a stern and authoritative face, Caterina’s life and legacy transcend the simplicity of her humble beginnings. She is not just a symbol of Genoese pride, but also a tribute to all the women who helped shape the city and the surrounding region of Liguria.

A Humble Beginning

Born in 1804 in the Portoria district of Genoa, Caterina came from a poor family. She made a living as a street vendor, but not in the way one might imagine. Unlike most vendors selling clothes or perfumes, Caterina sold canestrelli (a traditional Genovese biscuit) and “reste,” or hazelnut necklaces, which were popular among young couples as symbols of love and good fortune. These simple yet meaningful items would become the foundation of Caterina’s small fortune.

Hazelnut Necklaces and Canestrelli: A Simple Path to Success

The hazelnut necklaces, or reste, were not just decorative; they were considered lucky charms, often purchased by engaged couples as a guarantee of a prosperous and happy marriage. Along with the canestrelli, these humble goods allowed Caterina to save money and eventually build a modest fortune. Despite the simplicity of her products, they played a significant role in her rise, helping her secure a place in Genoa’s history.

A Life Full of Struggles

Life was not always kind to Caterina. She was not considered a great beauty, and her romantic relationships were far from ideal. The most difficult of these relationships was with her husband, Giovanni Carpi, a lazy alcoholic whom she eventually separated from. However, the separation came with a cost, as Caterina was forced to pay him 3,000 francs as part of the settlement.

Her family, particularly her sisters, was not supportive of her entrepreneurial spirit. They thought it improper for a woman to be so independent, especially one who was not married and had no children. Nevertheless, they were well aware of her wealth. She had become the “aunt with money,” and her relatives, despite their criticisms, knew where her fortune had come from.

Caterina’s Revenge and Immortality

Caterina’s relationship with her family soured further when, one day, she fell ill, and instead of offering her support, her relatives began planning to claim her inheritance. However, fate had other plans for her. Caterina survived, and as an act of defiance against her greedy relatives, she commissioned a statue of herself to be created by the sculptor Lorenzo Orengo. This statue would become her tombstone and serve as her eternal monument.

The statue, located at the Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa, captures Caterina’s stern, proud demeanor. The accompanying text, written by the poet Giambattista Vigo, reads:

«A sôn de vende reste e canestrelli
all’Aeguasanta, a-o Garbo, a San Ceprian
con vento e sô, con ægua zù a tinelli,
A-a maè vecciaia pe asseguaghe un pan.
Fra i pochi sodi, m’ammuggiava quelli
pe tramandame a-o tempo ciù lontan
mentre son viva, e son vea portolianna
Cattainin Campodonico (a paisanna)
In questa màe memoia, se ve piaxe
voiatre che passae pregheme paxe»

“While selling necklaces and biscuits at Acquasanta, Garbo, and San Cipriano, through wind and sun, and even pouring rain, to make sure I’d have bread in my old age, I saved a few coins along the way to leave a memory of me in time. While I’m alive and truly from Portoria, Caterina Campodonico (the peasant woman). If you like this memory of mine,please, as you pass by, pray for my peace.”

This inscription reflects her humble beginnings and the resilience that defined her life. The statue, which depicts Caterina with a serious yet proud expression, showcases her wearing a fringed shawl, a brocaded skirt, and her beloved hazelnut necklace and canestrelli.

The Legacy of Caterina Campodonico

Caterina passed away on July 7, 1882, but her legacy lives on through the statue that continues to draw visitors, many of whom seek a bit of good fortune from her monument. Some even claim that the numbers from her death date have led them to win big in the lottery, further cementing her place in Genoa’s cultural lore.

Today, the statue of Caterina Campodonico stands in the Staglieno Cemetery, one of the most beautiful and historic places in Genoa. The cemetery is known for its stunning sculptures and remarkable tombs, and Caterina’s is among the most visited. The marble statue, with its detailed depiction of the “Hazelnut Seller,” remains a testament to her resilience, pride, and contribution to Genoa’s history.

Discovering Genoa with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

While visiting the statue at Staglieno Cemetery, one can also explore the rest of the beautiful city of Genoa. To make the most of your visit, consider taking the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. This convenient bus tour allows you to discover the highlights of Genoa, including its stunning palaces, museums, and the famous Genoa Aquarium. The bus will take you through the city’s charming streets, past historical landmarks, and give you the flexibility to stop at key locations such as the Royal Palace of Genoa and the Museum of Oriental Art.

The hop-on hop-off service makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and you can even take a moment to visit the Staglieno Cemetery to pay your respects to this remarkable woman who became an enduring symbol of Genoese pride and resilience.

Caterina Campodonico’s life story is one of humble beginnings, personal hardship, and eventual triumph. From selling hazelnut necklaces to becoming an immortal symbol in Genoa’s history, her legacy is one of resilience and independence. Her statue at Staglieno Cemetery remains an important part of the city’s cultural heritage, drawing visitors who are curious about her life and seeking a bit of good fortune. A visit to Genoa offers the opportunity to learn about Caterina’s life and explore the rich history of this beautiful city—best experienced with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.