Selfie with the Emperor

Art & Culture

11 October 2019

Art & Culture

Selfie with the Emperor

If you see the word emperor, who comes to mind?
In this case, I’m speaking of Napoleon. An eminent historical figure who left quite a mark on my region.
In FVG lots of history has been made. As a border area the great powers have fought over it many times.
And luckily we have ultra-modern time machines to give us a live glimpse into what happened.
Do you know what these amazing time machines are called? Re-enactments. They are live events which everyone can take part in. On the Napoleon theme there are two in particular.
One is “Palma alle armi - 1809 L'Assedio” - Palma in Arms - 1809, the Siege - held at Palmanova, the famous star shaped UNESCO heritage town. For the occasion the town turns into a large set with a calendar packed with dates, culminating precisely in a re-enactment of the battle.
If you go to the camp of the armies taking part in the battle you get to hear stories on the weapons, life at the camp, the events around the siege and what this battle meant in political and geographical terms. With a bit of luck you’ll meet Napoleon himself and take a selfie with the great emperor.

Another opportunity to travel through time is at Porcia, against the backdrop of Villa Correr Dolfin and through its historic centre. The Camolli or Sacile Battle of 1809 is being re-enacted. It’s a great opportunity to visit the cathedral bell tower which is generally closed.
History feels very different when you really walk within it. When you smell the gunpowder or hear the sound of a band of soldiers marching, when you cross the camp and peep into the well-lined up tents. You become part of history.
And you might end up sitting at the bar surrounded by French and Austrian soldiers who are finally, centuries later, not fighting each other anymore.

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Ariella Colavizza

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Curiosity, a love of nature and the magical bond it has with man. My passion? Making walking a wellbeing experience, in inner life terms too. All in low gear. The right speed is that which enables us to keep experiencing things.