I remember the architect Vasari who, in the 16th century, redesigned the ancient Piazza delle Sette Strade. He combined urban planning with art as only he knew how, he joined the fortified Torre del Conte to the adjoining house and created an arch which covers the road beneath. I have been named after the clock which has marked the passing of time ever since Vasari set it over the arch.Vasari also decorated the old civic building with monochrome engravings and called it: Il Palazzo della Carovana, which since the nineteenth century has been the see of the Scuola Normale Superiore which is recognised all over the world as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education. Thus was born Piazza dei Cavalieri a square of rare charm which, even today, rivals in beauty the nearby and best known Piazza dei Miracoli.
Thousands of students have come and gone through our University, some of them have helped to shape the history, progress and the civilisation of mankind. Amongst the many, I recall with particular affection a tender, frail boy who I used to see from a window opposite to mine; he was always writing wrapped in shawl.One day, as he passed by, I glanced amongst his many papers, a sheet which had been corrected in his minute handwriting. They were the verses destined for immortality: “Silvia rimembri ancora quel tempo della tua vita mortale...” (Silvia do you still remember the time when you were alive...).
From a plaque which is now placed under that window I know that he was the famous poet Giacomo Leopardi.I am ready to give hospitality in my beautiful rooms to many visitors and I shall be able, at long last, to tell this and many other stories to the many new friends who will come and enjoy my house.
