Via Atena: A Tale of the Past
Table of Contents
- Via Athena: Memories Shared at Empedocleo club Event
- Via Athena: A Journey Through Agrigento’s Beloved Street
- What was the Empedocleo Cultural Circle event about?
- What made Via Athena so special?
- When was Via Athena a popular spot for socializing?
- Who shared thier insights about via Athena during the event?
- What kind of businesses were located on Via Athena?
- Who were some of the participants who shared their stories?
- Can I watch a video about the event?
- What is the Chamber of commerce clock tower?
- Key Takeaways:
the Empedocleo Cultural Circle recently hosted an evening of reminiscences centered on Agrigento‘s Via Athena, once a vibrant hub of city life. The event, titled “Facts and Misdeeds in Via Athena,” drew a crowd eager to share their memories of the street.
A Stroll down Memory Lane
Attendees recalled a time when Via Athena, often called Agrigento’s ”city living room,” was characterized by bustling shops, pedestrian traffic, and minimal automobile presence. The street, also known as “Rain” and “Forced Course,” served as a central thoroughfare for residents.
From 5 p.m. onward, Via Athena became a popular spot for an evening stroll, a place for citizens to connect. As twilight approached, the pedestrian flow intensified, creating a constant movement from Porta di ponte to the Chamber of Commerce clock tower. The clock tower, with its pseudo-gothic design, has stood at the road’s upper end for two centuries.
Historical Insights and Anecdotes
Mario Scaglia, an expert on Girgenti’s traditions, captivated the audience with historical insights and anecdotes. Scaglia wove together verses, proverbs, and metaphors, evoking memories of the past.
Among the recollections were the fabric shop, remembered as “panner,” reminiscent of Pirandello’s works. other notable establishments included Antonino Messina & brother, known for British and national fabrics, and the shops of Errico Di Martino & Figli and Giovanni Sinatra. Jewelers such as Torricelli, Garofalo, Quail, Bonanno, and CELI MENALIPPO & son were also fondly remembered.
Footwear shops like Stuck, CESARII, Russo & Zambito, Trapani, and Carried, along with pharmacies such as Avema, GIANDALIA, Romano, Arturo Nastri, Myceli, and ICI Castagni, were also mentioned. These pharmacies offered medicinal specialties,hygiene products,soaps,and even cognacs and chocolates.
Participants
Alberto Todaro, Calogero Sodano, Vittorio Messina, Mimmo Ferraro, and minnella contributed their stories of Via Athena during the event.
Elio Di Bella led the meeting.
note: A video related to this event can be found here.
Via Athena: A Journey Through Agrigento’s Beloved Street
Welcome to a nostalgic trip down via Athena, the historic heart of Agrigento! Dive into the memories shared at the recent Empedocleo Cultural Circle event, ”Facts and Misdeeds in Via Athena.” We’ll explore the street’s vibrant past, the cherished businesses, and the people who made it a cherished place.
What was the Empedocleo Cultural Circle event about?
The empedocleo Cultural Circle organized an evening dedicated to reminiscing about Via Athena, a significant street in Agrigento’s history. The event, titled “Facts and Misdeeds in via Athena,” aimed to gather and share memories of the street’s vibrant past.
What made Via Athena so special?
Via Athena, fondly called Agrigento’s “city living room,” held a special place in the hearts of residents. It was a bustling hub of activity characterized by:
- Bustling shops
- Heavy pedestrian traffic
- Minimal automobile presence
It was also known by other names such as “Rain” and “Forced Course” and served as a central thoroughfare for the city.
From 5 p.m. onward, Via Athena became a popular spot for an evening stroll. It was a place where citizens connected, and as twilight approached, the pedestrian flow intensified, creating a constant movement from Porta di Ponte to the Chamber of Commerce clock tower.
Mario Scaglia, an expert on Girgenti’s traditions, captivated the audience with past insights and anecdotes. He wove together verses, proverbs, and metaphors to evoke memories of the past.
What kind of businesses were located on Via Athena?
via Athena was home to a variety of shops and businesses. Here’s a glimpse of what was remembered:
- Fabric Shops: The fabric shop,reminiscent of Pirandello’s works,was fondly remembered as “panner”.
- fabric Retailers: Antonino Messina & brother, known for British and national fabrics, Errico Di Martino & Figli, and Giovanni Sinatra.
- Jewelers: Torricelli, Garofalo, Quail, Bonanno, and CELI MENALIPPO & son
- Footwear Shops: Stuck, CESARII, Russo & Zambito, Trapani, and Carried
- Pharmacies: Avema, GIANDALIA, Romano, Arturo Nastri, Myceli, and ICI Castagni. These pharmacies sold medicinal specialties, hygiene products, soaps and offered even cognacs and chocolates.
Alberto Todaro, Calogero Sodano, vittorio Messina, Mimmo Ferraro, and Minnella were among those who shared their stories of Via Athena during the event. Elio Di Bella led the meeting.
Can I watch a video about the event?
Yes! A video related to this event can be found here.
What is the Chamber of commerce clock tower?
The Chamber of Commerce clock tower, with its pseudo-gothic design, has stood at the upper end of Via Athena for two centuries. It is indeed a well-known landmark.
Key Takeaways:
To summarize the essence of Via Athena, and the event, here is a table of relevant details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Title | “Facts and Misdeeds in Via Athena” |
| organizer | Empedocleo Cultural Circle |
| Focus | Sharing memories of Via Athena (Agrigento) |
| Key Features | Bustling shops, pedestrian traffic, evening strolls |
| Historical Importance | Referred to as Agrigento’s “city living room” |