What are the secret Italian legends?
Welcome to the 26th episode of the Italy Made Easy Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a world where reality and fantasy blur – the world of Italian legends.
In Italy, legends are much more than just simple bedtime stories. They are ancient narratives that explain the origins of our traditions, the reasons for natural phenomena, or the strange names given to historic buildings and landscapes. These tales date back centuries, with some reaching all the way back to the Middle Ages.
What is the Monkey Tower in Rome?
If you ever find yourself wandering near the famous Piazza Navona in Rome, you might notice a 16th-century tower with a peculiar name: La Torre della Scimmia (The Monkey Tower). Why would a noble palace belonging to prominent families like the Frangipane or Scapucci carry such an odd title? And why is there a small light perpetually burning next to a statue of the Virgin Mary at the very top?
According to local legend, the owners of the tower kept a pet monkey. One day, the mischievous creature snatched the family's newborn baby and carried it to the highest point of the tower. Terrified onlookers watched from below as the parents prayed for a miracle.
Suddenly, the father had an idea: he gave the familiar whistle he used when playing with the pet. Hearing the call, the monkey climbed back down and placed the baby safely in its cradle. In gratitude, the father placed a lamp on top of the tower, vowing it would never go out. While the “flying baby” part might be a bit of a stretch, it’s very likely that a pet monkey lived there – exotic animals were a status symbol for Roman nobles – and that a near-tragedy led to a lasting tradition of faith.
The Orco Valley in Piedmont: What Is It?
Moving north to the beautiful region of Piedmont, we find a place with a name that sounds like it belongs in a dark fairytale: La Valle dell’Orco (The Ogre’s Valley). Usually, ogres are the “bad guys,” but in this valley, the legend tells a story of sacrifice and heroism.
Long ago, a kind ogre and his wife lived peacefully in the valley. Their lives were disrupted when a group of gold-hungry, fire-breathing dragons moved in, burning villages and leaving the locals in poverty. The ogre tried to fight them off but was killed by dragon fire. His wife tried to avenge him by poisoning the dragons' water source, but she, too, met a tragic end.
Inspired by the ogres' bravery, the villagers eventually rose up, captured the dragons, and defeated them. To honor the couple who gave their lives for the valley, the people named the area “The Valley of the Ogre“. It’s a story of gratitude and community that still defines the spirit of the region today.
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