JACOB JR, MY JEWISH WORLD. DOMODOSSOLA/ITALY

Sunday, Cheshvan 23, 5778. November 12, 2017.

Shalom! World. Wanderlust.

Domodossola has always been a focal point for the seven surrounding valleys (Anzasca, Antrona, Bognanco, Antigori, Divedro, Formazza, Vigezzo). It has the character of afrontier town, and is an important railway junction between Italy and Switzerland.

An ancient Roman province, it acquired its name (from the Latin "Domus Oxulae", where "Domus" means an administrative capital with the main church of  the area) following the establishment of Christianity in the Ossola region.

The medieval town centre has preserved intact its very fine Piazza Mercato, an irregularly-shaped square surrounded by elegante bourgeois buildings graced with loggias and balconies. One of the most culturally active theatres in the province, the Teatro Galleti, opens onto the square. Of great historical interest is Via Briona, where the 14th century Briona Tower stands.

Another 14th century building is the Renaissance palazzo Palazzo Silva, now a museum displaying Etruscan and Roman finds, and fragments of Egyptian mummies. The exterior of the building is embellished with door and window frames made entirely from local Crevoladossola marble.

The Motta district also takes us back into the past; there are still buildings here with larch wood balconies from the late Middle Ages, looking onto Piazza Fontana with its beautiful on an octagonal base.

Shalom! Aleichem.

Cultural Support:  Jacob Jr. B.A.C.E., avec L'Integration d'Association avec Israel et dans le Monde/Cz.