Renamed Public Space in Villafranca Honors Women: "Celebrating the Area Cleansed of Degradation"
Celebrating the Everlasting Feminine Spirit - a salute to the women of yesterday, tomorrow, and those who've left their mark, passing on a legacy.
Saturday, June 14th, marks the introduction of Women's Square in Villafranca, scheduled for 10:30 AM. In this space, you'll find the verses of Nobel laureate Wislawa Szymborska inscribed on a steel panel, standing as a testament to the ongoing battle against gender-based violence: "Where does she run, will she not tire?/But no, just a little, a lot, it doesn't matter" - a poignant reminder etched within the square/museum. Artist Giorgia Sanlorenzo's sculptures shine here, bringing to life elements of the feminine form.
A Crusade for Regeneration
The resurgence of Via Roma took root within the municipality. The vision is to make this area a beacon symbolizing the fight against violence against women. The transformation started with the acquisition of two dilapidated houses - their presence previously obscured by construction barriers - right across from the town hall, at the heart of the town. Ironically, one of these houses once housed Maria Teresa Novara, a young woman brutally taken and later found lifeless in a farmhouse back in 1969. Both houses were later demolished. This destruction signifies transformation and sends a firm statement: No to gender-based violence.
As the municipality explains, "By tearing down the architectural obstacles, after a year of labor, the new urban space will emerge: an elevated viewpoint, designed with carefully crafted wooden planking and a long stone bench, embellished with sculptures."
A Summer Gathering Spot
Mayor Anna Macchia shares her thoughts: "The cornerstones that define the square honor our commitment to dedicate a space to women, arising from the ashes of decay. Our purpose is to commemorate the feminine cosmos, to women yet to grace our presence and those we've bid farewell, like Maria Teresa Novara - a message that resounds against gender-based violence, which has recently seen a distressing surge of tragedies in Italy."
In the municipality's vision, "the square will serve as a social hub in the summer months, later assuming a parking function to support commercial activities and citizens needing to attend municipal matters. Yet, on Saturdays and Sundays, it will return to its pedestrian nature."
The inauguration ceremony will feature, after the mayor's welcome, a discussion of the area's transformation by Mauro Pittarelli, head of the municipality's technical office, and Renato Morra, the project's architect and director of works. Following this, Giorgia Sanlorenzo will present her sculptures. The event will conclude with a reading of "Portrait of a Woman" by councilor Delfina Noto.
- The upcoming transformation of Via Roma aims to create a symbolic beacon against gender-based violence, as illustrated in the new urban space, which integrates law, science, and art, including the sculptures of Giorgia Sanlorenzo that highlight aspects of women's health and mental health.
- The inauguration of Women's Square, scheduled for June 14th, will also include a discussion on the area's regeneration, shedding light on principles of urban planning and design, further demonstrating the intersection of law and lifestyle in the development of the space.
- As part of the gathering, there will be a reading of "Portrait of a Woman" by councilor Delfidina Noto, emphasizing the importance of women's health, well-being, and their role in society, ultimately underlining the connection between home-and-garden (symbolizing nurturing and comfort) and the empowerment of women.
