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Mark Twain once wisely remarked, “the true charm of pedestrianism does not lie in the walking, or in the scenery, but in the talking,” which perfectly capture the essence of Italy’s cherished tradition – the passeggiata.
Back in my London days, Sunday walks meant embarking on epic journeys through the English countryside. Undoubtedly, many around the world share similar experiences, walking with a purpose – whether it’s reaching a destination, achieving a goal, or shedding a few extra calories. However, for an Italian, the act of walking has very little to do with purpose and physical effort.
So, let’s embark on a captivating exploration of the world of the Italian passeggiata, so that when the time is right for your next journey to Italy, you’ll be well-prepared for the magic that awaits.
What exactly is the Italian passeggiata?
The term “passeggiata” encapsulates the practice of leisurely strolling along the main street of a town in the company of family or friends. It’s a veritable social ritual that involves walking with no particular purpose other than socializing, staying together… and digesting!
Yes, the passeggiata is also our secret weapon against post-meal lethargy. After savoring mamma’s Sunday lunch, we often take to the streets to help our body digest – all while making room for that extra scoop of gelato or another espresso, of course!
But most importantly, it’s a see-and-be-seen occasion, particularly in small towns and villages. In fact, you could think of it as our very own version of a red carpet! We make it a point to dress impeccably (rule number one: fare bella figura) and make our way to the historic center. Here, we can stroll along the same street for hours, a practice that youngsters nicknamed vasca (lap) due to its lap-like nature.
Along the way, we engage in a bit of window shopping, treating ourselves to impromptu aperitivos or a refreshing gelato. And of course, we indulge in a fair share of gossip – a cherished pastime where we discuss the latest happenings, from new couples and newborns to divorces and upcoming weddings. It’s not necessarily scandalous; rather, it’s just a way to keep up to date with the latest community news. To understand what I mean, just watch the scene of people heading to mass on Christmas Eve in the movie Parenti Serpenti!
A social affair for everyone
The passeggiata is a community affair, drawing in participants from every age group, from infants in their strollers to seniors all caught up in animated conversations about politics.
There are friends catching up on each other’s life, couples of all ages strolling arm in arm, and entire families hanging out together. And then you’ll see teenagers often walking in large, cheerful groups, busy taking selfies and navigating their first crushes.
Ah, how many love stories have sprouted from furtive glances exchanged during the passeggiata! To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, Italian sociologist Giovanna Del Negro, in her book “The Passeggiata and Popular Culture in an Italian Town,” describes the passeggiata as a “socially sanctioned opportunity for flirting and courting.”
The when and where of the passeggiata
The passeggiata typically unfolds during weekends, often becoming the highlight of the day. However, in bustling metropolises like Milan and Rome, you’ll see people enjoying a passeggiata also on weekdays, when it is a delightful post-work ritual.
Come Saturday, the passeggiata can start in the late afternoon, extending into the evening, particularly during the long summer nights. On Sundays, the tradition takes a different rhythm, with people partaking in a passeggiata either late in the morning or during the afternoon.
These delightful strolls commonly take place along the Corso, the town’s main street, and around the central piazza. In Rome, the iconic Via del Corso and Piazza Navona are popular destinations, while Naples boasts its own charming spots like Via Toledo, Via Chiaia, and Via Caracciolo. Other examples include Via Roma in Padova, Via Maqueda in Palermo, Strada Nuova in Pavia, and Via Trinchese in Lecce.
Along the coast, the lungomare (seafront) is another wonderful location for a passeggiata. Among my personal favorites is the beautiful Lungomare Trieste in Salerno.
A brief history of the passeggiata
Already for the ancient Greeks and Romans, walking played a pivotal role in shaping social and cultural dynamics. In Roman cities, for instance, porticoes served not only as commercial hubs but also as sheltered spaces for leisurely strolls protected from the sun and rain.
The Corso, the central thoroughfare where the tradition of the Italian passeggiata evolved over centuries, aligned precisely with the cardus maximus or decumanus maximus of ancient Roman towns. Originally hosting significant political events, the Corso gradually transformed into a public space for promenades, attracting both the local elite, who traversed it in coaches, and the working class, who wandered on foot.
The passeggiata became a beloved pastime, weaving its way from quaint hamlets to bustling cities across the peninsula. And centuries later, it continues to be a cherished Italian tradition.
I love learning about the different traditions in countries. I hadn’t heard of this one before so I really enjoyed your post!
Didn’t know about the practice of la passeggiata, fun and interesting to read!
So fun!! Makes me want to visit Italy even more now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sara! x
We Italians love a good passeggiata 🙂
Thanks so much Krista!
I am italian and this thing is completely made up. We walk exactly like other people, sometimes with a precise destination, sometimes for just walking, sometimes to see if we meet somebody around and sometimes with headphones willing to meet no one. Dear author, less Godfather movies and more Milan.
Ciao Andrea! I’m not talking about the act of walking in itself, but rather about the significance of the passeggiata in Italian culture, which is pretty fascinating 🙂
Hello everyone! I am Italian, and I live in Padua! I have read the article and confirm that for us, it is normal to take a stroll without a specific destination, just to “fare un giro!” It’s also a way to spend time with family or friends without using technology or to enjoy nature and chat.
Ciao Elisa, verissimo 😊
We, Italians, also do it when we are abroad because we don’t know that this is a peculiarity of Italy.
This tradition was maintained in the old Italian – American little Italy’s in New York City – Boston and many other immigrant cities . Amunini di na pasaggiatta !
Alla Calabrese
I’m Italian and I love to go for a passeggiata with my girlfriend. She is from Texas and loves walking too.
We think that it’s an important moment for us because we don’t have any distraction by technology so we can talk about our problems and make a real connection between us. It’s not just walking but it’s talking too.
I’m come from Napoli and I was very surprised when I was in Texas for work and I didn’t find a place where people walk, apart from the shopping centers where everyone walks leaning on carts full of things (which they sometimes forget in the parking lot).
the walk after eating also helps you digest
Absolutely!😉