• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
    • Awards & Honors, Pomp & Circumstance
  • Blog
    • Modern, 18th, 19th Century
    • Baroque, Rococo
    • Renaissance
    • Ancient, Roman, Medieval
    • Culture, Festivals, Music, Literature
    • Art News, Current Events
  • FaceBook
  • Pinterest
  • Italian with Melissa
    • Studentessa Matta Italian Site
    • Learn Italian at home with Melissa
    • Study in Italy with Melissa
  • Melissa’s Books
    • Melissa’s Author Website
  • Store
  • Sign Up & Connect
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Art of Loving Italy

Art of Loving Italy

Art & Beauty are all around us.

Love letters from Juliet

February 14, 2023 by Melissa Muldoon Leave a Comment

love-letters-juliet-secretaries-verona-Club-Giulietta-film-Amanda-Seyfried
Photo Credit: Studentessa Matta

(To read this in Italian, visit the Studentessa Matta website)

Verona has long been considered
“the” city of love based on several literary traditions.

Verona has long been considered “the” city of love based on several literary traditions. It is, after all, the fabled setting of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. There you will find Juliet’s house and tomb. You will also find the famed balcony under which a love-struck boy professed his feelings to a young woman from a rival family.

Photo Credit: Adobe Photo Stock

The city was also home to Dante. When he was exiled from Florence, he ended his days in Verona, writing the Divina Commedia. In his story, Dante expresses his admiration for Beatrice, the woman who represents his concept of the most desirable woman in the world. To honor the poet, a statue of Dante was placed in Piazza dei Signori, just a few steps away from Juliet’s home.

love-letters-juliet-secretaries-verona-Club-Giulietta-film-Amanda-Seyfried
Photo Credit: Studentessa Matta

So, it is no wonder that every Valentine’s day, the citizens of Verona celebrate by constructing a large red heart in the middle of the central square – Piazza delle Erbe.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

It is easy to imagine that in a city used to celebrating love, you will also find “love” secretaries, or the “secretaries of Juliet.” They are a corp of romantics who, in the name of Juliet, as she is the embodiment of romantic love, will respond to letters written by the lovelorn and those seeking relationship advice.

love-letters-juliet-secretaries-verona-Club-Giulietta-film-Amanda-Seyfried
Photo Credit: Club di Giulietta—Juliette’s Secretaries

The story of the Juliet Letters started in the 1930s when Ettore Solimani, the guardian of Juliet’s Tomb, began gathering the first letters people left at the grave and, moved by this phenomenon — started replying, thus becoming the first “Juliet’s secretary.”

Then in 1972, the responsibility of responding to the letters was passed on to Giulio Tamassia and a group of artists and scholars united by a passion for the Shakespearian legend. It was Tamassia’s idea to start the Juliet Club — a group of individuals who collect, read, translate, and respond to each letter sent to Juliet from all over the world. Then each letter is preserved in the Club Juliet’s archives along with thousands of other love stories.

Photo Credit: Club di Giulietta

Despite our technological age, where emails, tweets, and WhatsApp messages are a primary form of communication, Juliet’s secretaries continue to respond through handwritten letters. The secretaries seek not to give advice but rather offer compassion and understanding. It is a sign in the universe that someone is listening.

love-letters-juliet-secretaries-verona-Club-Giulietta-film-Amanda-Seyfried
Photo Credit: From the Film “Letters to Juliette”

The mystic of Juliet’s love letters is very moving. It is the powerful stuff of romance and dreams. So much so that Juliet’s secretaries have been the topic of books and even a movie plot. In 2010 “Letters to Juliet,” starring Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan, and Vanessa Redgrave hit the movie theaters. It is a cute, romantic comedy about an English woman who finds love fifty years after writing a letter to Juliet. I liked this movie not only for the beautiful shots of Verona and Tuscany but for the Italian music that was selected to give a touch of authenticity.

More recently, I read an article in the papers about Glenn Dixon, a Canadian English professor. It seems Glenn resolved his love issues and found true love after becoming an emissary for Juliet. He penned a memoir working for Juliet called “Juliet’s Answer: One Man’s Search for Love and the Elusive Cure for Heartbreak.”

I, too, have become a fan of Juliet and her letters and love that can be found in Verona. I have wandered the city streets where Dante walked, and Juliet fell in love with Romeo. I like the romance of it so much — in my new novel about Italy called “Dreaming Sophia,” my character Sophia receives encouragement from Juliet standing in her courtyard, where she learns a new private language of love.

love-letters-juliet-secretaries-verona-Club-Giulietta-film-Amanda-Seyfried
Photo Credit: Club di Giulietta—Juliette’s Secretaries

If you want to write a letter to Juliet, here is the address. You will be answered.

Juliet Club
Corso Santa Anastasia 29, 37133
Verona, Italy

love-letters-juliet-secretaries-verona-Club-Giulietta-film-Amanda-Seyfried

To get your copy of Dreaming Sophia click here

Share this post

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Email

Related Posts

Filed Under: Film, Theater, Italian Festivals, Culture

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment. I love hearing from you in English or Italian! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to the Art of Loving Italy Blog

Follow along on Instagram @studentessamatta

Matta per l’Italia! That’s me! La Studentessa Matta per l’Italia! That’s me! La Studentessa Matta! I’m Crazy for Italy!

Are you crazy in love with Italy and the language too? Are you learning Italian but have no one to practice with? Do you need a language coach or want to practice Italian conversation skills? Want to join an Italian Book club and read a novel in Italian?

Or perhaps you want to learn Italian in Italy and immerse in the language and culture?

Join me on my website for lots of Italian language learning fun! I’ve got lots of ways for you to practice and improve.

Many times, I’ve heard, “I can read and understand Italian, but when I speak, I get tongue-tied!” Sound familiar? Now you can practice Italian Conversation with me, loosen your tongue, and polish your language skills regularly. Do you need help with Italian grammar? Now you can schedule Italian Lessons to improve your language abilities. We will kick the tires and check the gearbox to get your “Italian Language Vespa’s” motor running smoothly and efficiently.

Or join me in Italy to learn the language on one of my specially designed programs with one of my partner schools. Learn in the classroom in the morning, and join me on excursions and adventures in the afternoon to keep practicing and learning more Italian!

In 2023 I have three small group programs planned with my partner schools in Arezzo in June, Lucca at the end of August, and Montepulciano in September! 

Join me, and let’s love Italy and Italian together! Improve your fluency and understanding of this beautiful language with me — la Matta!

For information about online language lessons with Melissa, the Studentessa Matta or to learn more and to sign up for one of the Matta 2023 Italian Language Immersion programs visit the www.StudentessaMatta.com website. Links in bio.

#ItalianLanguageProgram #ItalyStudyAbroad #SpeakItalian #StudentessaMatta #italianLanguage #TravelItaly #ItalianCulture #italian #ItalianVerbs #ItalianLessons #ARezzo #Montepulciano #LuccaItalianSchool #GiostraSaracino #LuccaWall #MontepulcianoWine #studyitalian
Love Italy!?!? Love the language? Do I have an ide Love Italy!?!? Love the language? Do I have an idea for you! 

How about packing your bags and heading to Montepulciano, Italy to learn Italian with Melissa the Studentessa Matta? Che bello! 

2023 Matta and Il Sasso Montepulciano Language Program: September, 10 - 22

Not only will you improve your language skills, but you’ll also get to indulge in the scrumptious Italian cuisine and wine, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Tuscany. 

It’s the perfect blend of learning and adventure, and who knows, you might even make some new Italian friends along the way. 

Montepulciano is a beautiful town located in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and delicious food and wine. The town has a rich cultural heritage and is home to numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Melissa the Studentessa Matta is an experienced Italian language teacher who has a passion for teaching the language and sharing her knowledge and love of Italy with others. Her language courses are designed to be immersive and engaging, and she uses a variety of teaching methods to help her students learn and practice Italian in a fun and effective way.

Learning Italian with Melissa in Montepulciano would allow you to not only improve your language skills but also experience Italian culture firsthand. You would have the opportunity to interact with locals, try authentic Italian cuisine, and visit historic landmarks and museums. By learning Italian in Montepulciano with Melissa, you would be able to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and cultural events to enhance your learning experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go Italiano! Andiamo!

For more information and to sign up for the September Matta Montepulciano program find links in bio.

#LearnItalian #ItalianLanguage #ItalianCulture #ItalianExperience #StudentessaMatta #Montepulciano #Tuscany #ItalyTravel #TravelToItaly #LanguageLearning #CulturalImmersion #LaDolceVita #LanguageTravel #ExploreItaly #ItalianAdventure #LanguageClasses #SpeakItalian #ItalyStudyAbroad
The best way to keep up with your Italian is by li The best way to keep up with your Italian is by listening to audiobooks in Italian. There are lots of good books on Amazon Audible! 

Here are my latest listening stats: In the last four months, you pressed play on 23 titles, listened for 9,138 mins, averaged 76 min/day, and devoured 327 min on Feb 12. 

Il modo migliore per stare a passo con il tuo italiano e ascoltare gli audiobook. Ci sono tanti libri su amazon Audible! 

Buon ascolto! Buona lettura.

Happy listening! Happy reading!

Find Italian novels and audiobooks on the Matta Amazon Italian Page - Books, gifts & more!

Link in bio to my Amazon store page

#audiobooksItalian #Audible #AmazonAudible #AmazonItalia #StudentessaMatta #learnItalian #ReadBooks #listenbookshelfgetoutofmyway
The Italian Subjunctive — il Congiuntivo — how The Italian Subjunctive — il Congiuntivo — how to conquer this great big beautiful ugly beast!

New post on the Studentessa Matta Website!

Ah, the dreaded congiuntivo - the Italian subjunctive mood! It terrorizes many people and gives them the chills as if it were a terrifying ogre that eats innocent students for breakfast. 

Are you too afraid of this intimidating beast!? 

The Italian Subjunctive mood is not all that scary, and it's time to demystify and make friends with it! 

In a new post on the Studentessa Matta blog you will understand the congiuntivo better, what it is, what triggers it, how to conjugate it, and how to use it with many practical examples. Puoi farcela! You can do it! You can conquer and tame the subjunctive and use it like a real Italian!

#Congiuntivo #ItalianGrammar #italianLanguage #ItalianVerbs#SubjunctiveMood #GrammarNerd #ItalianCulture #ItalianSyntax #SpeakItalian #StudentessaMatta #LearnItalialn #italian grammar #italianverbs #ItalianLesson #SpeakItalialn #italiancongiuntivo
New film review of Rapiniamo il Duce (Robbing Muss New film review of Rapiniamo il Duce (Robbing Mussolini) on the Studentessa Matta blog site.

Rapiniamo il Duce (Robbing Mussolini) is a new Netflix fiction action film partially based on actual events. 

It was well-known that Mussolini had a secret stash of treasures hidden away and heavily guarded. It contained all the gold, jewels, money, paintings, and precious objects he had stolen from the Italian people in the name of Fascism. In the final days of the war, to save himself, Mussolini fled north. 

We all know what fate befell the Duce and where he ended up, but what happened to his treasure and where it is now is still a mystery. In this new movie, a band of misfit thieves set out to steal the stash in the confusion of the last days of the war. 

Read my review, listen to music from the film, and feast your eyes on some of the fantastic costumes. 

#RobbingMussolini #RapiniamoIlDuce #ItalianCinema #NetflixOriginal #HeistMovie #PoliticalSatire #ComedyFilmItalian #HistoricalFiction #Fascism #ItalianResistance #Antifascist #ItalianCulturalHeritage #ArtTheft #ItalianHistory #Mussolini #Duce #DuceLostTreasure #OutrageousPlot #PracticeItalian #FilmItalian #StudentessaMatta
On today's date, in 2019, "Eternally Artemisia” On today's date, in 2019, "Eternally Artemisia” was published! Publication day is always a special date to remember and celebrate as it represents a huge milestone in the life of an author! I loved writing this story and I miss the days of living in Artemisia's world! 

The novel celebrates Artemisia Gentisleschi, the 17th-Century painter; her art and spirit are shown through various lifetimes. 

The story also explores the idea that when there is a profound attachment between two souls, who experience life so intensely and passionately, they are cosmically bound together. They endure through all seasons, never fading away, and are fated to meet repeatedly.

Find your copy of "Eternally Artemisia" on Amazon in print, epub for Kindle, and as an Audiobook. Links in Bio.

#Artemisia Gentileschi #EternallyArtemisia #Florence #Rome #Baroque #TimeTravel #SearchingUniverse #StrongWomen #EternalLove #NovelItaly #RenaissanceItaly #IsabellaMedici #Medici #Florence #Firenze #Arezzo #Rome #MussoliniHistory #SophiaLoren #SofonisbaAnguissola #Michelangelo #artHistory #ItalyNovel #ItalyArt #italytravel
Literal translations are like a slippery banana pe Literal translations are like a slippery banana peel on a language learner’s path to fluency! 

Think of it like this: translating word for word from your native language is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn’t work! 

You need to learn the unique shape and style of the language you’re learning, just like you need to find the right shape and size of the puzzle piece to complete the picture.

I’ve compiled a list of expressions using FARE, PRENDERE, and AVERE to guide you. Look it over, familiarize yourself with the particular usages, and check out some idiomatic expressions using these verbs. 

Start reading and listening more in Italian; soon, your ear will recognize these expressions, which will start sounding more natural. 

And hey, if you slip on a grammatical “banana peel,” remember language learning is a journey, so just pick yourself up and keep going!

#ItalianGrammar #ItalianExpressions #StudentessaMatta #ItalianConversation #Fare #Prendere #Avere #ItalianVerbs #ExpressYourselfinItalian #ItalianLearningTips #ItalianCommunication #FaSenso #AvereFame #PrendersiInGiro #PrendereSole #Fareunafoto

Melissa Muldoon © 2023 Built with and Genesis Framework by Bellano Web Studio