Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
The
Beautiful Walled City of Lecce, Italy at
Night
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Currency Converter
Lecce is a romantic city
inspired by its
Baroque
charm.
During the day, the
sunlight hits the yellowish-cream colored stone and inspires photographers,
writers and artists everywhere.
But Lecce at night brings
out a whole other style of glamour and grace.
Take a look!
Outdoor cafe by Porta Napoli
Porta
Napoli, the historic gate into the
heart of Lecce, is on the right. It was named after the city of Naples, Italy
since it faces in that direction.
The walls of the city extended out from both
sides of this archway making it easier to monitor the people coming through this
entrance into the city.
As the evening lights get turned on, a
certain cozy warmth beckons.
A decorated window
Local limestone known as "Lecce stone" is
soft and easy for intricate carvings and embellishments to be made to the
architecture.
The color of the stone itself is warm and
with lights on inside the building, it creates a romantic allure hard to resist.
This small walkway is named after Federigo
d'Aragona, the illegitimate son of Ferdinand I of Naples and his mistress.
Federigo's legacy - aside from his military career - was as a Renaissance patron
of the arts and humanities in this area. His support contributed to the
intellectual and artistic achievements of the Italian Renaissance in the late
15th century.
Garden restaurant at night
Eating out in Lecce is romantic too. One can
enjoy a candlelit dinner or have some wine at one of these
wine bar-cafes.
There are
narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and hidden courtyards.
Strolling
through the historic streets, especially in the evening glow of streetlights,
brings to life a visually stunning and
romantic backdrop.
These lights give such a warm glow
As you notice on the building at the left,
there is an affluence and flourish to the Baroque style of architecture.
Lecce was blossoming at the time this urban
development style was expanding.
Lecce had a strategic location in the Salento
Peninsula, with access to both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Because of this, trade and other economic
exchanges were facilitated, making the town quite affluent.
Because of this, the defensive structures
around the city (the walls and the Portas) were strengthened, to protect against
potential threats of invasion and looting.
Lecce has a whole different look at night
These streets were originally cobblestone and
the lights were gas-lit. One can easily imagine horse and buggies, and ladies in
long dresses promenading the streets.
Between its history, architecture and
culture, this city has a captivating beauty and romantic ambiance.
Lighted balcony at night
I wish I knew the personal histories of those
who lived in these buildings centuries ago.
I imagined all sorts of scenarios while
walking the streets of this city - whether it was during the day or the
evenings.
With the cold and drizzly weather we met
during our time here, it was easy to visualize people in their shawls, gloves,
and hats with their breath making vapor clouds in the air in front of them.
Horses' hooves clip-clopping down the streets
with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, firewood and other wares.
Mothers holding tightly to their children's
hands and scurrying to get home.
Lecce is a must-see city for the artistic and
historically inclined.
For sure, put it on your bucket list. The muse might show up to inspire your
creativity!
For more stories, photos and videos of
Italy, click
here
For more on
Retirement Topics,
click here and
here
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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