26 Sep

As we traveled from Rome into the Abruzzo region, several things became immediately apparent. The amount of open space greatly increased, while the size of buildings and populated areas decreased. Our destination Castelvecchio Calvisio, a town of less than 200 people, could have easily fit into one of the numerous large buildings spread throughout Rome. So how does a big building differ from a small city? The most noticeable trait of large Roman buildings is the sense of monument. In some cases, large buildings actually perform the same functions as a small city, by providing a place for performance of a common ritual, while reflecting social customs, and acts in its program.

The Coliseum is a perfect example. Even in partial ruin, it still holds the ability to entertain large masses, far larger than the population of Castelvecchio Calstino, and create a sense of wonder. The size of the arena where the events took place, takes up an area as large as the town of Castelvecchio Calstino. The building itself has always served as a monument to Roman grandeur, power, and architectural techne.

As a small town crumbles over time, roof collapse and walls fail, forever obscuring the sense of place that made it so unique. Even in ruin, the Colisseum still grants hundreds of people, everyday, the ability to visualize what makes it so special, while another small city slowly closes in on crumbles into obscurity.