Stroncone is a hill town a short distance south of Terni. Barely out of the city, but an ancient, autonomous town. We'd been invited by the mayor and the town's historian and notary to get a special tour of their treasures. There is great pride and incredible memory at work here. The town is lovely and lively as a place to draw or photograph. It was a fine landing for our final day of classes.
We were in for a treat, and I find myself nearly a year later recalling it. What still strikes me is the preservation of human society in this one place and its constant witness to change. The notary had shelves full of the old ledgers and records of Stoncone from the 13th century on. Some had signs saying do not touch, but others did not. They are in use. The mayor and the historian displayed and explained the documents they treasure but don't show. Such a treat.
