I think I went to Italy initially for the art, architecture, food and history, but I stayed there because of the people in Cortona.
The quote "I think I went to Italy initially for the art, architecture, food and history, but I stayed there because of the people in Cortona." by Frances Mayes beautifully captures the transformative power of human connection and the deep emotional bonds that can form between a traveler and a place. Mayes, best known for her memoir Under the Tuscan Sun, initially traveled to Italy drawn by its celebrated cultural richness—its art, architecture, cuisine, and historical depth. Like many, she was enchanted by Italy’s aesthetic and intellectual appeal.
However, what truly rooted her in Italy wasn’t just the external beauty or cultural heritage—it was the warmth and authenticity of the people of Cortona, a small hill town in Tuscany. By stating that she “stayed there because of the people,” Mayes emphasizes that while art and architecture may attract, it is community and relationships that give a place meaning and make it feel like home. This sentiment reflects a deeper understanding of place—not just as a physical location, but as a living experience shaped by those who inhabit it.
The quote also highlights the contrast between tourism and belonging. While one may visit a place for its famous features, true connection comes from the daily rhythms, personal interactions, and shared moments with locals. In Cortona, Mayes found not just a picturesque setting but a way of life that resonated with her soul. Her writing celebrates the intimate beauty of slow living, where relationships and place are deeply intertwined.
Originating from her autobiographical works, this quote reflects Mayes’s real-life journey of transformation and discovery. It illustrates how a search for culture and beauty can unexpectedly lead to personal fulfillment, reminding us that the most enduring impressions of a place often come not from what we see, but from who we meet and how we live alongside them.
VANguyen Van A
I love how this quote subtly elevates the value of personal relationships over even the most celebrated cultural treasures. It makes me reflect—do we often go chasing the external (art, food, history) only to find the internal (belonging, connection) is what matters most? This challenges how we think about meaningful travel. What defines a 'life-changing' place—the architecture, or the people we meet there?
TXChu thi xuan
What strikes me here is the transformation from tourist to local. It’s a journey many of us fantasize about but rarely follow through on. It makes me curious—how did the people of Cortona make her feel so welcome? And could such a deep connection happen in other tourist-heavy towns, or is Cortona an exception in some way?
Nnab
There’s something poetic in the idea that the soul of a place isn’t in its monuments but in its people. I wonder if Cortona’s charm lies in something uniquely communal or if Mayes’ connection could have happened anywhere. Could this be a case of finding ‘your people,’ or is there something objectively special about that town’s social fabric?
YYuuku_VN
Frances Mayes’ experience brings up an interesting dynamic in travel. Initially, we pursue aesthetic or intellectual goals—art, architecture, food—but the emotional landscape, like the warmth of locals, ends up being more powerful. Does this mean we should prioritize interpersonal experiences more when planning our travels? Is the culture of a place truly accessible without connecting to its people?
VDnguyen Vinh Duy
I find it really touching that what drew her in was the beauty of Italy, but what rooted her was something far more personal. It raises a question: Do we fall in love with places or with the people in them? It seems like the emotional layer of a community can transform a location from a destination into a home. What is it about Cortona’s people that left such a lasting impression?