The town of  Urbino is more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. Rolling hillsides, burning sun, ancient cobblestone, and expansive bright blue skies.

Bianca and I took a detour from a tour that our Italian teacher Francesca took us on, to go to church at 6 p.m. As we made our way up the steep, winding, path we reached the first church. After a priest told us it was closed for a wedding ceremony, he led us to the Duomo Cathedral church next door. When we walked in, I felt all of my stress dissipate. It was yet another step that helped me to let go of my worries.  We sat down and listened to the priest give his sermon. Even though the mass was done in Italian, I still knew each of the different parts of the mass. When we said the Our Father prayer, Bianca and I tightly grasped each other’s hands and I noticed that no one else was holding hands. It was an interesting difference that I noticed. The church was so magnificent, I almost felt as though time stood still for that brief 45 minute period. I felt for the first time that I was where I belonged.

The Duomo Cathedral in Urbino.

After church we walked around for a bit,  taking pictures and exploring. There are many interesting aspects of the city and it is brimming with life in every corner. As I peered my head around an alleyway corner, I noticed a green and orange, robot-like, graffiti figure painted on the wall. Graffiti is more common here than I would have imagined. I always have been fascinated with street art as a form of expression. Usually the graffiti I have seen is politically related or cartoon-like in character. I walked closer to take a look at it. In English it stated, “Free your Stress.”

A piece of street art in Urbino Italy.

Going to church and exploring the street art of Urbino helped alleviate some of the stress I had that day.