Outside the Duomo, or Cathedral, I saw one of Urbino’s dogs patiently waiting for its owner. As I passed the faithful companion and entered the church, I was struck by the pure grandeur of the building. The elegance of this massive holy place is astounding. At its highest point, the ceiling reaches 50 meters, or about 164 feet. This architecture draws  visitors or worshipers to look up as I so often neglect to do. Detail after intricate detail draws the eye above and around.  Art depicting Biblical scenes, such as John the Baptist baptizing Christ, are referenced in a delicate but powerful fashion.

Wiping a stray tear from my eye and with a prayer whispered from the knee rest, I headed towards the door with the intention of lighting a candle in Catholic tradition. To my disappointment, spreading the light with another burning flame was impossible. I saw I had to flip a switch to bring light to these candles. I refused.

The natural element of fire represents one of God’s creations. Electricity is creation. However, the idea of the eternal flame never resting and darkness never overcoming light is somehow less effectively conveyed through plastic and tubing.

As a child, I remember seeing the red glass protecting the flame that was forever burning, never to be extinguished.  I remember asking my grandmother who faithfully brought me to mass, “But does it always burn?”  To which she promptly answered, “Yes.”  And upon every return, it was there waiting for me to believe. Would leaving the switch in the up position be the modern day equivalent?

Signs of modern times encroach on this ancient city. The video surveillance in the streets, the cranes in the distance, the main square’s neon sign announcing events, and these candles all point to a reality that some things cannot stay the same.

As I left the church both repenting over subtle changes that hint at the modernization of time and also inspired by beauty that spans the ages in artistic imagery, I realized that in the name of progress some things do remain the same. I was redeemed shortly after by Urbino food and wine. Only the best ingredients were used in making my pranzo of pizza verdure and vino bianco, just as only the most talented artists were commissioned to leave us messages to which we can today enjoy and interpret using our 21st century perspective. Pride in preparation is alive and much appreciated by this visitor in the city of Urbino.

For more information on visiting the Duomo and history of Urbino visit the following link:

http://www.italianvisits.com/marche/urbino/index.htm

3piante restaurant in Urbino offers delicious meals including specialties such as pasta, gnocchi and pizza.