Besides the abundance of jaw-dropping architecture on our recent Italian adventure, a structural element that caught my eye were the doors. Gorgeous doors. Ancient, heavy, wooden doors, often framed with stone that was cut more than a thousand years ago. Some of them were well-worn and ragged, others carefully preserved and pristine. I found myself taking as many pictures of doorways as I did the rest of the buildings.
One of my favorite door spots was Cortona, a medieval, hilltop town in Tuscany. Yes, it’s a tourist’s destination, but it was also quieter and carried an unhurried vibe. My husband and I wandered aimlessly through cobblestone alleyways, sipped wine (and beer) in quaint restaurants, and took in stunning, panoramic views beyond the city walls—think “Under the Tuscan Sun.”
Here’s my collection of the doors of Cortona (taken from my iPhone with a cracked lens:-).
Metaphorically, doors symbolize transition, as in a passage from one state to another. We say when God closes one door, he opens another. Sometimes doors are shown as closed and represent a barrier or the mysterious unknown. Other times they’re open and bring us hope for new beginnings. Open or closed, doors have meaning.
If closed doors create curiosity, these doors to private residences certainly held mine. Wouldn’t you love to see the interior of homes built so long ago? Can you imagine the romance of renting one and pretending you’re Italian for a month (or two or three)?
Open doors and an out-of-the-way staircase beckoned us with intrigue. At the top, we turned a corner and found ourselves in an exhibit titled Pablo Picasso. The Engraved Desire. The intimacy of the gallery and, of course, Picasso made it a delightful visit.
Yes, the food was divine and dining al fresco beside open doors was ever so welcoming. But what stands out most in my memory of Italian restaurants is the friendly and relaxed pace in which we were served. Our dinners were multi-course affairs and lasted hours—and hours! On top of that, Italians eat their evening meals later so going out became a carefree cena con il mio amore long into the night.
One evening, after relishing a long dinner beside a Venetian canal (yes, really), we finally asked for our bill. Instead, the waiter said “oh no, you can’t leave yet!” and brought us complimentary glasses of limoncello. Eating in Italy reinforces that food is an expression of love. It celebrates gathering together and creating memories. My husband and I delight in retelling this story.
Above all, the doors most meaningful were the wide-open doors of Italy’s ancient and beloved places of worship. Europeans are often labeled as “believing without belonging,” but I’m not sure I agree. I know, I know, you’re possibly thinking YMMV, but in truth, spiritual apathy is not what we saw. Tears came to my eyes when we attended an evening mass and the cantor and congregation sang in Italian, oh, so beautifully. And, yes, the pews were full. Each day, at any given time of day, we found churches with doors open to everyone and people inside kneeling in prayer. Most churches posted signs offering help to those in need. Perhaps there’s more to believing than belonging? Perhaps believing means following, as in following Jesus and actively sharing his love and compassion?
Speaking of…let’s go back to that metaphorical door.
An Open Door for Pro Bono
With the holidays coming, we’re now in the season for thanks and giving. In gratitude for Adunate’s 20 years in business I’m once again opening my mailbox for pro bono applications. Each year I offer two pro bono projects for greatly reduced or no cost. These are projects I strongly support and believe will positively impact God’s creation, his people, or his ministry.
My passions include, but aren’t limited to:
- Agriculture, sustainable
- Arts
- Children
- Environment
- Faith
- Humanity
- Food & Drink
- Sustainable living
- Women’s encouragement
Does your organization need help with branding or other marketing challenges? If so, click here for an application. Then, to further guarantee your project’s success, be sure to read these helpful suggestions.
My deadline for submissions is December 31, 2025. I will let applicants know of my decision in January.