Living the Dream at Palazzo Gallenga

Written by 2025 October Scholar Victoria Olcott

After eight years as a proud member of the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association, and three scholarship applications later, I finally found myself walking through the grand doors of Palazzo Gallenga, home of the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. Studying Italian in this magnificent 18th-century palace felt like stepping inside a dream, one surrounded by art, history, and the melodic rhythm of the Italian language echoing through its marble halls.

Every morning, as sunlight filtered through the tall windows of my classroom, I felt amazed by the beauty around me. The frescoed ceilings, the soft hum of conversation in many accents, and the sense of shared purpose reminded me that learning Italian here was more than grammar and vocabulary, it was about connection, curiosity, and belonging.

My journey with Italian began long before I arrived in Perugia. As a child, I learned my first Italian words while traveling with my mother aboard Italian cruise ships during school vacations. Later, I started reading Topolino, the beloved Italian comic magazine, which opened a playful window into the language. Then came Oriana Fallaci’s books, whose powerful interviews and bold writing inspired me to follow the path of journalism and become the fourth generation of journalists in my family.

That fascination with words and storytelling, combined with my romantic nature and perseverance toward my goals, has guided me through every stage of my career and this unforgettable experience in Italy.

At Palazzo Gallenga, I was fortunate to study under Professors Marina, Valentina, and Maria Rita, whose guidance helped me enrich my vocabulary and improve my accent. Their enthusiasm made every class a joyful immersion into language and culture.

I was equally grateful for the kindness of Michele and Salvatore from technical support, who always answered my many questions about the palazzo’s history, and to Renato, who looked after the building’s security. He often greeted me with his gentle dog Rosetta, whom I happily took for walks in the park across the street after class. My sincere thanks also go to Manila, Cinzia, and Diego in the Segreteria, whose patience and directions made everything easier; and my forever gratitude to Valerio De Cesaris, UnistraPg Rettore, for his warm smile and continuous support for all our projects. Every corner of Palazzo Gallenga seemed alive with history and generosity, a place where learning extended far beyond the classroom.

I spent hours walking along Corso Vannucci, Perugia’s elegant main street. I loved admiring the window displays of Italian fashion and jewelry, marveling at the timeless elegance and craftsmanship that distinguish Italy around the world. Each stroll became a celebration of beauty, design, and daily life. The city’s beautiful buildings, churches, and works of art were a constant feast for my eyes!

While others lined up for espresso and pizza, I preferred to reward myself with a creamy gelato or a piece of chocolate. In fact, I went to visit the Perugina chocolate factory two times, where I even took a class on how to make chocolate truffles, a truly delicious experience!

Living in Perugia meant discovering the extraordinary within the ordinary. The view from Giardini Carducci at sunset, the sound of street musicians near Piazza IV Novembre, and the familiar greetings from shopkeepers all became part of my rhythm. Each day felt like a small masterpiece of moments and emotions.

My weekends were devoted to exploring Umbria’s cultural treasures. My first journey took me to Cascia, where I visited the Basilica of Santa Rita, the saint of impossible causes. The atmosphere of peace and devotion there left a deep impression on me. Soon after, I traveled to Assisi to visit the Basilica of San Francesco, standing before Giotto’s frescoes that narrate a life of faith and humility. Finally, I explored Spoleto, whose medieval charm and scenic views captured my heart.

Back in Perugia, I delighted in attending choral concerts and art lectures at the Sala dei Notari, where the acoustics made every harmony soar. I was captivated by the extraordinary collection at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, filled with masterpieces that reflect centuries of artistic devotion. I also marveled at the stunning stained glass of the Laboratorio Moretti Caselli, the elegant Palazzo Baldeschi, and the magnificent Collegio del Cambio, adorned with Perugino’s timeless frescoes.

These experiences were more than sightseeing, they were emotional dialogues with history, art, faith and its people.

At Palazzo Gallenga, my professors made learning feel like a journey through Italy’s culture and identity. Classes were engaging and full of energy, we explored literature, history, and even Italian idioms that reveal how emotion is woven into the language. Each day brought a sense of accomplishment, whether from understanding a new grammar rule or finally being able to joke in Italian with classmates from every corner of the world, from Saudi Arabia, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Vietnam, Japan, to Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador.

Outside the classroom, I continued my role as Events and Communications Chair for SPSCA, staying connected to our Seattle community while living my Italian adventure. Together with our friends in Perugia, we organized a volunteer day at the “Sister Orca” sculpture in Pian di Massiano, cleaning, beautifying, and taking cheerful group photos to send back home. I also donated 20 books about Seattle’s history and photography to the city library, and shared ideas for future projects that could bring our two cities even closer. I even had the honor of delivering a short message of gratitude in Italian at Umbria Libri 2025 on behalf of SPSCA, a truly special moment!

My time in Perugia was much more than an academic experience, it became a rediscovery of joy, curiosity, and inner harmony. Studying Italian in its homeland taught me to remember to appreciate what I have, to embrace life with gratitude, and to savor “la dolce vita,” the sweet art of living with grace and kindness.

This journey also reminded me why I have remained so deeply committed to the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association all these years. The friendships formed through this partnership go beyond distance, they are bridges of empathy, generosity, and shared purpose. I felt this spirit every day, through simple acts of kindness, heartfelt laughter, and meaningful connections that renewed my belief in the beauty of giving one’s best to others.

As my month in Perugia came to an end, I often lingered a little longer at Palazzo Gallenga, taking one last look at its grand staircase or at the light filling its courtyard and the beautiful view of the city and the valley from the terrace. What once felt like a dream had become a home.

I return to Seattle filled with gratitude to the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association, to the donors, members, and volunteers: thank you for believing in the power of cultural exchange from people to people. To future scholarship recipients, I would say: come with curiosity, humility, patience, and an open heart. Let Perugia teach you, through its people, its art, and its quiet elegance, you will leave enriched. And perhaps most personally, this journey has inspired me to finally complete my long-dreamed book project, a compilation of my journalistic story born from passion, gratitude, and the beauty of human connection.

For me, Palazzo Gallenga will forever remain a symbol of perseverance and grace, a place where dreams, languages, and cultures from around the world intertwine in the most beautiful way! Grazie mille di cuore, Seattle Perugia Sister City Association!