04 January 2013

Gorbio's Old Lady


This year the medieval village of Gorbio's oldest living resident will be 300 years old.  I'm talking, of course,  about the famous elm tree, planted in the square in 1713.

Here she is in a photo taken yesterday - in hiberation for winter and doubtless waiting for her big day next September when Gorbio celebrates her birthday. Note she is completely hollow yet by spring her leaves will appear and she'll once again be dressed in all her glory.

Much is planned with two days of celebrations when everyone in the village will dress in clothes of the early 18th century with feasting and music and dancing and all good things.  Expect to hear more of this ...


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Cette année, le plus ancien résident vivant du village médiéval de Gorbio aura 300 ans. Je parle bien sûr du célèbre orme, planté sur la place en 1713.

Ici, il a été photographié hier -en hibernation et attendant sans doute le grand jour de Septembre prochain quand Gorbio fêtera son anniversaire. Notez qu'il est complètement creux mais au printemps prochain ses feuilles apparaissant, il sera une fois de plus habillé dans toute sa gloire.

Une grande manifestation est prévue avec deux jours de fête où tous les gens du village devront être vêtus comme au début du 18ème siècle avec festin, musique, danses et autres joyeuses choses. Attendez-vous à en entendre beaucoup à ce sujet ...



13 comments:

  1. You could nearly do a Steffe with this tree, Jilly.

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  2. It's great when people honor their trees.

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  3. Great pictures! And blue sky!
    We here in Germany haven't seen a blue sky for weeks!!
    When exactly do the celebrations take place? I'd like to take a look! I've booked already the 1st half of September.. Will I have the luck to be in time?
    Barbara from Germany

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  4. 7 and 8 September, Barbara. So should work for you. You might not recognise me in the 18th century gear!

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  5. That is a wonderful thing to do. I agree with Dina.

    Wishing you a beautiful and grace-filled 2013, Jilly.

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  6. residents of gorbio truly have their priorities straight, don't they.

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  7. We will see, Jilly!
    I'm looking forward to taking some paparazzi photos of you! ;-)
    Barbara from Germany

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  8. Hey, I recognize the venerable old tree. You took a photo of old me, sitting right there, in the shade provided by its old branches, just last June! Wonderful memories. Happy birthday, Arbre de Gorbio! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  9. Nice that the town celebrates the old tree.

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  10. Fasinating. Looking forward to seeing her when she gets her leaves.

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  11. In the States, the town's forester would have declared it a hazard and pulled out the chainsaw. I'm glad that the citizens of Gorbio have more sense. It looks pretty well protected there, and it also looks like any falling limbs aren't going to do much damage unless some unlucky citizen or tourist is passing underneath at the wrong time.

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  12. Thanks for all the comments on this wonderful old tree, and yes, Veronique, I well remember taking your photo when you sat under it. Hope that will happen again soon! happy New Year to everyone xxx

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  13. That's one really old tree! And it looks awesome the way it is.

    Pixellicious Photos

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