The Italian CityRepublics Author:Daniel Waley The modern traveler in Italy, if he leaves the *autostrada del sole* at almost any point north of Rome, is bound to notice in the hill towns a special quality or larger cities of the plain. They are obviously urban, w/ fortifications or natural defenses visible, but equally clear are their links to the surrounding countryside. They show a vital ... more »spirit of community in the planning of streets, public buildings and squares; yet their medieval tower. built and used for internal warfare and illustrated in contemporary paintings and the pages of chronicles. still cast shadows which recall times of civil strife.... Their growth as republics was from the late 11th to the early 14th century.... the Italian *communi* were a unique social and political community."« less