Note from the editor: In Italian, decadenza is often translated as “decay” or “decline,” though the meaning is difficult to capture fully in English. It evokes the visible passage of time — the weathering of peeling walls and the quiet beauty of aging buildings — and it is a reminder of past grandeur and the layers of history that remain visible today.
In a country where empires have risen and fallen over thousands of years, decadenza is deeply engrained in daily life, not just visually but culturally — and understanding it offers a way to understand Italy better itself. In this piece, our contributor Tolga Avan explores the enduring presence of decadenza and how it continues to shape Italian life.
