Cristina Anttoniucci, a teacher of Italian, and part founder of Atrium, teaches her students with wit and charm.

Cristina Antoniucci

Born in Belgium, Stefania Rossi is a mother and linguist, teaching Italian to foreigners and life's lessons to her daughter, Matilde.

Stefania Rossi

An accomplished dancer and choreographer, Benilde Marini recognized a need for dance in Cagli and established the first dance school.

Benilde Marini

The women of Cagli do not exemplify preconceived notions about small-town life. Cristina Antoniucci, Stefania Rossi, Benilde Marini, Maria Marina Tuzza, Donna Galetta, and Iride Falcone find rich happiness with the simplicity of life that surrounds them, their families, and their careers. The pace of daily life is generally slow, but these women rarely have free time. They work. Hard.

Somehow, after teaching foreign languages, managing and serving customers at cafés, establishing dance schools, or organizing festivals, these remarkable women find time to raise families and make dinner. Perhaps even more astounding is that they have taken the time to speak with us as if they had nothing else on their agenda. They are warm, generous, and passionate. In order to experience the essence of this town, it is essential to meet The Women of Cagli.

Known as Mimi by her frequent customers, Maria Marina Tuzza always serves them with a smile.

Maria Marina Tuzza

A translator, mother, and member of Contemporaneo, Donna Galletta's mission is to guide Cagli into an age of modern culture and art.

Donna Galletta

Iride Falcone, at age 74, serves her loyal customers espresso and wisdom in equal portions.

Iride Falcone


Text: Anne Marie Purdy
Graphic Design: Anne Marie Purdy
Photography: Emily Moroni & Anne Marie Purdy
HTML: Liz Iasiello & Anne Marie Purdy


July 2002

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