The story is set in the Abruzzo region, the birthplace of the poet. The noble Giorgio Aurispa leaves from Rome, after witnessing a suicide. In fact Giorgio receives a telegram from his mother, who lives in the small mountain village of Guardiagrele. Giorgio arrives in the beautiful city of stone, and is fascinated by the sculptures, however, is terrified by the popular beliefs: as fear of witches. Giorgio discovers that his father has squandered the family fortune, forcing everyone to live as poor, while he has fun with a prostitute. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)