This is such a neat ficlet and that’s an amazing picture. I’ve never been to Italy but I hope to some day. Oh well, at least I got to venture there in my imagination – hope you don’t mind my sequel! :)

Oh, and I think where you write “like a great dam,” it should be dame. It’s pronounced “dam” in Europe but spelled dame (kind of like France’s Notre Dame).

idk, ive seen it spelled both ways, so i just went with the one i think is coolest.

Oh wait, you meant to use the dam that’s a barrier dividing waters? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam)
Sorry, I thought you meant like a great dame, a woman. Oops!
Oh, and that’s cool that you like both Twilight and The Gilmore Girls. You definitely have good taste. :P

Love the nostalgic feel to it all as well as the story within a story as the character is there now and thinking back to the first time they visited.

Very romantic, but almost kind of sad feel to the story. I like your take on the picture and the personification of the house.