What is Stendhal syndrome?

Many people do not know what Stendhal syndrome is. In fact, this disease comes from a story. It mainly refers to a physical and mental illness caused by strong aesthetic stimulation when viewing works of art in a space densely populated. The most common manifestations are rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or hallucinations. Let us take a closer look at this disease below.

1. Concept

Stendhal syndrome or Florence syndrome refers to a psychosomatic disease caused by the strong aesthetic stimulation of viewers in a space densely populated by artworks, resulting in symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, and even hallucinations.

2. Origin

It is named after the famous 19th century French author Stendhal, who described his experiences in his travels in Naples and Florence. In 1817, the great French writer Stendhal came to Italy and spent the whole day in Florence immersed in the masterpieces of the Renaissance. One day, he went to the Basilica of Santa Croce to visit the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. As soon as he walked out of the church door, he suddenly felt his head was confused, his heart was beating violently, and he felt like he was going to fall with every step he took. Doctors diagnosed that this was caused by excessive psychological excitement from frequent appreciation of art treasures. This rare disease caused by strong sense of beauty has since been called "Stendhal syndrome."

3. Prevention

Doctors warn that the key to preventing this disease is to relax the mind, stabilize emotions, and avoid worrying or being overly nervous. When visiting scenic spots and historical sites, you should arrange your time reasonably, ensure sufficient time for the tour, avoid visiting everything without missing anything, and stay relaxed. If conditions permit, it is best to visit both cultural and natural landscapes to avoid concentrating too much energy. In addition, you should go to bed as early as possible at night to conserve your energy.