Stendhal syndrome


A psychosomatic response—tachycardia, vertigo, fainting, confusion and even hallucinations—when the ‘victim’ is exposed to particularly beautiful, or large amounts of, art in a single place—e.g., Florence (Italy), which has a high concentration of classic works; the response can also occur when a person is overwhelmed by breathtaking natural beauty

Stendhal syndrome

(sten-dal') [Pen name of Marie-Henri Beyle, Fr. writer, 1783–1842] Panic attacks that occur after viewing great works of art, esp. while traveling. Synonym: Florence syndrome; hyperkulturemia; tourist syndrome