Claudia, Author at Italy Advisor

Italian gastronomic sagre – December 2015

December is the season beloved for markets and street feastivals, the sagre, featuring the Italian local specialties which diversity is somewhat incredible to discover. Local Food, fun for families and children but also a fantastic opportunity to explore ancient and colourful villages, the beautiful little borghi we all fell in love with at first sight.
In Italy, a sagra is a pretty local festival involving food and frequently showing also a historical pageant. The various sagre claim their ancient origins to be traced back to local medieval country fairs or even more ancient celebrations.

Let’s check what’s going on this first week of December around the Belpaese!

Superzampone – Castelnuovo Rangone (MO)

From 2 to 6 December 2015 you will get a taste of this festival tie with tradition: these are the factors that create a Superzampone. The town of Castelnuovo Rangone has held since 1991, the record for the biggest zampone in the world today they got to 942 pounds!

Friendship and conviviality are the strong dishes, of course, but there is also the healthy component of the competition: every year is in fact seeking to repeat the previous record of measures knuckle.

No coincidence that the idea of producing a huge trotter was born in a country that the pig has even dedicated a monument, placed in the square where about eighty years ago, the pigs were weighed before entering the sausage factory. Even this year’s attempt is to set the record trotter world’s largest, and after baking the delicious sausage will be offered to the public. Not only food but also cultural events are organized on Saturday and Sunday excursions to discover the gastronomic treasures and cultural excellence of the territory. Let’s face it, the important thing is to participate to exceed the size of last year.

According to tradition, the idea of filling the front leg of pork with spicy minced pork was born to preserve the meat of the pig during a long siege of the city of Ferrara, the beginning of the sixteenth century at the court of Pico della Mirandola, the greatest exponent of Italian philosophical Humanism.

Polenta in the square – Rocca Sinibalda (RI)

Rocca Sinibalda is a tiny hamlet of 836 inhabitants in the province of Rieti, Lazio, dominated by the impressive castle Sforza Cesarini. This pretty village perched on the hills of Lazio at your arrival you will be greeted by the fact queen of the evening: Her Majesty the polenta.

Omnivores will accompany the succulent sauce with ribs and pork sausages, while particular attention will be given also to the vegetarian recipe, which allow you to enjoy the goodness of this dish even the most discerning palate. All it served in traditional scifetta wood, accompanied by a good glass of red local wineries, fruit and sweets.

From 6 to 8 December 2015 do visit and prepare your taste buds to a healthy ration of good taste because the ancient dish made of corn flour will be cooked following the authentic traditional recipe.

National Exhibition of the White Truffle – San Miniato (PI)

Still time to visit National Exhibition of the White Truffle in San Miniato the started on November 14 and ending on December 6 2015. The organisers has certainly stuck its nose in the surrounding nature, to collect his best and tubers and giving them to you all fragrant and tasty. Do not be afraid to make you too nosy and follow the scent of the feast will take you straight in the village of San Miniato. Sniff the delicious local specialty, you can appreciate the unique flavourr of the stands set up for the party.

Therefore take part in the many initiatives by intense as the tasting of truffles accompanied by Tuscan wine and oil, appetizers with drinks and snacks truffle aroma and fun challenges including housewives and chefs strokes tagliolino made of fine tuber.

And if you thought that truffles were the only culinary surprise, you are mistaken. Among the historic alleys of the village it is in fact set up numerous stands displaying for sale and tasting other local gastronomic delights. Among the temptations that rejoice your taste buds will find the best cheeses, meats, sauces and desserts of the territory. Do not waste any more time and trust your instinct by greedy connoisseurs.

If after a fine meal of truffles will have a strange sense of calm and serenity, the answer is soon given. The prized tuber in fact contains a substance called landrosterione that slows the production of serotonin, responsible for regulating mood.

Christmas Beer Festival – Imbersago (LC)

The Christmas beers in principle were born to a family consumption, extended to employees of the brewery and friends. Unmistakable taste and designed especially for the Christmas season, these special beers have begun to spread to the most loyal customers of the brewery as a special year-end gift, to the present day, where delight the palates of thousands of visitors each year.

If you are also lovers of craft beer not wait any longer and get ready to leave for this charming village in Lombardia. A three days -from 4 to 6 dicember 2015- entirely devoted to beer with more Christmas beers on tap and in bottles from various European countries and especially the Italian craft breweries.

On arrival you can sample the best craft beers and accompany them with a wide selection of local produce and themed menus specially designed by local chefs.

In short, a unique opportunity that every fan of hops and malt can not miss. Then prepare the mug of great opportunity in the mouth and hops. For the greedy ones we recommend the unmissable stincata with sauerkraut and potato chips. And yet workshops on home brew, conferences and exhibitions.

Sardinia, an Italian jewel in the Mediterranean Sea

“In Sardinia insula multae et amoenae orae sunt” the Latins would say: the island of Sardinia there are many pleasant beaches. The beauty of Sardinia was recognized even then, when there were no bathing nor ferry. There were no discos or pubs, there was not even tourism.

Photo CC BY Twice25

Sardinia remained a jewel that glitters, the spearhead of the Italian enchantment. The sea is fabulous, the charm of this island is beyond description, something you can perceive, perhaps landing on the attractive Sardinian coast, lying on the banks.

The holidays in Sardinia are something unique and unrepeatable, and even more so is the peculiarity of this land, which hosts tourists from all over. Sardinia has nothing to envy to exotic , “noble” and definitely more expensive places, such as the Caribbean, it Fiji or the Maldives which are all well known. But to experience the excitement of a holiday on the Costa Smeralda or the famous Strait of Bonifacio is priceless!

Natural Beauties of Sardinia
Places like Porto Cervo, Cannigione, Colostrai, Baia Sardinia are necessarily to visit at least once in their life, to understand the extraordinary vastness of the natural landscape Italian. Nature also is a branch of art, and in Sardinia really gave their best!
Not only sea: the Sardinian flora is unique, with the spectacle of the cork oak and the Mediterranean evergreen. But the campaign is the pride of the region.
Even the wildlife and farm animals contribute to give a stunning look to Sardinia: the white donkeys, wild sheep and Plecotus Sardinian (for lovers of bats night) there found only here, on this island attractive.
You can imagine what products might sensational savor during your stay. We anticipate that the pecorino cheese, with its shiny plastic shapes and is an invitation to take a bite … with all the wax!

Photo CC BY Cristiano Cani

The Sardinian language, the consonant music, almost melodic, might suggest something dark, like the Sardinian people were “on their own”, wary and little open … woe to think !!! This is the wrong clichés. The Sardinian would be very angry, do not try! Come rather to Sardinia and you will forget this rumor: you will understand the acceptance and loyalty of a wonderful people!

Sardinia is often described as a small paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Its coasts and its white beaches are the emblem, but there are many places and many facets that are worth discovering.

Here a list of 10 locations to visit in Sardinia. Use it as a useful reminder about the best places to visit while vacationing on the island.

Photo CC BY-SA Roburq

1) Barumini Nuraghe
It is undoubtedly the most important and best preserved among the approximately 7,000 nuraghi which are the classic dry construction, precise play of overlapping stones on one another scattered around the island. Also called “Su Nuraxi” Nuraghe, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and is one of the must-visit places in Sardinia.

2) The Maddalena Archipelago
Composed of seven main islands the archipelago of La Maddalena is another World Heritage Site (declared in 1994) of Sardinia. Its waters are clear and clean; you can make excursions from half day or full day, exploring small beaches and coves accessible only by sea among the untouched nature and breathtaking beauty. Beach lovers will find a pure and uncontaminated environment on the southwest coast of the island.

3) The beach of Chia
Dominated by the tower (Parco Torre Chia), visible from all its beaches, Chia owes its popularity to the clarity of its waters, which bathe the coast of Chia for about 6 km. In the area of Chia you can visit the area Nora archaeological, coming from Punic origins, considered the oldest town in Sardinia. The area of Chia extending to Capo Teulada, the second strip of land to the south of the island, where the breathtaking Lighthouse of Cape Spartivento, a lighthouse still working as a combined luxury guesthouse.

4) The gorge of Gorropu
The deepest canyon in the island and one of the deepest in Europe is located in the region of Ogliastra, in the south-east of Sardinia. Place to visit but, above all, to explore. You will admire the wild nature of the island and walk the lands of centenarians. It is said that, in Ogliastra, there is a portion of the magical land: those lucky enough to pass over it, will have a long life.

5) Alghero and Bosa
Fascinating and unique, Alghero and Bosa in Sardinia are two places worth visiting, located on the northwest coast, separated by about 50 km. Alghero still bears the traces of its past Catalan; It has an attractive old town and beautiful beaches. Bosa is smaller, it has the romantic charm of the city of the river and a wealth of traditions still alive.

6) The caves of Neptune
The most important caves of Sardinia are located in Alghero and are dedicated to the god Neptune. You can be reached by ferry or by a staircase of 600 steps, which offers spectacular views of the sea and the coast.

7) The Murals of Orgosolo and the Museum of Mamoiada
Mamoiada and Orgosolo are two traditional places in Sardinia that are in the heart of the island, in Barbagia, the provincial Nuoro. Orgosolo is famous for its murals (about 150), while Mamoiada for its typical carnival masks: the there are insights, along with many others, in the Museum of Mediterranean masks the country.

Photo Public Domain

8) Carloforte
It has about 6,400 inhabitants and is the only town on the island of St. Peter, in the south-west coast of Sardinia. It ‘a quiet, very pleasant, with tiny little beaches and charming narrow streets, its own dialect which is a variation of the Ligure, testimony to its history, unique in Sardinia.

9) Bastion of Saint Remy, Cagliari
It ‘s a symbol of the city, situated in the district of Castello, in the heart of Cagliari. From its terrace Umberto I can admire the beautiful surroundings of the city and the charming seaport.

10) Castelsardo
The town of Castelsardo is a fascinating medieval town included in the list of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”. From the top of the Doria Castle, overlooking the city, you are the beautiful view of the Gulf of Asinara on which the castle overlooks.

Lanciano: the city of the Eucharistic Miracle in Abruzzo

Now that Christmas is approaching and what better than to go to discover the many Christmas traditions that Italy can give us? In the cities moving events are held, such as cribs and many other various events. One of these places gives us a sign of peace for Christmas every year while it renews an ancient tradition: on December 23 in Lanciano, Abruzzo there is a very special day going on for those who are born and live there.

Piazza Plebiscito Lanciano — Piazza Plebiscito, with the church of the miracle: San Francesco Sanctuary CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

At sunset, the streets of the town are filled with unusual animation, shops lowered their shutters, passers exchange greetings and head up to the Chiesa dell’Iconicella, about 3 km from the centre.

To kick off the composed parade are the first tolling of the bell, called rings, located on the city tower of Lanciano.

Arrived in the township Iconicella, it held a brief religious ceremony that gives the citizens the opportunity to meet and renew their bonds of friendship and solidarity, not forgetting to spare a thought for those from Lanciano had to leave and emigrated far away.

Everything takes place within 19 hours, when the church crowd returned to the tower, it will begin the concert with all the bells of the countryside, taking the note ‘a’ from the Lanciano rings. The invitation to the citizens is to return home, to kiss with love and respect their spouse, and the oldest person, exchange greetings and gifts in a ritual of peace and harmony that continues to retain all the characteristics of an ancient custom. The home ceremony takes place in an atmosphere of affectionate respect and often marks the overcoming of small misunderstandings or the pacification of contrasts.

Around the table it will start a dinner that, although not reaching the variety of courses that constitute the Christmas dinner, it still look festive and special. Where everything turns quiet, the fireplace will be on and the “tecchio“, a root olive centenary get from their lands, is put inside to burn. It will last until the day of the Epiphany.

Background of Lanciano ancient Christmas celebration

The rings could be defined as a family feast, which opens up the Christmas celebrations. According to tradition, the Rings remember the journey that an archbishop of Lanciano used to make every year from 1588 to 1607, barefoot from his palace to the Chiesa dell’Iconicella, as penance but also to remember the journey of the shepherds to the cave of Bethlehem; many faithful accompanied him to listen to his short sermon of peace.

During the pilgrimage the bell rang without stopping, until the return of the bishop in his palace. Some historians think that the rings represent the transfer to 23 December of the rite of reconciliation of Holy Thursday, common in many other countries and regions of Italy.

Here in Lanciano it assumed all the characteristics of a particular tradition and original, so much is still tied to the spiritual heritage of the population. Despite the changes compared to the past, and some interruptions, this tradition today is deeply felt and evening two days before Christmas the bell is still feeling its peals thus the beginning of the holiday season.

Those not participating in the parade can light a candle in your home. Given the character of the party it seems likely its origin institutional ecclesiastical note. The detail of the “holy bishop”, which follows the path barefoot reciting prayers to the Child Jesus, fits well in the climate of the Counter that, in time of religious folklore, has certainly favoured the medieval penitential reasons. The couple Child Jesus and ecclesiastical penitant is also present in many religious and folkloric events of the south of which Abruzzo was part culturally, historically and politically.

Location

Lying on the hills that slope towards the Sangro Valley, between the Maiella and the Adriatic Sea, Lanciano is the natural point of convergence, and the capital of the district Sangro-Aventino. Its origins are lost in prehistory: archaeological investigations testify to the presence of a Neolithic settlement and recent excavations in the Old Town have revealed the remains of the city of Anxanum, dating to the twelfth century. B.C. settlement of the oldest of Abruzzo.

Since 1154 the city took the name of “Lanzano“; between the twelfth and fifteenth century reaches its peak both for growth and for the development of architectural fairs that will grow long the economy.

Already known as the Roman “nundinae” , the fairs were held in the first nine months of the year in honour of Apollo on the Hill of the Selva where stood the temple dedicated to the pagan god. The third century saw the transferring to the state property outside of the plateau. So here the village developed increasingly, reaching its peak precisely in the fifteenth century.

Linked to the transfer of the Fairs from the hill to the Forest Camp Fair (the current district of nineteenth-century ) is the construction of the bridge dedicated to the Emperor Diocletian in the third century, whose history is intimately linked to the construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Ponte.

Photo CC BY-SA by Luca Aless

It is a monument unique for its fascinating civil and religious history a structure built with many twists and turns over some 15 centuries and that represents an architectural repertoire still to be discovered. Its uniqueness is enhanced by the excellent acoustics, making it a popular and impressive Auditorium concert Day Summer Frentana Music.

“Gold Medal” for the Resistance, during the Second World War between October 1943 and June 1944 Lanciano was taken in the line of fire.

The city underwent radical destruction while more than 500 people lost their lives. For nine months of hardships the population in Lanciano gave valiant fighters for the liberation struggle, supporting the Italian Resistance to Nazism, and it gave every noble example of patriotism and pride.

Lanciano is also the city of the Miracle: in fact the first Eucharistic miracle is kept in the Church of St. Francis. The story of the Catholic Church recorded the event which occurred in the seventh century. This makes it even more impressive a staying here.

Visiting Ravenna: what to do with kids

Photo CC BY-SA 4.0 by Petar Milošević

Ravenna can be defined with certainty a treasure unknown to the majority of Italians. Overshadowed by the most famous Italian art cities (Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples) it is actually an extraordinary town that attracts tourists and art lovers from all around the world.

Few know that Ravenna was three times the capital of three empires: the Roman Empire, of King Theodoric of the Goths and of the Byzantine Empire in Europe.

This past is witnessed by basilicas and baptisteries in Ravenna, where it is kept the richest heritage of mosaics dating from the fifth and sixth centuries. Few also know that Ravenna has eight monuments included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO and that the remains of Dante are kept here, and not in Florence.

In summer there are 35 kilometers of coastline. For nature lovers, a few kilometers away it is the Po Delta and the Valleys of Comacchio, in addition to the pine forests of Classe and San Vitale and the oasis of Punte Alberete. In short, if you were among those who did not know Ravenna, now you have no more excuses.

Visiting Ravenna, what to do if you have kids?

Bring the kids to Ravenna: as its multicolored mosaics, it can be a wonderful experience, not too away from the beaches, but also close to the imperial heart of this town, because the city is no shortage of things that can attract the curiosity of children.

While it is the mosaic the true protagonist of Ravenna, the treasure that enchants young and old alike, nowdays as it did thousands of years ago, the city holds a few surprises that will delight children.
Today we will try therefore to provide a few tips for anyone who wants to build a day dedicated to children.
Obviously this is not an exhaustive itinerary but only some little advice based on our experience, hoping they can be useful for when you bring your children to Ravenna.

Mosaics Children

Of course we start from the mosaic! But we chose the one suitable for children. Tamo (Whole Adventure of Mosaic) and in fact a large exhibition center in the heart of Ravenna, which among many great appointments, also offers workshops and initiatives for the fun and learning of most children.
The initiative is called Tamo for Kids and find more information at this link (www.tamoravenna.it)
The Little Museum of Dolls and Toys
The Little Museum of Dolls and Toys (www.museodellebambole.it) contains dolls and toys from various periods (1860 to 1950) made of different material, form and shape.
Inside there are also small children’s rooms, kitchens, shops, a sort of big “Doll House” that certainly will capture the interest of children.
The aquarium in a Church
In Ravenna, there is a church where, like an aquarium, you can see goldfishes swimming happy and alive.
Do you not believe us? Yet it’s true! St. Francis Church crypt lies below sea level and the water invades it regularly made the chamber become…a small pool. Therefore under the altar you can see a small “bathtub” with a goldfish swimming blessed around ancient floor.
The children will be surely enchanted!
Marinoette in House of Puppets
The House of Puppets is a small museum by appointment that allows children to discover the magical world of marionettes, puppets and fire eaters.

Sundays from October to March is held at the space Almagia the Exhibition “The Art of the Puppet“, with performances with puppets, puppets and actors as well juggling, puppetry and art varies.
The Tomb of Dante and Dante Museum
The great poet rests in Ravenna in a small white mausoleum where shines the light of a votive lamp whose oil offered by the city.
The sections of the museum collect representations inspired by the work of Dante Alighieri and the kids can tell the story of a poet in love with a girl named Beatrice …

MAR (Art Museum of the City of Ravenna)
MAR (Art Museum of the City of Ravenna), in addition to the permanent collections of the Museum, offers workshops for children, with routes designed for different age groups of participants. For information please refer to the website: www.museocitta.ra.it
In short, there are many things you can do in Ravenna with the children, beyond the classic beach, or perhaps on their own in a rainy day, transforming it into a special day!
If, while you’re in the area, do not miss the amusement park Mirabilandia

What and where to eat in Ravenna

We tell you right away: Ravenna is not a place for those who are trying to get in shape. It is almost impossible to resist the abundant, fat, succulent and delicious Romagnola cuisine.

It usually starts with cold cuts and squacquerone on piadina, continue with cappelletti and tagliatelle with meat sauce.

Then you can switch to meat, fish and seafood or guests of the abundant local channels, such as eels and frogs. You will end up with a sweet mascarpone and goes around with Albana, Sangiovese, Trebbiano.

Two good places to sample the local cuisine are Ca de Ven and Locanda del Melarancio in the city center. For a flat bread (piadina) on the fly there are the piadina of Melarancio always in the center and many other places to try with more or less pleasant results.

The coastal towers in Salento

Photo CC-BY-3.0 by Roberto sernicola

For those who had not yet figured out, the beautiful Salento is full of so many things that make it very special. We’re talking, of course, of the fantastic sea and beautiful beaches, the many churches and also the coastal towers that are located throughout the Salento. When you see a tower, it brings your mind to the past.

Why the Salento region area is full of this kind of towers and what was their main function?

We start by saying that the Salento is full of these towers because they had a protective function. They served, in fact, to spot the dangers in the event of invasion attempts by foreign peoples like Moors. During the fifteenth and sixteenth century, the Mediterranean was in turmoil and this Southern region was much coveted by many people, who wanted to take advantage of the strategic location.

Puglia has always been considered the link between East Europe and West Europe as well as Europe and Northen Africa and, therefore, to conquer this region would have meant to buy an outpost of strategic importance. Precisely for this reason, in defense of the Salento and regional coasts, these watchtowers were build.

Some of them may even date back to Normans, as there are clear and irrefutable evidence. Some of these towers are currently in poor condition, but others have remained quite well and became the tangible evidence of the methodology of defense typical of those centuries.

Let’s see, then, what are the coastal towers present in Salento.

The coastal Towers

We start from the towers of the province of Lecce, and then broaden our vision even to those in the province of Brindisi and Taranto.

The towers in the province of Lecce are, surely, the most numerous and also the best preserved of the lot.

Many of these watchtowers are now residential home. Looking at their position, stepping back to scenes of those centuries with Puglia and Salento in danger and the resistance of the population.

We are sure that a tour to visit the various coastal towers of Salento is a good opportunity to discover all there is around. Being located throughout the territory, in fact, they can be a great starting point for exploring what’s around.

In this way, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Nardò marinas, Porto Cesareo, Santa Cesarea Terme, Tricase, Santa Maria di Leuca, Manduria, Fasano, Ostuni, can be visited in their entirety.

Moreover, the Salento is the land to love in all its aspects, and not only for its sea, which is wonderful. The culture of this land, the traditions that have their roots in a past so remote but never forgotten, religious architecture and the civil one: this is Salento and this is what the tourist must love and discover. We are sure that, once you are in Salento, a piece of your heart remains at the wonderful beaches to enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Italy.

Many of these towers have been built during the Spanish period, the beginning of the sixteenth century by Charles V on both coasts, from San Cataldo (Adriatic Sea) in Porto Cesareo (we are on the Ionian Sea), to locate the distant enemy predator – Turks and pirates mainly – who was preparing the assault. In 1480 Otranto, during the Aragonese domination, was besieged and invaded by the Turks, gloomy protagonists of the bloody massacre of 800 people (the famous martyrs of Otranto) who refused to convert to the Islamic faith.

The defense strategy of the territory contemplated also the restructuring of existing old Swabian and Angevin towers and the fortification of the farms, strongholds of the economy in Salento. The only province of Lecce has 57 towers, many of which are however in very poor condition. Most of this is on the east side, the Adriatic shore (offshore linking to Greece and the Balkans).

Very important examples and known to everyone are Torre Rinalda, Torre Chianca Torre Veneri, Torre San Cataldo, belonging to the municipality of Lecce; Specchiolla tower, which is part of Casalabate Marina, close to Squinzano; Torre Roca Vecchia, Torre dell’Orso, belonging to the municipality of Melendugno; Torre dell’Orte Palascia Tower, Tower Badisco, Torre Santo Stefano, belonging to the municipality of Otranto.

As said, these are just some of the coastal towers in the province of Lecce – among the best known and best preserved – but there are lots of that, just like these, give the name to so many areas of our Salento.

The towers’s structure

Powerful military was however well integrated with the beautiful coastal scenery, especially in the memory of the proud and memorable resistance of the people of Salento . Most, however, they were used to the mere sighting of enemy boats and so they are very small, square or circular.

Only a few, especially north of Gallipoli, are larger because they are employed as home control and for bundling goods.

Downstairs, in general, there was a cistern to collect useful rainwater , above the living area and terrace on the slots where to place mortars and muskets. Considerable advantages enjoyed, as “captain of the tower,” the man who bought a tower or was assuming its rights and obligations. So it often happened that some captain could “overdoing it” with merchant ships that landed in the area and take advantage of it dramatically. Instead of making a verbose list of all the coastal towers scattered along the two seas, we limit ourselves to some curiosity.

Torre Mozza (Ugento marina) was so called because it collapsed several times and almost immediately after the end of the construction work. The cause? To save money, not infrequently, they used sea water to mix in the mortar. This, however, caused a rapid erosion of the walls.

Torre San Giovanni (Ugento), today became a lighthouse (crucial to avoid the boats to run aground on the famous and treacherous shallows) and home to the “Coast Guard”. The tower looks like a vertical chessboard white and black, which makes it easily spotted – even from a distance – from the sea. Some towers, finally, are decorated with lights in occasion of the festivals celebrated in the sea during the summer.

The illumination of the one located in Torre Pali is fascinating on the feast of August 17. Torre Pali represents, among other things, the only sighting tower with the foundation completely immersed in the sea.

Halloween in Italy

Photo CC BY-SA by Toby Ord

Dark, addictive, mysterious, exciting, spooky, seductive, magical … How many more adjectives could be added to define the Halloween party? One thing is certain: the Halloween spirit is contagious. Perhaps this is why today the Halloween party is one of the most heartfelt and celebrations spread throughout the world and of course also in Italy.

Since its beginning, long time ago, Halloween has helped men to stimulate people’s creativity, to familiarize with their fears, to look at reality from another point of view.

For the Celts, Halloween was a way to greet the arrival of winter. For the early Church was the eve of All Saints (All Hallows Eve). From the fifties it became the children’s festival and the nice motto Trick or treat?. In recent years the night of October 31 is celebrated as a feast fantasy: a sort of irreverent carnival macabre.

Today Halloween can be considered for all purposes a globalised party, with many different ways to be celebrated in different parts of the world. With Halloween coming the highlight will be Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1 – there are opportunities to celebrate for young and old people, one of the most entertaining parties and “appalling” inherited from the Anglo-Saxon world.

However Halloween was often in the ancient culture also a celebration of abundance, because it marked on the calendar as the last day of the year for the peasants. The pantries were filled, flocks away and was preparing for a rest in the long winter holidays.

With the rise of industrial civilization mature, with its excesses depersonalizing spread in modern man the desire to rediscover the ancient rural traditions and to restore a forgotten relationship with nature. Halloween was there, ready to exert all the charm of an ancient festival, liberating, enthralling, subversive, where the rules of ordered society could be called into question, at least for a day.

Halloween global holiday, celebrated around the world, has also taken root in Italy. If you are still undecided about what to do, here are some suggestions for funny Halloween parties in Italy

Here are the events not to be missed. Among the highlights Halloween in Borgo a Mozzano (Lucca).

Classic appointment with the horror in the province of Lucca: The Dark Night of Halloween in Borgo a Mozzano and the cycle of events connected 29 to 31 October.

Lucca and Garfagnana – magical lands of Tuscany, rich in traditions, legends and local mysteries – are the ideal setting to host the most famous Italian Halloween’s event, whose first edition was held in 1993.

Borgo a Mozzano (Lucca) devotes a rich program of events for the celebration of Halloween, celebrated on 29 to 31 October of each year. Among the most anticipated attractions in the program: Passage of Terror, Ghost Experiment, Haeretica, The Night of Lucida, The Wrath of Lucifer.

The Black Night is an interactive game where the audience is the star set in the land of the vampires of Tuscia. After the extraordinary success of last year, the story continues with new puzzles and a thousand questions.
The Passage of Terror is a forced path in which there are scenes and situations in key horror-thriller. The audience enters in small groups and is a living part and parcel of this spectacle of thrill.
Ghost Experiment continues the fascinating journey into the world of the supernatural. Getting ready for the highly anticipated 2015 experiment scheduled for October 29, edited by the Ghost Finder Italy.
The Night of Lucida: The noblewoman Lucida Mansi will be released every year by the hell in the company of the high Lucifer in which the hapless offered his soul. Glossy retrace his life up to sink again in hell.

Haeretica 2015: Halloween Celebration annually presents numerous musical events. Groups and orchestras and all kinds of alternate in every street and cranny of the city’s historical centre, giving life to a unique and continuous.
Over Look Cinehorror: Enter the Overlook Motel and dive for 11 hours in the best horror movies. From 21.00 to 8.00 am a non-stop thrill with bar service throughout the night and certificate of survival.
HC Cosplay

Trapped in the cellar
We close ourselves in a dark and mysterious and, in an hour’s time, you have to find clues, identifying codes, combinations and solve open a padlock after another for groped to regain freedom. It’s called Intrappola.to and play all adrenaline, intuition and brain in vogue at the moment. Whoever has the most insight. To learn about the city you can take part in the evening of October 31: www.intrappola.to

Mirabilandia, your personal wonderland and the Halloween Horror Festival
As night fell also in the amusement park of Mirabilandia in the province of Ravenna it is the right moment to go and celebrate the Celtic feast. The date is Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1 in three different Horror Zones, in the company of zombies and strange creatures.

Strive to cross the Tunnel of Horror, but not before having enjoyed walking in the decorated theme-park. Do not miss the shows as “fear” of Hella, the Queen of the Underworld, and Yum Maleficio Cimil – the lord of death. And while adults get scared, the little ones have fun adventuring in “The Den of the gourds” and in the brand new Tunnel “The Witches of Enchanted Forest” designed and built by production designer and artist specializing in the entertainment world, Claudio Mazzoli. The special package “Superoffer Mirabilandia” (€ 49.90) includes an entrance to the park per person, bed and breakfast in a 3 star hotel in the vicinity of the Park. Info: www.mirabilandia.it

Gardaland Magic Halloween
Monsters, skeletons, spiders and vampires come back to populate the streets of Gardaland, the famous amusement park in the province of Verona.

On the evening of October 31, doors open up to midnight to enjoy all day the theme shows and participate with the zombies at the Halloween Party in the Valley of Kings square. For those who want to stay the night there is a special package Magic Halloween.

Inside: an overnight stay with breakfast buffet in the Wonder Restaurant; a course for Sorcerer’s Apprentice for children; Magic School with sorcerer Aurora; snack to “fear” with parsley; Horror Happy Hour and bon bon times for children at the Relaxing Café; buffet dinner at the Wonder Restaurant. Info: www.gardalandmagichalloween.it

The 10 most haunted places to visit in Italy

Photo CC-SA-BY by Pietro

Ghosts in Italy abound in its many haunted castles and old abandoned noble house, mingling gloomy stories of courtesans and old tyrants.

What are the 10 best places in Italy, where you can have direct contact with spirits and ghosts?
1. Turin

In Turin you can go to the Manor Moncalieri, an old abandoned castle in appearance, but still animated by the old legend of a macabre figure who prowl in the big rooms icy castle, witnessed several times by curious visitors who ventured to these areas. It is the austere figure of a dead monk, killed during a battle in the holy war,
2. Venice

Venice is definitely one of the Italian cities with the highest number of sightings of ghosts. One above all is near the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge, where on some days of the year you can see the ghost of Fosco Loredan, brandishing in his hands the head of the decapitated wife in the throes of a fit of jealousy.
3. Mantova

The castle of Mantova is the main character of a sad story. Here the rich landowner Francesco Gonzaga beheaded his wife Agnese Visconti, after discovering his betrayal. It is said that from the day of his death the lady to appear on the night of Christmas Day, wandering the castle and screaming forgive her husband for his betrayal.
4. Naples

In the beautiful Naples you can visit the monastery of St. Martin, which in addition to being an architectural gem is also home to many ghosts. In fact, legend has it that many who tried to attack the monastery were killed by royal guards. The bodies were never buried and just thrown to rot in the basement, with many still dying, and you can still hear the moans coming from icy underground.
5. La Spezia

In Scogna Sottana in the province of La Spezia, it is the famous “House of the Violin“, so called by the people, because it was inhabited by a famous musician. After his death, due to a long and serious illness, the house was empty for a long time and open to all who wish to stay for even one night. Many told that some nights, violin musician locked in a glass case began to play alone, and at the same time the walls of the house could be heard loud lamentations probably from the ghost violinist.
6. Palermo

The castle of Caccamo in Palermo is among the castles in Italy with more ghost sightings. In fact it is said that for anyone who visits it is not difficult to meet the old gentleman who ruled the castle, dressed in leather garments and with empty eye sockets still seeking revenge, as thrown alive in the dungeons of the castle after a conspiracy in him.
7. Milan

In the second half of the fourteenth century Bernarda, natural daughter of Bernabo Visconti, was locked in Rocchetta di Porta Nuova for adultery.
Bernarda died a few months after his imprisonment and seems to have reappeared on several occasions in the cloister of Saint Radegund in Milan, where you can still say you can see it while inveighing against the father.
8. Rome

The Phantom of Olimpia Pamphili still wanders through the square on a carriage pulled by beautiful horses blacks.
Many claim to have heard his laughter directed towards the people of Rome: her life was reserved a role of prestige and power, but never managed to make inroads in the hearts of Romans.
Today his revenge is to scare to death the unfortunate who walk at night to Piazza Navona.
9. Aosta

Aosta is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy, the Fenis castle, which is also open to visitors. Here many tourists claimed that they had heard noises and footsteps coming from the upper floor of the castle, but the strangeness is just that this plan has been fully sealed for centuries and therefore off-limits both for visitors and for the experts of the castle. The novelty is that a group of scholars of the paranormal has asked permission to the cultural heritage of the Valle d’Aosta region to investigate the phenomenon. We await further developments!
10. Genoa

Nearby Voltri near Genoa, there is one of Italy’s most famous haunted houses. It is called the house of their own souls, and was an old inn, where the managers – a family with serious mental problems – killed all those who stopped to refuel and then threw them in a mass grave. This abandoned building until the postwar period was then inhabited by a family who testified several times of strange facts and mysterious visions.

Discovering Sardinia

Photo CC-BY-SA By Mattia.dipaolo

Sardinia continues to be a favourite destination of tourists: the island has an unparalleled offer, excellent sea, nature, festivals and events not to be missed, in short, everything you could want for the holidays on a different scale.

Great time to visit the island is surely when it is less warm and less crowded, meaning in the spring or fall. You can also have great prices on airlines and ferries, major reductions, discounts and convenience that allows you to choose an excellent hotel to spend the holidays in peace discovering a beautiful and interesting areas.

Santa Maria Navarrese Baunei sea is a location with excellent connections to the ports and airports of the island but is also the ideal destination for those who want to know and visit the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia.

From there you can choose to visit small places of enchantment often far from the official routes, beautiful areas of real natural interest and not only

Some examples?

Cala Luna: a scenario coming straight out from movies! A famous example is “Swept Away” by Lina Wertmuller. Cala Luna and the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei were the perfect set for this film, a desert island where the characters are swept away. Cala Luna is magnificent. This is in fact a beautiful cove overlooking the Gulf of Orosei is just a few kilometers from Santa Maria Navarrese. Here the beach is so beautiful that it was important location for international films, charming blue at times for a deep blue Tyrrhenian colour of the sea. Here is particularly famous the cold, white sands for those who like to take a tan golden colour, all coming with a backdrop of beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea. Getting to Cala Luna is easy indeed from Santa Maria Navarrese – you can do so by renting a boat or a dinghy but also taking advantage of the many ferry services and mini cruises, not only for those who enjoy a different vacation, you can get to the beach via a hiking .

And then always near Santa Maria Navarrese you can not be ruled crossings Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu.

Cala Goloritze

Cala Goloritzè open to visitors with its natural arch in an almost enchanted bay. Beyond the beach you should have a walk in nature: a spring of fresh water is tucked into a crevice in the rocks and it comes from underground river Argentinean to the sea. Goloritzè beach with his unique mix of small white pebbles and sand, has been recognized as a National Monument. From Santa Maria Navarrese trips by boat are provided for many day to this great location and while it can be reached, always starting from Santa Maria Navarrese, with a short drive by car of 36 kilometers via highway 125, eastern road.

Cala Mariolu

A true paradise is Cala Mariolu always taking as a starting point Santa Maria Navarese. It can be reached by private boats or by one of the shipping companies that offer a daily, consistent transport service. And this is a cove that is drawn from a small beach of white confetti and the emerald green sea.

Beautifully unspoiled it opens into the Gulf of Orosei. Cala Mariolu owes its name to the Monk Seal, called by local fishermen “mariolu” or thief. Legends tell us that in ancient times they were using the cave located in this cove to save all the mariouluesce (fish) caught before returning at the port. Very often, however, they came back to take the fruits of their labour, they did not find anything. Believing that a thief was hiding among them, soon they realized that the fruit of those who withdrew from their fishing nets were always seals acting undisturbed. Always starting from Santa Maria Navarrese you should go for a swim in these clear waters, where the sand is mixed with pebbles, which are round white and pink. Among the many remarkable caves we focus on the Grotta del Fico, reached by some boats. Here in shallow waters -almost Caribbean in their shape – lies a natural scenery and it makes a wonderful destination for those who love diving and photography.

Other interesting excursions in the area can be made in the vicinity of Tortoli to Baia Porto Frailis, very nice and comfortable beach, fit for all needs. It is worth to visit also the nearby cliffs of San Gemiliano with the Spanish tower, which altogether form a beautiful and charming seesighting. A must-to-see lies always near Tortolì and it is the very well known Lido di Orri: white sand, excellent services, a paradise for bather.

Photo CC BY-SA by Hpschaefer

And if the sea stove or, as it happens, is a fresh day of mistral good will from Santa Maria Navarrese to venture into the beautiful Supramonte of Baunei and do wonderful walks accompanied by local guides in those paths that once were the daily routes of the shepherds.

Without going too far anyway we can get to Pedra Longa which stands out in the wild territory Baunei and is accessible by car from the highway 125, by boat from the Marina of Santa Maria Navarrese. or walk again starting from the center of Santa Maria Navarrese for a day of hiking to everyone that takes us to immerse ourselves in a corner of untouched nature where goats and wild pigs are passed by in silence day in search of food, in a wild and unspoiled area.

Parmigiana with Aubergine: an Italian classic

Photo CC-BY by Blue Lotus
“Parmigiana” with Aubergine, Parmesan and Tomato Sauce is a fantastic main dish, cooked all over Italy and can be an excellent vegetarian main course. This is one of the classic preparations of southern Italy, associated with Naples’s cousine, but it is popular in Calabria and Sicily too.

The dish is pretty simple even though the prep is slightly long: we have a sliced filling made of aubergine pan fried in oil, layered with tomato sauce and cheese, and baked into the oven. In many versions, the sliced aubergines are first dipped in beaten eggs and then in flour or breadcrumbs before being fried. Some recipes use Parmigiano, while others use softer melting cheeses like mozzarella, or a mix of both!

Jeanne Carola Francesconi, connoisseur of Neapolitan cuisine and famous recipe author, argues that the origins of the recipe can be dating back more than two centuries ago. She finds in the works of V.Corrado I.Cavalcanti the first attempts to explain the recipe that we now know as the parmigiana today.

The aubergine is a plant native to Asia, was probably introduced into Europe by Arab traders during the late Middle Ages. Like other plant belonging to the nightshade family has long been accompanied by bad name. For this reason, its spread in Europe began only in the eighteenth century, during which begins to become common in the canteens of the people first and then the nobility.

An important clue to identify the moment in which the recipe began to take shape, is identifiable in the presence of an important ingredient which is the tomato, the fact that in certain extent certifies the origin of the eighteenth century. Although this vegetable, imported in Europe only with the discovery of the Americas, followed the same fate of eggplant, finally he succeeded to establish itself in European ostaria only in the eighteenth century. These observations support the thesis that the emergence of the parmigiana is to be placed between the second half of the eighteenth and the first decades of the nineteenth century.

But the first mention for this dish can be found in Il saporetto by Simone Prudenzani (1387-1440), where the recipe refers to “parmisciana.” The eighteenth-century Neapolitan chef Vincenzo Corrado in his book Il cuoco galante published in 1786 maintains that to cook melanzane alla Parmegiana means that the aubergines will be seasoned with butter, herbs, cinnamon and other spices and grated parmigiano cheese. In the end he suggests to cover with a cream sauce made with egg yolks before being oven-baked.

Parmigiana with fresh Aubergines and Tomato sauce

An Italian incredible vegetarian recipe with aubergines

Author: Maria Claudia

Recipe type: Main

Cuisine: Italian

Serves: 5

Ingredients

2 garlic
6 T oil (extravirgin)
4 Aubergines (cut into long, 5mm thick slices)
200 g parmesan (grated)
4 Eggs (beaten)
2 basil leaves
800 g tomatoes (chopped)

Instructions

- Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.
- In a shallow pan, mix together the garlic and 4 tbsp of the olive oil.
- Make your tomato sauce in the usual way. Cook over a high heat for 3 mins, tip in the tomatoes, then simmer for 8 mins, stirring every now and then and adding salt, pepper and the basil towards the end.
- Slice the aubergines about 1cm (1/2 inch) thick. Dust the slices on both sides with flour.
- Beat the eggs, season with salt, and dip the floured aubergine slices into this.
- Fry the aubergine slices three or four times in some hot oil. Brown on both sides, remove and drain on kitchen paper.
- When all the aubergines are cooked, lay a few of them in the bottom of an ovenproof dish.
- Put two or three spoonfuls of tomato sauce in the bottom of a large ovenproof dish, then arrange a layer of the aubergine slices, placed as close together as possible.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Add seasoning, then repeat this process with the remaining ingredients creating layers. Finally, sprinkle over a little more Parmesan, then bake for 20 mins or until the topping is golden.

Parma: the city of music

Photo CC-BY by Herbert Ortner

Parma, the beautiful city of Emilia Romagna, is a small wonder to discover and see in a day or on a weekend, to spend a different time together. A sign at the entrance to the city welcomes us in the “City of Music” a motto written at the entrance of Parma, but the city is more than that: just think that in it there are 330 cultural heritage sites!

The City of Music

This beautiful, rich and small town of Emilia, is packed with pretty famous monuments, historic buildings and interesting food combinations to taste into fantastic and traditional dishes. Strolling along the street of Parma you can not help but pay homage to the opera: the Teatro Regio is the musical symbol of the city and the monument dedicated to Verdi in marble and granite will be a must to see (and take a selfie with). Passing through have a peek at the Teatro Regio “cartellone”, which boasts an interesting concert season and numerous opera festivals. Head, then, towards the Camera di San Paolo, by Correggio (Mon-Sun 8.30-14) and the Pinacoteca Stuard to continue your art visit.

Churches and palaces

Continuing your visit you will be admiring the Ducal Palace, a building of the sixteenth century, surrounded by the Parco Ducale, a beautiful green space in which to have a break from your walk in total relaxation.
To start the tour, let’s go from the district of Nuova Parma. In this neighborhood you can visit many examples of sacred architecture.

Here you will find the Duomo, a beautiful Romanesque building, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. You must see the dome frescoed by Correggio – you will be impressed by the beauty of his works! In the church you will be stunned also by the interesting relief Antelami, The Deposition of Christ. Among the most striking example of Romanesque buildings, the church of Santa Maria Steccata has been probably designed by Bramante or even by Leonardo da Vinci.

Worth to visit also the church of San Vitale – among the oldest in the city- which houses a chapel of the Virgin of Constantinople. Behind the cathedral is the Church of San Giovanni, the smallest and austere, but of great interest for its frescoes.

Photo Public Domain
Continue on to Piazza Duomo you will enter in the cathedral square: there it stands the pink marble Baptistery, adorned with numerous panels depicting animals. Also the Baptistery is another beautiful example of very special Romanesque architecture, as it was built in pink marble. Amazing also the Bishop’s Palace to visit.

Among the town’s highlights, to discover also the old hospital, now State Archives and the Church of the Annunciation. Have a rest for a moment, head north to the Parco Ducale, where you can enjoy a good coffee in the shade.

The park will take you with his great avenue to the Ponte dei Mille and then to Palazzo della Pilotta, the end point of your quick visit. In case you decide to take a few more days, you can get on with other parts of the city as the Citadel, the Paganini Auditorium and the many castles which spot the province.

The complex of the Pilotta includes the Palace, temporary exhibitions, the Palatine Library, the Farnese Theatre and the National Gallery (Tue-Sat 8.30-19, Sun and holidays 8.30-14). In three hours you can visit the entire complex, in case the weather is not in your favour, do not miss the Teatro Farnese, especially wooden structure designed by Argenta.

Leaving the Pilotta, take a moment to admire the great square in front of the Square of Peace, designed by architect Mario Botta. As the visit goes further, notice here how the large fountain was destroyed during the war and how its structure is remembered by the game of trees and water present.

Then walk along Via della Repubblica until you cross the bridge over the river Parma and reach the oltre torrente.

Where to eat in Parma:
For lunch or dinner we are spoiled for choice: good restaurants, taverns and tasting opportunities, in each case for a sandwich not miss Pepen, a stone’s throw from Piazza Garibaldi. For a wine tasting get down to the nearby and very typical Osteria del Gesso. For coffee, instead, sit in Piazza Garibaldi and be captivated by the quiet atmosphere around you, planning, perhaps, the next visit to Parma, also called “the Little Paris”!

How to get to Parma:

Arrive by train is an excellent solution, whereas the train station is a few minutes walk from the historic centre. For those who prefer getting to Parma by car, there are various paid parking lot around the centre, including one along the river (Parking Goito). The walk within the city can be done on foot, both for short distances, so you can make the most of your day and discover the other villages and views around Parma.

Photo CC-BY by Davide Bolsi

Surroundings

Colorno

Just fifteen kilometres from Parma there is the ducal palace built by the Farnese family in the eighteenth century on the ruins of the ancient fortress. In the eighteenth century it was one of the most luxurious residences of court across Europe. It will amaze you with its gardens, partly Italian and partly in French, over four kilometres long, decorated with fountains and crossed by wide avenues. Equally charming and the four halls of the palace. A must- see will be the apartments of the Duke and Duchess and the astronomical observatory, too.
Open all year.

Full price: € 6.50

Rocca di Sala Baganza

Between Parma and the small town of Felino you will find the village of Sala Baganza. In its historical centre you can visit the fortress belonged to the Sanvitale family. Recent restoration work has affected the interior rooms of the castle, and it has been returned to its former glory.
Open all year.

Full price: € 4.00

Torrechiara Castle

Just before Langhirano, on your right if you come from Parma, you’ll notice a massive defensive construction on a small hill, with square towers and three circles of walls. welcome to Torrechiara Castle: inside, the extraordinary Golden Chamber.
Open all year.

Full price: € 3.00