Gastronomic and
Cultural Itineraries in Trentino and Emilia Romagna
A Food and Wine Experience in a Medieval
Castle
Castel Pietra near Trento holds documents
dating back to the 12th century. Its architecture displays different
styles, but its purpose was decidedly defense and control of the territory, as
it is located in an important strategic position near a large bend of the Adige
River and the Imperial Road at the narrowest point. The castle was also the scene
of important battles between Napoleon’s army and the Austrians at end of the 18th
and early 19th centuries. During WWI, the castle was bombed and
damaged on several occasions. Castel Pietra has continuously belonged to the
same family since 1738.
Bioteca
A new term
to taste the flavors of the past. Castel Pietra overlooks 23 hectares of
countryside. Grapes, apples and horticultural products have always been grown
on the farm. In 2011 the property began converting it production to organic, a
process just completed. Also, the surrounding countryside is populated by
various wild animals such as hares, badgers, hawks, foxes and deer. Many birds
nest on apple trees.
From Farmhouse to Fruit Museum
The Fruit Capital of Italy Massa Lombarda, near Ravenna, received this
appellation in 1927 as a result of the efforts of Adolfo Bonvicini (1854-1916),
an early 20th century entrepreneur and creator of the local fruit
industry.
A Local Farmhouse
was restructured to display the tools and everyday objects typical of rural
culture while the stables were transformed into paths dedicated to the culture
of life, wheat and hemp.
The Museum also
presents documents relating to the birth of the first workers cooperative, some
of the farming tools, including a scaled sorting machine, and artistic labels
painted by famous artists of the period.
A Civic Museum and Municipal Library
The town also boasts a Civic Museum with
an Art Gallery and Public Library, named after Doctor Carlo Venturini (1809 –
1886), a native of Massa Lombarda, who practiced medicine throughout Central
Italy and was a member of several prestigious international associations.
The
Art Gallery includes works from Doctor Venturini’s
eclectic collection, including Greek, Etruscan and Roman ceramic vases and
bronze objects, rare Punic stelae, the Renaissance era coins of Francesco D'Este
(1516-1578), as well as the Doctor’s everyday objects and personal
effects. Also, works of a religious
nature by Gian Battista Bassi, Angelo Torchi, a Garofalo, a Bastianino and a Rembrandt.
The Civic Museum received the "Quality
Museum" recognition by the Emilia Romagna Region.
The Arts and Gastronomy in Ferrara
Celebrating the Cultural and Culinary
Traditions of Emilia Romagna
Weekly Courses,
available year round, designed to acquaint you and expand your knowledge of the
arts, culture and cuisine of Ferrara and the Emilia Romagna region of Italy:
Italian Cooking
Classes: from the selection and purchase of the ingredients in local markets to
the making, presentation and tasting of first and second courses. The
afternoons are dedicated to visits to Ferrara’s museums and other cultural
venues.
Bread-Making:
coppia ferrarese – a hit at Milan’s Expo2015 - and other local specialties;
Creative
Cooking with your favorite Italian dishes accompanied by unique aromas, herbs
and flavors from the garden; The Wines of Emilia Romagna; Balsamic Vinegar: an
introduction.
The Art of
Fresco Making. Your program includes morning visits to Sala della Vigna,
Palazzo Schifanoia, Marfisa and other venues to view examples of Ferrara area
frescoes. In the afternoons, under the guidance of your art maestro, you will
have a chance to put into practice your newly acquired knowledge by creating
your very own frescos.
The Cooking Classes take place in Ferrara restaurants,
the balsamic vinegar program in Modena and the Fresco art course at the Belriguardo Museum.
Escorted
Itineraries to visit the local small museums in or near Ferrara that
are representative of the region’s Renaissance
Traditions and its modern, industrial
achievements, such as the Lamborghini Museum.
Connect with Historia
and Tema
for Renaissance
Traditions and Food Experience in Trentino and Emilia Romagna
Local
Knowledge – Global Reach