Renaissance Customs and Food Traditions

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 12^th 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 18^th and early 19^th 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 20^th 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.

Children Workshops are Available at Belriguardo Castle

Connect with Historia and Tema

for Renaissance Traditions and Food Experience in Trentino and Emilia Romagna

Local Knowledge – Global Reach

tema@arezza.net  skype arezza1