What can you do when temperatures top 38C (100F)? Eat gelato of course! But don’t settle for just any old ice cream…head to the world-renowned Gelateria Pasqualetti (http://www.ilgelatodipasqualetti.com). This family-owned and operated artisan gelateria makes the real thing: Whole, natural and delicious gelato with the colors and the scents of real fruit – without gimmicks, chemicals or thickeners. You’ll find them at 1 of 2 locations: 10 Via del Duomo and a summer-only shop at 14 Piazza del Duomo. Go out and ‘lick’ the heat….FYI: Gelato is great in the dead of winter, too!
Lamberto Bernardini’s 15th-century papermaking studio is where you can see carta marmorizzata (marbled paper) being made by hand. “Floating paper” has been traced back to Japan 835 C.E., but it really developed as a true art form in Persia and Ottoman Turkey, eventually finding its way to Europe, where it remains an important decorative craft today. Back in 2012 Steven Brenner of Cross-Pollinate & The-Beehive and I made a film about Lamberto in his Orvieto workshop, where you can also take a small group or private class to learn how to make marbled paper yourself! Check it out and then…Like! Share! Visit!
Before it was Orvieto, this Etruscan city was called Velzna (circa 3rd century B.C.). The Etruscans may have been short in stature, but they were long on engineering and cultural sophistication. They were adept winemakers, perfected the terracotta potter’s wheel and were stellar metalworkers. Etruscan authority, Professor Claudio Bizzarri, says Etruscan sculptors were called to Rome to decorate the Temple of Jupiter. “They taught Romans to use civil engineering instruments to survey and build their famous roads”. Etruscan innovation is astounding, especially considering they didn’t have the benefit of modern machinery. Their civilization survived from 900 B.C. until its decline and integration into Roman culture around 100 B.C. Learn more by visiting the archeological and Etruscan collections at Il Museo Claudio Faina in Piazza del Duomo. http://www.museofaina.it.Like! Share! Visit!
Orvieto is a vibrant and lively city, but it also offers a slower, tranquil pace. In the daytime, the city swells with visitors (yah, we like that), but at night, locals come out with their families for a stroll along the ‘Corso’. Maybe they have a gelato – or as we did last evening – stop to enjoy an impromptu string concerto. There’s always something to do and see in Orvieto…and sometimes it’s completely unexpected!Like!Share!Visit!
Examples of the ancient art of woodworking can be found on nearly every street and alleyway (and home) in Orvieto. Bottega Michelangeli has been creating its signature wood furniture and whimsical figurines since 1789. Continuing in full operation today, you can find its most famous creations, the ‘trojan black horses’, on one of the town’s prettiest streets – Via Michelangeli. Climb up onto the horses’ sturdy backs for a photo; these solid wood sculptures bring out the ‘kid’ in everyone! Like! Share! Visit!
As we come to the mid-point of our project to spread the word about the marvels of Orvieto (in 31 installments), today I thought I’d post some of my favorite shots of life in Orvieto. If you love Orvieto or want to support the effort to “passaparola” about Orvieto’s beauty and history, then ‘like’ the posts, ‘share’ them and then ‘visit, visit, visit’!
Massimo Chioccia was born in Sugano, a tiny village near Orvieto. He graduated with honors from the Academy of Fine Arts in Viterbo. Olga Tsarkova left Russia to continue her studies at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. The two met in 1996 and started ‘a collaboration’ (that includes two beautiful daughters). Painting with 2 brushes on 1 canvas, they create vibrant images with kinetic energy and movement. Internationally acclaimed for their Jazz subjects, their work can be found in every corner of the globe, including a permanent display at the world famous Birdland: “The Jazz Corner of the World” in New York City. Pop in to say ‘ciao’ and have a glass of wine at their 13th-century Bottega Chioccia Tsarkova (studio) with a well-stocked cantina. Like! Share! Visit!
You may be wondering why in the world I’d be posting photos of my day in Rome on a project dedicated to Orvieto? Well, it’s to illustrate one of the great things about our town: It’s smack-dab in the middle of Italy, on a main rail line and right off the autostrada. Just a quick 1-hour train ride to Rome’s historical center, Orvieto can be the perfect day trip from Rome or… MAYBE.. Rome is the perfect day trip from Orvieto? Think about it! Like! Share! Visit!
Today, I shine the spotlight on fierce Chef Valentina Santanicchio. She grew up on her parents’ organic farm in nearby Ficulle where, I imagine, her dedication to real food began – it’s in her blood. She opened her first restaurant at the age of 28 and created a style of cooking that is a wonderful combo of tradition mixed with an edgy, contemporary flare – kind of like Vale…(Disclaimer: She’s also one of my closest friends). She is strong, determined, independent and loyal….and she makes a mean fried chicken! (Photos: Top: Vale and me 2011. Bottom: Vale and me now, and Below: The ‘welcome back’ cookie she once made for me!) Like! Share! Visit! Eat!
Orvieto or Bust: 