L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 10 L'Italo-Americano A h , t h e I t a l i a n A l p s ! W i t h their majestic peaks, fragrant p i n e f o r e s t s , and sun-drenched valleys, they are a dream for slow tourism enthusiasts. Today, allow me to guide you on a j o u r n e y t h r o u g h t i m e , a journey beyond the hustle and bustle of typical tourist destinations, and into the heart of Italy's most charm- ing Alpine villages, to enjoy beauty, tranquillity, nature, and blissful peace. Usseaux, Piemonte Nestled in the Chisone Valley, Usseaux, if you ask me, is a page right out of a fairy tale. This idyllic ham- l e t , k n o w n a s o n e o f t h e most beautiful in Italy (it is among the Borghi più Belli d'Italia) holds steadfast to i t s h i s t o r y w i t h i t s s t o n e houses adorned with tradi- tional frescoes, whispering tales of a past long gone. Usseaux is a bilingual com- mune, with residents speak- ing both Italian and French and, as you wander through t h i s p i c t u r e s q u e h a m l e t , d o n ' t m i s s o u t o n t h e ancient sundials adorning many buildings, the local church with its characteris- tic spire, and the eco-muse- um, which narrates the com- pelling story of mountain agriculture. Riva di Tures, Trenti- no-Alto Adige I f y o u w a n t a t r a n q u i l retreat, Riva di Tures is the place to be. Situated in the heart of the Vedrette di R i e s N a t u r e P a r k , i t s m o u n t a i n l a n d s c a p e s a r e simply breathtaking, and history, culture, and gas- tronomy converge in a fasci- n a t i n g b l e n d . H i k i n g , cycling, or simply breathing in the crisp alpine air: every moment in Riva di Tures is an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Apart from its stunning surroundings, Riva di Tures is a true treasure trove of architectural gems: y o u c a n v i s i t t h e S a i n t N i c h o l a s P a r i s h C h u r c h , r e n o w n e d f o r i t s g o t h i c altarpiece, and, in the near- by Campo Tures, the majes- tic Taufers Castle awaits you: did you know this is one of the largest castles in the region, with over sixty rooms open to visitors? If you are after some culi- n a r y d e l i g h t s , t r y l o c a l speck, smoked cured ham known to be one of the best delicacies of the region! V i p i t e n o , T r e n t i n o - Alto Adige Encircled by the Tyrolean A l p s , V i p i t e n o c a p t u r e s your heart with its medieval charm: the grand Tower of Twelve, ornate Gothic hous- es, and vibrant flower gar- d e n s a r e t r u l y a s i g h t t o behold. Are you a foodie? Then you'll love Vipiteno for its quaint eateries and cafés, w h e r e y o u c a n e n j o y T y r o l e a n t r e a t s a n d , w h y not, wines. Do you prefer history and heritage? Then you can discover Vipiteno's past as a mining town or, if you are more of an art lover, you could try the Multsch- er Museum, which houses artworks of the renowned artist Hans Multscher. The c h a r m i n g p a r i s h c h u r c h dedicated to Saint Margaret is also worth a visit. Don't forget to make a trip to the nearby Monteneve mines, once the second-largest sil- ver mine in the world, for a uniquely immersive experi- ence. Engage with the local community, explore the his- toric sights, or relish the simple pleasure of enjoying a strudel in a cozy café. Yes, this is what slow tourism is all about! Gromo, Lombardia Often dubbed as "the little F l o r e n c e o f t h e A l p s , " Gromo's medieval appeal is irresistible. With its perfect- ly preserved streets, artisan workshops, and 13th-centu- ry castle, walking in Gromo is really like taking a step back in time. The village's deep-rooted blade-making tradition adds to its allure, and you can even visit local artisan workshops, where the ancient craft of making swords, knives, and halberds lives on. Are you interested in rimedi della nonna, or t h e a n c i e n t a r t o f h e r b a l m e d i c i n e ? T h e n y o u c a n e x p l o r e t h e S p i g o r e l Botanical Garden with its diverse collection of medici- nal plants. Gromo is also k n o w n f o r t h e a n n u a l Panevin Festival, where locals burn a massive bon- fire to drive away evil spirits for good luck. The town's hospitality, coupled with the t a s t e o f l o c a l l y - p r o d u c e d scisòla, a traditional bread, is surely going to make your visit memorable. Arnad, Valle d'Aosta L a s t , b u t n o t l e a s t , i s Arnad in Valle d'Aosta, an undisputed paradise for food l o v e r s . R e n o w n e d f o r i t s lardo, a type of cured pork fat, Arnad's gastronomy is a unique blend of French and Italian influences. But the v i l l a g e ' s l o v e f o r f o o d extends beyond its famous cold cut. There are vineyards to explore, wine to taste and, i f y o u l o v e h i s t o r y , t h e imposing Bard Fortress, a beacon of the region's cul- tural and historical heritage, is only a stone-throw away. Arnard is also famous for its main bridge, a still striking medieval structure, which was once a crucial point on the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route. So, why these villages for s l o w t o u r i s m , y o u m i g h t wonder? Well, the answer lies in their authenticity, their preservation of deep- r o o t e d t r a d i t i o n s , t h e i r respect for nature, and their celebration of the simple, joyful aspects of life. Each of t h e s e v i l l a g e s , w i t h i t s u n i q u e c h a r m , o f f e r s a chance to slow down, experi- ence life in a more meaning- ful manner, and establish a g e n u i n e c o n n e c t i o n w i t h both local culture and peo- ple. In an era where rushing has become the norm, slow tourism in these delightful Alpine villages reminds us of t h e b e a u t y o f t a k i n g o u r time. Each of them is quaint and brimming with tradi- t i o n , i n v i t e s u s t o s l o w down, breathe in the moun- tain air, and indulge in the s i m p l e p l e a s u r e s o f l i f e . Whether you're savoring a traditional meal, meander- ing through cobbled streets, or marveling at the Alpine v i s t a s , i n t h e s e h a m l e t s you'll find a place to serenely take a rest from today's fast- paced living. LUCA SIGNORINI Picturesque Arnad, in Valle d'Aosta (Photo: Stefano Valeri/Dreamstime) Five Alpine gems for the perfect "slow" and relaxing Italian summer vacation Speck is a smoked cured meat typical of Alto-Adige. You can definitely try it if you visit Riva di Tures (Photo: Lorenzot81/Dreamstime) ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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