L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano C o m p i a n o i s a medieval village in Italy's Emilia- R o m a g n a region, located in the Apennines, about 50 miles southwest of Parma. It sits at an elevation of rough- ly 1,640 feet, and offers stun- ning views of the hills and fertile valleys that define the local landscape. Despite its small size, Compiano has a rich history, well-preserved architecture, and a deep con- n e c t i o n t o t h e p a s t t h a t makes it a great destination if you want to experience slow, cultural tourism. The village's name," Com- piano," likely derives from the Latin Campus Planus, which means "flat field"—a reference to the relatively even terrain on which it was founded. This feature stands out in the otherwise undulat- ing geography of the region, and made Compiano a nat- ural stronghold throughout history. The village's origins trace back to the 9th century when it emerged as a Carolingian outpost guarding the upper reaches of the Taro Valley; by the 10th century, it had come under the rule of the Malaspina family before b e i n g t a k e n o v e r b y t h e Landi dynasty in 1312. The L a n d i s h e l d p o w e r f o r a n astonishing 426 years, the l o n g e s t - r u n n i n g l o r d - s h i p i n I t a l i a n h i s t o r y ; under their rule, Emperor C h a r l e s V e l e v a t e d C o m - p i a n o t o a p r i n c i p a l i t y i n 1532, and by 1552, the Lan- dis had begun minting their own currency. A particularly interesting connection in the village's past is its link to the r o y a l f a m i l y o f M o n a c o : Princess Maria Landi mar- r i e d E r c o l e I G r i m a l d i i n 1595, tying Compiano to one o f E u r o p e ' s m o s t f a m o u s dynasties. One of the village's most striking architectural land- marks is the Castello di Compiano, a fortress with imposing yet elegant archi- t e c t u r e : s u r r o u n d e d b y ancient walls and beautifully maintained gardens, the cas- tle now houses the Interna- tional Masonic Museum, the only museum of its kind in Italy. Its exhibits include historical artifacts, medal- lions, and paintings shed- ding light on 18th- and 19th- c e n t u r y B r i t i s h M a s o n i c traditions. Visitors can also explore the Gambarotta Collection, which features fine 18th-century furniture and artwork, donated by the castle's last private owner, C o u n t e s s L i n a R a i m o n d i G a m b a r o t t a . B e y o n d t h e castle, Compiano's medieval heritage is evident in its nar- r o w c o b b l e s t o n e s t r e e t s , stone houses, and centuries- old churches, in particular the Church of San Gio- vanni Bat t i st a , with its striking bell tower. The village is not only a medieval treasure but also a gateway to nature. The lush landscapes of Val di Taro provide endless oppor- tunities for outdoor activi- ties, including hiking trails t h a t w i n d t h r o u g h d e n s e forests, enjoying breathtak- ing views, horseback riding, and nature walks, all perfect if immersive experiences of nature are your thing. If you are into mushroom search- ing, then you'll be happy to know that the area is espe- cially known for its prized porcini, a staple in local cui- sine and the star of seasonal festivals. Be careful, though: you can't just pick them! In Italy, a permit is needed to collect wild mushrooms and there are also limits to how many you can bring home. Back in the village, food l o v e r s w i l l f i n d m u c h t o enjoy. Here, the culinary tradition is that of Emilia- Romagna, and features dish- es such as tortelli d'erbet- t a ( h e r b - s t u f f e d p a s t a ) , hearty stews, and a variety of cured meats. Restaurants like Ristorante dell'Agri- t u r i s m o C a r o v a n e a n d Trattoria Solari serve up authentic regional fare, and are perfect places to try the area's gastronomic excel- lence. Local cheeses, chest- n u t s , a n d h a n d m a d e desserts add to the rich fla- v o r s t h a t m a k e d i n i n g i n C o m p i a n o a m e m o r a b l e experience. Throughout the year, the village also hosts festivals celebrating its heritage, with a u t u m n b r i n g i n g l i v e l y p o r c i n i m u s h r o o m f a i r s where visitors can taste and purchase this beloved local delicacy. Compiano is also part of the Borghi più Belli d'Italia circuit, an acknowl- edgment of its historical and cultural significance. All in all, Compiano offers an authentic slice of Italian life: it is a beautiful place, where slowing down, explor- ing, and relaxing comes as easy as having a nice espres- so in the morning! I n the village of Vico d e l G a r g a n o , i n Italy's Apulia region, V a l e n t i n e ' s D a y i s celebrated a bit dif- ferently. Saint Valentine has been the patron saint of the place since the 17th cen- t u r y ; h e r e , h o w e v e r , h e doesn't only protect lovers, b u t a l s o t h e t o w n ' s c h e r - ished citrus groves, particu- larly its oranges. E a c h y e a r , a s F e b r u a r y 14th approaches, the com- munity engages in elaborate preparations to honor their patron: they begin with cre- a t i n g " S a i n t V a l e n t i n e ' s throne," which is adorned with over 500 kilograms of oranges and laurel branches to symbolize the villagers' gratitude for the protection of their citrus crops. On the Saint's day, cele- b r a t i o n s b e g i n w i t h a solemn Mass, after which a w o o d e n s t a t u e o f S a i n t Valentine, lavishly decorat- ed — again — with oranges a n d l a u r e l , i s c a r r i e d through the streets in a pro- cession that weaves through the historic center, passing by notable landmarks such as the Vicolo del Bacio or " A l l e y o f t h e K i s s . " A s i t s name clearly testifies, this is the place to be for all lovers a n d f i d a n z a t i n i , b e c a u s e kissing here, legends say, will bring you enduring love and fidelity. If you are single — or trust your significant o t h e r t o t h e p o i n t o f n o t needing extra magical sup- port — you can participate in another beloved local tradi- tion, the blessing of oranges a n d l e m o n p l a n t s : t h e i r fruits, themselves blessed, are then consumed by vil- l a g e r s t o o b t a i n j o y a n d health. The origins of these cus- toms are rooted in both reli- gious devotion and agricul- t u r a l p r a c t i c e s , a s w e l l d e s c r i b e d i n V i c o d e l Gargano's most famous tale: i n t h e 1 6 0 0 s , f o l l o w i n g a devastating frost that threat- ened the local citrus indus- t r y , t h e v i l l a g e r s s o u g h t Saint Valentine's interces- sion to protect their crops from future calamities. Their prayers were believed to be a n s w e r e d , a n d l e d t o t h e establishment of these tradi- tions. Today, Vico del Gargano's Valentine's Day celebrations attract visitors from all over t h e r e g i o n , d r a w n b y t h e unique fusion of religious observance and cultural her- itage, as well as by the beau- t y o f i t s s t r e e t s , a d o r n e d with heart-shaped decora- tions, laurel, and oranges, a t r u e e x p l o s i o n o f c o l o r s , shapes, and fun. The colorful streets of Vico del Gargano (Photo: Luca Lorenzelli/Dreamstime) S a n V a l e n t i n o i n V i c o d e l Gargano: the patron saint of love and … oranges! Compiano: a Medieval hamlet in the heart of Val di Taro The castle of Compiano (Photo: Marco Taliani De Marchio/Dreamstime) LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE

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