A country on a human scale: excursion in the hills of Parodi Ligure
The brilliant whiteness of a huge white cross of its mysterious light that bathes the hills covered with fields, vineyards and dense forests, still almost untouched and full of wild animals such as deer, wild boars, foxes and weasels. The dark blue evening dress in the mountains of Alto Monferrato, in contrast with this white divine exactly were these striking images to draw us for the first time in Parodi Ligure, one evening last summer, after a day spent at the sea.
This time we came back during the day, so you can visit all the beauties of the country, starting in the "Crocione", located on the highest point of the town. And 'since 1929 who watches the War Memorial, but a large wooden cross was present in the same place for many years before, as shown in the photos of the early twentieth century. The feeling of being part of a sacred moment is enhanced by the breathtaking landscape in which stands out even the Viso.
Not far away, we visit the ruins of the castle, already nine hundred years ago, fought between the Marquis of Parodi and Genoa, and was then destroyed in 1625, the conflict between France and Savoy and Genoa.
And this broad view is always to provide a clue of what is today Parodi Ligure despite the number of residents has decreased over the years, and also the territory, once even with neighboring Pegli, is now much lower , the cultural and artistic horizons of the town has always remained very large. This is also due to the desire to keep alive the memories of the past, as evidenced by the Old Crafts Festival, which takes place every year in the month of August and lets you relive the atmosphere of the past making a jump to the barber for the day you receive in his antique shop, as well as the smith, the scribe, or cobbler.
Parodi Ligure gave birth to more than one Doge, including Guarco Nicolo, doge of Genoa in the late fourteenth century. Although the wide spaces of Palazzo Guarco, belonged to the family of Nicholas, are now in disuse, you admire the beautiful sentry box and a balcony that once overlooked the doge.
This brings us to the most important monument of the country, the Parish Church of St. Rocco and St. Sebastian. Although the history of the parish of Parodi has its roots way back in 1143, year of foundation of the Monastery of San Remigio, the erection of the parish today dates back to 1845, and came by the will of the faithful who often struggled to reach San Remigio, in position some 'isolated.
Inside the church of S.S. Roch and Sebastian, recently renovated, you can admire numerous precious works of art, from the fresco depicting beginning with the return of soldiers from the First Crusade parodesi, who led the country into a relic of the Holy Cross. From the marble statue of the Madonna and baby Jesus, placed on the altar, until the wooden statue of San Rocco and the paintings, the church is full of wonders.
After this walk, we reach the Farmhouse Restaurant at Wolverine, and the joy of children, go immediately to visit the animals: cows of the breed of nice cabannina, the native huts Marcarolo of lively chickens who come to us curious, and a beautiful white horse. "This space was created twenty years ago, thanks to our parents, mom and dad Giancarlo Luciana, who have realized the dream of his grandfather Savino, who wanted to run an inn in the hinterland of Genoa, but a few days before opening, he invited some friends that have done away all the wine. So the tavern he's not done anything, "he tells Simon who runs the restaurant with her parents, her sister Paola and her husband Tony. We begin our meal with the flavors parodesi truffle salad served with yogurt made by Simon, a selection of cheese with chestnut honey and jam leeks and sweet. Also enjoy a pineapple-chicken with fresh tomato and a nettle flan with fondue of growth. We continue with the typical truffle ravioli and homemade noodles with mushrooms. We follow this by a good fillet of pork with mushrooms and chicken breast with cream cheese and truffles. Having booked before, we also have the pleasure of tasting a dish sfiziosissimo by real gluttons: the calf in a crust that is baked in a wood oven, wrapped in a bread dough. Washed down with the Cortese di Gavi and Dolcetto of Ovada, produced by companies in the area.
Crowned this morning with a trio of delightful homemade desserts: panna cotta with caramel citrus, the Bavarian with yogurt sauce and berries, and Malaga, Paola invention, similar to trifle, but did with the Muscat instead of liquor.
Bertha Frances
FOR INFORMATION:
www.comune.parodiligure.al.it
Restaurant At Wolverine
Location Cadegualchi
0143/681213