A natural oasis in the outback of Liguria: a trip to Testico

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Views from the coast, the mountains appear blue, deep blue mystery that mingles with the sky. During the trip to one of the richest countries in the history of the area, known castrum already during the Roman Empire, curve after curve, but you are immersed in an intense dark green and wild, brought by nature in a thousand shades thanks to the countless types of trees and shrubs. Then you notice the pastel green of the leaves of olive trees, and once on, the land of Testico, you are surrounded by the colors of the rainbow, reflections from the walls of ancient houses typically Ligurian, and the petals of flowers that stand out against the backdrop blue Dark of the mountains.
Located near the backbone of Val Merula, at a height of 470 meters, Testico is the ideal place for lovers of hiking in nature, as well as for all those who are willing to break away from routine and find a perspective from which to observe the world in peace.
We reached this haven of peace in just half an hour's drive from the Riviera, and here we are facing one of the recommended hiking trails, the most famous: it is called Path "Whistles the Wind", and corresponds to the path along which Cascione Felice, famous partisan commander and a gold medal for military valor, in 1943 he composed the anthem of the Resistance "Whistles the Wind".
Once back in town, talking to the locals discover that Testico, April 15, 1945 was succeeded by a massacre of unprecedented ferocity: a patrol of Germans went to town and made slaughter of innocent people. On the site of the massacre, a monument stands today, where every year is celebrated a Mass of remembrance.
Throughout history, the strong strategic position made it the fortunes of the town, it also caused the attack of Napoleon in 1796. The emperor then merges into the new Testico to Stella Ligurian Republic.
During our walk we visited the center in the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul, known as the Mother Church of the Valley Merula, being the largest in the valley. Inside you will find, in addition to the beautiful eighteenth-century frescoes, also a fine blade Tavarone Lazarus, the artist commissioned by Cristina de Saliers, wife of Stefano Doria. In front of the parish have also admired the Oratory of St. Anthony the Hermit, and after a beautiful drive through the narrow streets of the old town we decided to stop for dinner at Restaurant U Baccan in Piazza IV Novembre.
"This was the first restaurant in the country, is a local historian who for many years was called" From Romeo. " We run it for about three years, "he says Mrs. Lycia, the owner while we sit at a table from which opens a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. During dinner, chat with her husband John and Mary who will advise the staffer of the dishes delicious.
We start with the Panizza, pan fried and mixed meats. Among the first pick of borage ravioli and tagliatelle green nettles, to continue the tradition with the Ligurian rabbit. Some of us enjoy the wild boar with polenta and other stockfish. The owners tell us that the fish from September to May there is always a Friday, and to enjoy a good plate of tripe just come on Thursday. Let's water these goodness of Piedmontese wines like Dolcetto, Barbera and Bonarda, while some of us opt for the Ligurian wines such as Vermentino and Pigato. We conclude the meal with a trio of irresistible desserts: crème brulee, tiramisu and pudding in the oven.
After dinner inizamo to hear the music that comes from outside, and going to look around we see a group of three local friends, one plays the guitar and the other two sing folk songs and dialects, including songs sung by " The Tinker Bell, "Genovese group of the seventies. Listening to them, we see a small crowd of excited foreigners, including Norwegians, Swedes, Germans and Swiss.
When we hear that even the song is about codfish, dried beans and good wine, we have yet another confirmation that Testico are visiting the traditional flavors of good food, merriment and the good air as well: some of the excellent why come back here soon.

Bertha Frances

FOR INFORMATION:
www.comune.Testico.sv.it
Ristorante ‘U Baccan
Piazza IV Novembre, 7 Testico (SV)
Tel.: 0182/668166