The masks and a dinner on the fortress - trip to Rocca Grimalda, Piedmont, Italy

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In the imagination of the young director Fausto Paravidino, this place is like the Texas border area, the meeting between the mountains and plains crossed by the "highway" ... There are also the farm, and especially the farmers, bars and young, tough, passionate, but also lost, torn between their rural roots and the city seems close but it is not that much. In the film, Texas, in 2005, Rocca Grimalda was represented well, and thanks to that film, all the Italians were able to discover a country and a very special area. Texas, why not? We are not between the United States and Mexico, but between Piemonte and Liguria, but there is something very similar to the places of the myth on the road. The strong feelings, the beauty of the wild landscape, love for the traditions, animals, nature, and travel.

A Rocca Grimalda you get a few kilometers after exiting the highway at Ovada, and while we were left with the intention of visiting the places of the film, even those who are just passing between Genoa and Milan, it is likely that you face groped by desire to climb up the spectacular rocky outcrop overlooking the river road to the left of Orba. In Roman times there existed the city of Rondinara and various archaeological findings suggest the existence of settlements already in pre-Roman times even above the heights. Rocca Grimalda, given its shape overlooking the Orba river is a natural fortress, and thanks to this peculiarity has been disputed for centuries by the Republic of Genoa, by the Marquis of Monferrato, and even from the Duchy of Milan. While in the dense forests, until the eighteenth century that covered much of the surrounding hills, the brigandage flourished in the popular imagination sprang intriguing stories and legends about witches that would match this hill at night, flying on various animals, participate in meetings magic in the woods.

Traditions in Rocca Grimalda relive many events and cultural events that take place during the year. It hosts one of the most characteristic events in the region, Lachera. This is an archaic ritual consists of a parade and carnival with masked dances and hints of drama in which the characters interact with their masks and costumes. The roles of the characters are numerous and well defined, handed down from generation to generation, while the costumes reflect the historical period that has spanned Lachera.

Looking forward to coming back here during the Carnival, we visited the famous Museum of the Mask, which contains the results of scientific activities carried out by many years of Ethno-Anthropological Laboratory of Rocca Grimalda. The visit was an exciting journey within a journey through the masks, costumes and carnival characters. During our walk in the medieval village we also admired the breathtaking view from Belvedere Marconi, and when we settled down at the table of the Trattoria alla Rocca, next to the castle, including a tasty dish and the other, Mrs. Alex, owner of the restaurant , told us several other curiosities Grimalda Rocca. While from antipasto misto alla Piemontese, eight-course all made in house, we went to the dish of choice for Rocca Grimalda peirbuieira ie, a tasty dish made of beans and homemade lasagna is dedicated to a great festival at the end of August, Mrs. Alessandra Rocca told us that Grimalda takes place during the months of June and September, the Way of Santa Limbani, protector of travelers. A journey of faith and taste, to which is added in the month of July, a major international festival of classical music and theater.
In short, between cultural activities and tasty meals Rocca Grimalda be spoiled for choice, so we continued to taste the dishes and ask questions about the history of the place where we were. Before opening this restaurant, Ms. Alessandra has lived for fifteen years in Madagascar. "The cuisine of Madagascar is not very interesting, but there is a decent French cuisine. In our room we could not offer much of Italian dishes, because there are missing several key ingredients such as pasta and olive oil" , told us when we needed the ravioli with ricotta, asparagus sauce and orange peel. Our dinner has continued with a roll of rabbit stuffed with bitter herb omelette and ham. Our friends have even tasted a pinch with six types of cheese and meat selection bar to the knife with ginger and green apple.
After this day we are sure to be entered into the good graces of the Holy Limbani: the protector of travelers took us to a place that is well worth a visit.

Frances Bertha

For information:
www.trattoriaallarocca.it
0143/873333