Vignola - Italy

The town of Vignola, in the province of Modena, is mostly famous for its cherries, and if you visit in spring all the hills are full of cherry blossom, and with cherries in June. When I was 16 I also picked cherries for a couple of weeks in one of the valleys near Vignola, hard work but what delicious fruits!

Anyway, this time I was there in winter, not a cherry in site so I had to console myself with the town's most famous cake: Torta Barozzi, a bittersweet soft chocolate cake, created in 1907 and named after Vignola's famous architect Jacopo Barozzi.

After breakfast in the famous Pasticceria Gollini it is time to visit Vignola Castle

Such amazing frescos....

... and a ghost???

The city is cute and tranquil, no tourists around, but there are some excellent restaurants, so much as many people from nearby cities and towns come here just to eat. Below just a few suggestions (but you better book first, especially for Trattoria Bolognese!)

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

Feltre e Pedavena

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

San Martino di Castrozza

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

Back home in Italy

A few pics of my village in Italy, Sestola, in the province of Modena, Emilia Romagna. Usually I go back in winter or spring, very occasionally in Autumn, but this time I made it in summer, and it was great, and hot!

The symbol of the village is La Rocca, the castle, here a few pics.

The other landmark is the bell tower, in the village centre.

And in front of the bell tower the obligatory stop at the Bar Veranda for breakfast (or a Spritz).

But the happiest I am is at home, in Poggioraso, just below the village.

Picking flowers in the fields or working on the 'shabby chic' decor of the house.

Or foraging! No mushrooms this time but I found lots of berries!

Then I love walking in the mountains, here is Lago della Ninfa, a little lake above Sestola.

There are several tracks for hikers, and I don't pick flowers here, I just take photos!

Finally there is the food, fresh pasta is a must, especially if you find people who make it with you (because they are always making pasta anyway, like Agnese!)

My favourites are taglatelle and tortelloni with ricotta and spinach, served with sage (from the garden) and butter and Parmigiano made in the local dairy (1km away from my house!)

And of course crescentine and gnocco fritto from one of the many good restaurants and trattorie in the area (there are dozens!!)

And to finish a simple cake with nocino. 

More photos of Sestola here!

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©