We started early in the morning since was a sunny day, to avoid traffic. It wasn’t enough unfortunately thanks to italian very insufficient highway system, we had to wait 3h before arriving there (usually we can drive there without any traffic, in 1h and 30min!).

There was so many people, and the shops were open even if was Sunday, as often happens. We stopped by a nearby ice-cream shop to get a ice-cream cup, since we remember that they make very good one, and indeed! was delicious…!

We went a bit to the seaside even if was still too cold to swim, but still we engaged with some people in a beach-volley match. In the late evening we came back, because we ran out of money to spend so we decided to go back home and have a dinner in-house, rather than going out in one of those restaurant which serve tasteful fish food…. sigh ;-(

Overall though, was a very nice trip and a good way to spend our last sunny sunday.

You could wonder how I found out about that website, since it’s from UK, while I currently am living in Italy? it’s because the website has also an interesting international section, indeed I found it through a google search, while looking for parking fees on my trip in the Red Sea a few years ago, when I took the airplane from Milan – airport of Malpensa.

Without doubts this is one of the times when I am very grateful that internet and online booking exist: saving yourself stress and time is really important to start a new trip with the right foot!

Located in the “pianura padana” between the two rivers Taro and Stirone, the town of Fontanellato has old origins, but it has the period of maximum splendor under the reign of “Sanvitale” family in the beginning of 1400.

The towncenter has still clear medieval architectures and it’s well mantained. It is dominated by the “Rocca” (Citadel), built in the beginning of 1400, it has became during the years the town’s symbol. The citadel is in perfect conditions, it has a large moat around it, and on the inside it has precious furniture and artwork of the “Parmigianino”, a very talented painter of the first half of 1500.

An appointment not to miss, for the antiquarians, is the traditional market with over 300 exhibitors that takes places every 3rd sunday of each month in the square around the Rocca Sanvitale.

Actually, how can you forget the special taste of Rauchbier, smoked beer, a specialty of the nice German town Bamberg? You don’t usually think about the fact that those towns also produce good wines. There is a tradition, though, which dates back to the Romans cultivating grapes in Germany, along the shores of the Rhine River. Between Mainz and Koblenz the river shows enchanted views on its shores, with wineries and perfectly aligned vine rows. Also in the heart of the Black Forest the woods make room for hills that grow grapes. In Gegembach, for example, I remember having tried an exquisite Riesling and buying several bottles of berry wine. I envisioned giving them as presents to friends and relatives, but I only brought empty bottles home!

Also in Austria, where most of the wines are produced in the Danube basin, the Romans bought the vine starters. The wines produced there are mostly light and the Austrian passion is for young, non-fermented wines. Very valued is also the Schilcher, a half dry wine from the lower Styria, while white and red great wines come from the Burgenland region.

A really special sweet wine, typical of this area is made from grapes harvested in the heart of winter. The grapes, half dehydrated, are harvested before dawn. The watery part is thrown away and only the few drops of concentrated juice are kept. After a long fermentation time and several proceedings, the ice wine is ready, a year and a half after harvest. It is a dessert wine, that some call the moon wine.

Recently also in Italy, in Piedmont, this particular wine production has been tried. We should try it.

Magazines tell about it, friends recommend it: I am talking of the open-air market at Forte dei Marmi. I went to see it and my dog Artù came with me. I am sure he would have preferred to walk in the woods. But I was very curious and here I am, wandering among the booths of this famous market. I have no clear idea about what I am looking for and stalls that display cashmere sweaters catch my attention: they come in many colors, patterns, and at different prices, starting at 45 euros.

They must be the hot item, judging from the commotion right in front of the stalls, where crowds try to get close enough to choose the desired sweater. Ribbons, laces and trims are the heroes in the booths that sell pajamas and nightgowns. The pastel colors and the satin ribbons remind me of the era of the white telephones and the De Sica movies. Of romantic evenings and romantic Prince Charmings. Perhaps I should buy this beautiful nightgown… I find the pajamas with a cow printed on the shirt also nice; but those I have seen at a lower price in other open-air markets!

I walk further. There are stalls that sell brand name purses at acceptable prices and others that have high quality linens. The German tourists are all here, choosing towels, coverlets and table cloths. My favorite articles are pottery and porcelain; mugs, cups, teapots, Provençal style or simply white, decorated with flower motifs or with fruits. And then small and big lamps, dish sets and much more. After 2 hours and after spending the entire budget I had set aside for the “market operation,” I went heavy-hearted back to the hotel, thinking for sure of coming back in the spring.

I forgot to mention that the market is there on Wednesdays, but during the summer also on Sundays. You can find more information and also some pictures on the official website of Forte dei Marmi.