“Counting Castles in Abruzzo”, il libro di Hugh L. Preece

Oggi voglio portarvi nella regione del mio cuore, o il mio safe place.
Non voglio raccontarvelo visto dai miei occhi ma dalla vista di qualcuno che visitandolo ne è stato completamento affascinato.

Roma, Italia.

Un meraviglioso viaggio narrativo in Abruzzo!

Hugh L. Preece, ambasciatore di vini Italiani nel mondo, ci narra del territorio, delle storie e delle leggende dell’Abruzzo con l’aiuto di un’esperta travel designer Vanya Mavrodieva, sempre attenta ai luoghi meno conosciuti e di altissimo rispetto.
Con un ottimo intuito e uno stile di scrittura narrativo, Hugh L. Preece è riuscito a cogliere ogni dettaglio della mappa creata dal Destination Specialist Vanya Mavrodieva, e raccontare questa terra stupenda.
Il libro “Counting Castles in Abruzzo” è una narrazione attraverso la storia dell’Abruzzo, i luoghi, le tradizioni e la sua enogastronomia attraverso un capitolo dedicato a ciascuna provincia.
Dalla transumanza alla Presentosa, simbolo dell’amore. Dai castelli che sorvegliano le pianure, agli eremi incastonati nelle rocce e ai trabocchi, i giganti del mare; ma anche eventi naturali e bellici che ne hanno danneggiato il patrimonio artistico e architettonico.
Un viaggio meraviglioso in una terra resiliente e generosa che nonostante gli eventi tragici che l’ha vista coinvolta nell’ultimo decennio, è riuscita sempre a rialzarsi.
Il libro è già in vendita in lingua inglese sia in formato elettronico che cartaceo, acquistabile online e presso diversi luoghi museali in Abruzzo [https://www.amazon.it/Counting-Castles-Abruzzo-Journey-Enchantment-ebook/dp/B08SYBX97D].

Di seguito un piccolo estratto, che permetterà a qualunque lettore di rilassarsi ed estasiarsi da un viaggio narrativo in Abruzzo, e magari…perché no, ispirarvi per una prossima destinazione di viaggio!

Province of L’Aquila: Land of mountains

Occupying the western part of the region and lapped by the sumptuous Apennines and astonishing
wild scenery, the province of L’Aquila is distinguished for its natural richness and harmony. Shaped
by soaring mountains crowned by jagged peaks, deep caves, and gorgeous national parks teeming
with wildlife and sky-scraping trees, it is the largest and most mountainous of the four provinces of
Abruzzo.

Unlike the others, the Province of L’Aquila is the only one without access to the Adriatic
Sea. Surrounded only by fascinating high panoramas, for centuries, the small hamlets and towns
here have preserved their authenticity and long-lasting customs and traditions. The province is a
picturesque corner where human activity coexists with the endless natural world, creating a mutual
respect.

Situated on a hillside on the left bank of the Aterno River, the city of L’Aquila is not only the capital
of the province, but also of the whole of Abruzzo. L’Aquila, which in Italian means “the eagle”, is a
city where exceptional times past and bitter human tragedies have written many pages of the history
of this magnificent land. Established in the Middle Ages, the city transformed and expanded rapidly
and became an important trading point for wool, silk, and saffron. While its position has been
strategic for economic development, it has also been the scene of numerous swarms of tremblers.
Situated partially on an ancient lakebed that amplifies seismic activities, over the centuries, the city
has been marked by devasting earthquakes at various times. The memories of the last one are still
fresh and remind of what the incredible force of Nature can do in an instant to a millennia-old
history. What was once a principal art city now resists the difficulties of the present but with hope
for the future.

…
The enchanting mountain village of Scanno is a place where old traditions can eke out an existence.
The picturesque medieval hamlet is among the most beautiful in the country. It is an embellished,
architectural gem with a maze of small stone houses, embracing narrow alleys, stairs, and balconies
that seem suspended in time. Here, elderly women still wear the traditional attire. It is a distinct
sign, a visible trace, and a fascinating element of the pastoral epic that the village has lived through
for centuries. It reaffirms the past of this land forged by strong and independent women aware of
their value and importance, who were strengthening the family lives while their husbands were
away for months.
….
Westwards, the towering heights of Gran Sasso gradually slope down and turn into pristine valleys.
Bordered by three natural parks in the Medieval heart of the province, the vast Navelli plain is one
of the most picturesque. Enchanting small villages with pale golden stone houses, castles, and
churches look down on the plateau, all contributing to the extraordinary scenery. In this secluded
corner of the Apennines, the century-old tradition of cultivating saffron outlines the community’s
identity. Steeped in myths and legend, the story of his precious Middle East spices dates back to the
Middle Ages when a Dominican monk imported it into the region on his way back from Spain.
Since remote times, saffron growing, along with wool and silk, has been an integral part of the
economic development and wealth of the ancient villages of the area. Called Oro rosso, or Red
gold, saffron has found a perfect habitat in the Navelli plain.