How is your summer going? I feel like we have been such busy bees, rushing from here to there and barely having time to stop and smell all of the lovely flowers in bloom. If you feel the same way today I want to invite you to slow down a little and enjoy some images of the hill town {or comune} of Castelvittorio in the southern Italian Alps.

This is a place where a simpler life prevails, at a slower pace. A place where time honored traditions and customs continue.

This town began it’s formation back in 1200, if these walls could talk what history we could learn.

It is 420 feet above the Mediterranean Sea and is home to 187 families, about 287 in habitants.

It is situated in the rich, gastronomical region of Liguria and surrounded by ancient chestnut groves that cover the hills.

Here is the town water source, outfitted with a running stream of water and a trough for livestock to drink.

The source of the cuisine can be found in the hills, trout caught in the stream, wild boar, hare and game are hunted in the forests and in the fall it is a plentiful source for wild mushrooms. Vegetables and vineyards are cultivated in tiered gardens, supported with stones.

One of the specialities of the region, which has inspired a festival now going on 50 years is “Turtun“, an Italian Zucchini Pie made with local vegetables and placed in cooling bread ovens after the main loaves are done.

Here is where one can “Flee injustice {?} of men and seek peace in solitude”

Wishing you some splendid solitude this weekend!