The Bailliage’s 51st Grand Chapitre took place in the Abruzzo region which is Central Italy’s “new” hot destination.

The Abruzzo region is experiencing an international tourism boom. With incoming travel numbers on the rise in the country, visitors are increasingly searching for lesser known and undiscovered regional destinations. Abruzzo has it all including lakes, Adriatic coastline, national parks, imposing mountain ranges, UNESCO heritage sites, some of the most beautiful medieval towns in the country and an eclectic, diverse cuisine.

Participants came from many countries. Italy of course but also from Australia, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates / Abu Dhabi, United States of America including Puerto Rico.

Headquarters was based at Villa Maria Hotel in Francavilla al Mare (Chieti). Led by Bailli Délégué Roberto Zanghi the many members and their guests engaged in an intense programme with a mixture of cultural and gastronomic tourism.

On Thursday lunch was taken in Fossacesia at the Ristorante Trabocco Pesce Palombo. Dinner was held at the Michelin-starred Ristorante La Bandiera in Civitella Casanova.

The next day, Friday, there was a trip to Sulmona, home of Ovid, with visits to Confetti Pelino (a supplier to the Royal House of the United Kingdom) and to Cantine Zaccagnini (in Bolognano, Pescara) where we enjoyed lunch. Dinner was at the Michelin-starred Café Paillotes in Pescara.

[ED. See separate article for the Induction Ceremony, Reception and Gala Dinner held on the Saturday]

On Sunday we lunched at the Michelin 1-star Ristorante D.One in Montepagano.

Meeting each other in a beautiful area, surrounded by the vineyards of Montepulciano to which Ovid referred describing the rivers of nectar that flowed into the happy age of mankind - a happy age all the participants in this grand event had the good fortune to relive together in four extraordinary days.

Warm thanks were given to Marco Forcella, Bailli of Abruzzo Adriatico, and all the members in the Abruzzo for their generous hospitality on the occasion of this Grand Chapitre. Special thanks also went to Carlo Del Torto, Bailli of Abruzzo Nord, for the valuable advice given by him in the organisational phase.

Roberto Zanghi
Bailli Délégué