A Day in Pontremoli “The Gateway to Tuscany”

I found out that yesterday’s Parmesan pancake was actually “Testarolo”, a round, pasta disc traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens in either a terracotta or cast iron mold.

We had a wonderful rest day today starting with a sleep in and not going for breakfast until 8:30. It was lovely. Met 4 walkers from Germany who arrived from Pisa yesterday to start a week of walking to Lucca. Made us consider playing hooky from walking to make a detour to see the “Leaning Tower.”

After breakfast, we went to the “Castello del Piagnaro” which houses the Stelle Statues of Lunigiana. These prehistoric male and female statues are carved into sandstone and date back to between the copper and iron ages and are fascinating. Also fascinating is that their intent is still not understood.

The museum was wonderful but we soon got caught up in exploring the castle where they are housed. It’s huge and with our tickets, we were allowed up to the battlements. Of course, I took way too many pics.

On the way down, some more….all kinds of little alleyways where people live now…

An explanation of the statues for people hiking up..

Then we decided to do things the “Italian Way” and have a big lunch….wine included. We tried some more traditional dishes…

Mike had Spaghettoni Aglio, Olio, Peproncino & Bottarga (fish eggs)…

…and I had Lasagnette con Funghi Porcini

Both dishes were delicious and made with homemade pasta.

Then we went to see where we might catch a bus if necessary tomorrow before heading off for an afternoon snooze. On our way, we took a few pics of the castle from below….last night walking back to our B&B it was all lit up, and the B&B cat.