BoccadiValle
Meet Silvia Bianchi and the other side of the Majella
Silvia Bianchi and I officially met the day of the Festa dei Serpari in Cocullo but we had been admiring each other just on either sides of the Majella for a while. We both host artist residencies in Abruzzo and so it was only a matter of time before our worlds collided.
Unknowingly we both wore red but never managed to see each other in the crowd of over 15.000 people stuffed into a town with a population of 200 residents. After the festa, I hopped in the car with Francesca and drove the winding roads between Pacentro and Guardiagrele to officially meet Silvia in Luca. We were constantly turning our heads in awe at all the changes we saw flashing by — destination Bocca di Valle.
We saw glimpses of flowers in the famous Palena, known for wild orchids, and absolutely gawked at the mammoth Di Cecco pasta factory sticking out like a sore thumb in the soft, green forest. Upon arrival we were greeted at the bottom of a service road by a charming hotel frozen in time and Silvia, patiently waiting to whisk us away into the valley.
Silvia and Luca’s presence is so welcoming and they are reawakening a dream reality that is hard to leave. Silvia and I want to connect our projects in a fresh way that invites people into our process as well as our version of Abruzzo and so Mountain Camp was born.
Together we will host Mountain Camp from June 5 - 11 and there are a few remaining spots available. If you want to join us send an email to setteuarciate@gmail.com to reserve. Mountain Camp is for those who are curious about our artist residencies and want to live both sides of the Majella.
The following is a glimpse into Bocca di Valle attraverso a conversation with Silvia Bianchi.
M: Will you start by explaining what is BoccadiValle?
BoccadiValle is a house tucked away in a valley, far from the noise and lights of the city. A couple of years ago, after a long time living away from Italy, we chose to disappear down this rabbit hole. The house was built by my partner's grandparents in the 1970s, and ever since I first came here almost seven years ago, I have been amazed that this place is real. We started coming more and more after we chose to renovate the house two years ago and moved from Berlin last year. The architecture is original, and the house is stuck in the past, so much so that when you stay, it seems like time stands still.
M: What are you thinking about after the first full year of settling in the valley?
Living in nature means embracing a different pace and slowing down your routines to find new ways to stimulate your creativity. In the last two years I discovered new ways of being with myself. Daily walks, observation exercises, journaling in front of the fire and setting up an artist residency were ways of reconnecting with my creativity and sharing this place with others. We feel very lucky to be able to live inside a natural park, and we feel somewhat like guardians of this place.
M: What do you envision for Mountain Camp this year?
Since I arrived, I have started building a network of people living in the area and have initiated some wonderful projects. For me, the Mountain Camp will celebrate these synergies that we have created together. We will experience Abruzzo as locals do and discover its hidden gems. We will visit a beautiful ceramic workshop in town, buy vegetables at the market to cook pasta together, and visit our friends at Orti Geometrici, who grow their own produce and make delicious kombucha. We will discover how Virginia from Alla Casa Vecchia makes cheese in the morning. We will also hike in the mountains and visit a cave where a statue of a prehistoric goddess from the 5th or 6th century BC was found.
M: What will the valley be like in June?
Every month is special in the Valley because nature is constantly changing, but spring is particularly special because of the blooming flowers and birdsong that accompany our days and nights. The stars will light up the night sky, as there is no light pollution in the valley, and we will be able to practice yoga in the garden.
M: How can people visit Bocca di Valle?
It is a home restaurant, my partner is a chef and owns a restaurant, La Bolognina, in Berlin. We also host artist residencies, yoga camps and events such as exhibitions and workshops. It’s a space that was born to host friends and family and we want to keep the same spirit, trying to keep it in the international map but also being a community place for locals.
I am grateful that Silvia and Luca made the brave decision to open their special home to guests. BoccadiValle has quickly become a space that makes my decision to remain in Pacentro all the more joyful and easeful. Thanks to them I am seeing a different side of Abruzzo, meeting new people and writing new narratives. One of my favorite memories from last year was seeing Guardiagrele for the first time - this town is surreal for me — it doesn’t feel like Abruzzo. Elements of it made me feel transported to Piemonte. It is the essence of Abruzzo, you can see both montagna and mare.
I cannot wait to spend dedicated time with this group on the other side of the mountain. Most of you are here because you already know Pacentro or have been reading about it. I am equally honored to show the Mountain Camp group what is unfolding this year at setteuarciate. We will immerse ourselves in all things pollinators, plants and silk.
Mountain Camp sample itinerary:
Friday, June 5: Arrival day in BoccadiValle, we will pick you up from Chieti Scalo and give you a moment to settle in. We will gather in the garden for a forest walk and then tuck in to an aperitivo and celebrate with our first dinner.
Saturday, June 6: Today’s fieldwork is focused on what is blooming in the valley. After lunch, you will have time and resources to rest, write, sketch, create or observe.
Sunday, June 7: You can enjoy a slow morning waking up in the mountain before visiting the market in Guardiagrele. In town, we will pick out ingredients for dinner later and pop into a few stores and workshops to meet artisans. We will sit down for a long lunch at a restaurant so that we can soak up all the spirit of Sunday in town before retreating back to the valley for a pasta making workshop.
Monday, June 8: This final morning in the valley begins with a hike before traveling to the other side of the mountain. We will say goodbye to the forest and ease into the bustling social fabric of Pacentro. We will settle into our new accommodations and we will meet with Virginia at Alla Casa Vecchia. This evening’s fieldwork is focused on the question: what does June taste like?
Tuesday, June 9: Today’s fieldwork is looking at the ecology of mulberries and silk. In the morning we will visit the remaining mulberry trees hidden around Pacentro. After lunch, we will center ourselves in the setteuarciate studio to trace the history of sericulture in Abruzzo.
Wednesday, June 10: We will start our day in the setteuarciate apiary to approach expand our definition of pollination and plants after a full day under the shade of the white mulberry trees. After lunch, we will be experimenting with beeswax and sculpture later in the studio.
Thursday, June 11: Our last morning waking up in the mountain all together to enjoy farewell breakfast with a view. We will help arrange transportation to Sulmona for those embarking on a new journey after camp, otherwise you are welcome to plan to stay in Pacentro by your own design.
What is included in Mountain Camp?
We will spend three nights at BoccadiValle and three nights in Pacentro. Breakfast, midday meals are included each day as well as four dinners, we wanted to leave a few nights free so guests can choose to eat somewhere on their own in Pacentro or Sulmona. The nature of life in Abruzzo asks us to respond directly to our environment so the exact itinerary and format for each day could changes according to the weather or new threads of inquiry.
We will have activities scheduled from 10:00 until 16:00, leaving time in the evening or you to explore or rest. All visits to producers, artisans and studios during the day are included. We will also arrange pick up at Chieti Scalo and drop off in Sulmona for arrival and departure.
For any questions or to book please email us at setteuarciate@gmail.com.
That house is spectacular!
A fabulous itinerary! So much to learn and experience during this time.