“He wasn't just a man who dressed up as Gandalf for parties at Contea. He was a real person, he was my friend.
I'd like to tell you so many things about him, but in the end, the only thing that matters is that he was a good person. My only regret is that I wasn't there for him when his time came to cross the Threshold. I hope I've given him a little of the magic and friendship he showed me.
I will never forget you Pino, knowing that you will never climb the Contea Hill again fills my heart with pain.".
– Nicolas
Fernando Pino Di Camillo – Gandalf
1948 – 2026
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Happy Birthday Professor!Happy Birthday John Ronald Reuel Tolkien! Many of you know The Lord of the Rings and Middle Earth only from Peter Jackson's films. But without
Who will disturb the peace of Contea anymore? Ismaele Orsatti was, for me, one of those people who convinced me that magic exists and that it is often found
In Contea there are many Hobbit families and you could be part of one of them, each with its own peculiar characteristic!
Baggins: they are a wealthy family of the shire, not snobbish at all, in fact much loved by the rest of the other hobbit families. They have a reputation for being a bit strange and for this reason they are good-naturedly mocked. They love culture, travel and receiving visitors.
Bellaciocca: in the golden age of Contea, luxury-loving Hobbits wear refined clothes and show off their mathom to stand out and make their neighbours envious. Their motto is "Let's spruce up Contea and everyone in it!" Because class isn't for everyone, but the Bellaciocca have it in spades!
Boffin: why walk half a day when you can use the postal service from the comfort of your Smial? From love letters to contracts, the Boffins deliver it all. But beware: between the edges of the Old Forest and the lurking darkness, courage, skill, and a good sense of direction are required. Are you brave enough to join them?
Bolgeri: the family in question is among the most well-known not only in the shire but also outside of it as great traders. For their work they travel a lot and know much more than many other Hobbits, what lies beyond the borders of the shire. They are clever, bold but also great bargainers: they could sell pipeweed even to an Ent!
Brandibuck: this is also one of the aristocratic families of the shire, even if their domains extend far outside of it, touching the Old Forest. They are considered bizarre by the other families as they are inclined to adventures and discovery and almost like "foreigners" for their ways. They know the rangers well and have learned many things from them. They are very good friends with the Tooks and never miss an opportunity to gather the families to have fun together in their own way!
Gamgee: they are one of the humblest families in the shire. Hard workers, they love contact with nature, they are serious but not solemn and they are strong, determined but very loyal. Very good friends with the Bagginses, the Tooks and the Brandybucks, they are famous for their love of things that grow.
Sackville-Baggins: they are a wealthy family of the shire, VERY SNOB, and very unloved by the other hobbit families. They have a reputation for being stingy and even a bit thieving, for this reason they are avoided or mocked. They love to "take what is theirs", scold or mock others, pose and show off in front of other families they consider "inferior".
Scavari: not among the most well-known or prominent families of the shire, despite their ancient history. They were the first hobbits to stop living as nomads and to settle in the burrows under the hills, starting one of the most important characteristics of Contea: the construction of the SMIAL, the famous Hobbit Houses.
Serracinta: it is a family not of noble origins but very respected as many of its offspring are dedicated to the activity of guards. They are the only hobbits that you might see armed and are usually found at the entrance of villages, bridges, crossroads, in order to ensure protection and control. They love hunting, outdoor activities and are expert slingers, archers and some even fencers.
Soffiatromba: they are a family of artists, even if of ancient peasant origin. They were the first to bring pipe herb to the shire. The discoverer of this floral marvel was none other than Tobaldo Soffiatromba, called by all Vecchio Tobia. From that moment on, the Hornblower family has been the most loved and lovable of the shire: they don't pick fights with anyone, they are always affable and relaxed and have discovered an innate gift for art and music.
Tronfipiedi: the members of this family are scattered throughout the four Decumans, making it one of the most numerous. They are hard workers, although not very curious about what lies beyond the rivers or the woods or the hills. They mind their own business. And their business is many. They have a predilection for cooking and preparing exquisite delicacies, their cuisine is in great demand at birthdays, parties and anniversaries that practically happen every day!
Tuc: They are the richest and most important family in the shire, but they don't seem to notice. They are crazy, funny, stupid and, in some situations, even magical! They sing, get drunk and go mushroom hunting, they like adventures, and they are famous for suddenly disappearing. They are very good friends with the Brandybuck family.
DEED OF CONTRACT
CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT
In the book and in the film, the most famous halfling in the shire finds himself having to sign a burglar's contract drawn up by the Dwarves with a thousand footnotes and paragraphs. You can find the reproduction of this contract, in English, everywhere, but this one you see was hand-written by one of the loyal "citizens" of our project, in Italian and with references to the Journey that the contea Gentile is undertaking: the Construction and the Birth of a place out of the ordinary!
This document can be filled in with the type of trade or service you can offer for the creation of the contea Gentile!
Handmade paper, custom font, pages cut out and sewn by hand with string and sealed with hot wax.
If you're curious, find out more about the Journey to Middle Earth here!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by states friend or foe, neighboring or distant, real or imagined. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of the contea Gentile.
OFFICIAL COIN
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Minted in 2022, it depicts the symbol of the shire on one side, the Acorn. While on the other side the face of the nicest mayor there is, Nicolas Gentile. This coin was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the county project, to support and grow it.
Attention: obviously this currency has no legal value in Italy or other countries (perhaps only in imaginary ones). This is a gadget/souvenir from La contea Gentile. Certainly more emotionally valuable than other currencies in circulation in the world!
OFFICIAL PASSPORT
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Always carry the Official Passport of LA CONTEA GENTILE with you! This is the most excellent identification document: every self-respecting resident of La contea Gentile, presumed or current never leaves home without it! This passport was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the shire project, in support and growth of it.
Fill it out with the information, characteristics and details that distinguish you: gender, species, class, hair, eyes, build, particular brands and much more!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by friendly or hostile, neighbours or distant, real or imaginary states. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of La Contea Gentile. Please consult the official sources of the various kingdoms, citadels and states before visiting. Special visas and/or official stamps may be required.
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English (UK) 
2 responses
Non ho avuto la fortuna di conoscere Pino personalmente, né di condividere con lui i momenti che tanti di voi custodiscono nel cuore. Ma dalle tue parole emerge con forza qualcosa che va oltre ogni ruolo o costume: il ricordo di una persona buona.
E alla fine sono proprio le persone buone quelle che lasciano il segno più profondo, perché continuano a vivere nell’affetto, nei racconti e nei ricordi di chi hanno incontrato lungo il cammino.
Le tue parole sono un saluto pieno di amore e gratitudine, e credo siano il modo più bello per onorarne la memoria.
Le mie più sincere condoglianze a te e a tutti coloro che gli hanno voluto bene. Che Pino possa riposare in pace e che il suo ricordo continui a portare un po’ della magia che ha lasciato negli altri. 🌹🤍
Io non ho conosciuto Pino… di lui vedevo solo i vari post legati alla Contea Gentile.
La semplicità di quest’uomo, unita a quella spontaneità con la quale si metteva in gioco, non più certo “giovincello”, per divertirsi ed impreziosire l’atmosfera della Contea, mi colpiva sempre.
Quando oggi ho appreso della sua dipartita ho avuto un tonfo al cuore, nonostante non avessi legami con lui.
Senza voler essere banale e senza fare del fanservice di quart’ordine, il mio pensiero è andato immediatamente a ripescare lo scambio tra Frodo e Gandalf:
> “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
> “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Vola Pino, vola in alto. Sono sicuro che avrai sapientemente scelto come impiegare il tempo che ti è stato concesso.