On the occasion of the’Hobbit Day, the party dedicated to the world of JRR Tolkien, La Contea Gentile was the protagonist of a television report broadcast by Open Studio.
At the heart of the service, not only the events, the Hobbits and the atmosphere of Contea, but above all the story of Nicolas Gentile and of that dream born in one of the most difficult moments of his life.
A story of rebirth that, from Tolkien's imagined Middle-earth, came to a small town in Abruzzo.
A few years ago, Nicolas was diagnosed with leukemia.
It's a moment that inevitably changes the course of his life. And it's precisely during that difficult period that the idea arises to bring to life, in the real world, a place that until then had only existed in imagination: Contea of the Hobbits.
Not just a simple set design, nor a theme park.
The idea was to build a real place, immersed in the Abruzzo countryside, where people could live, at least for a few days, according to the rhythms, values, and imagination of Middle-earth.
Thus, in the territory of Bucchianico, in the province of Chieti, La Contea Gentile begins to take shape.
Hobbit houses, paths, gardens, families, parties, banquets, and gatherings: what began as a personal dream began, step by step, to become something much bigger.
The Studio Aperto service was created on the occasion of the screening of “My Soul is in a Hurry”, the film of Joseph Contarino dedicated to the history of Nicolas and the birth of Contea Gentile.
The title picks up on a phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of this story: the awareness that time is of enormous value and that, sometimes, precisely in the most difficult moments, the need arises to stop postponing one's dreams.
Hence the idea of building, day after day, something that previously seemed impossible.
A piece of Middle Earth in the heart of Abruzzo.
Being featured on a program like Studio Aperto is an important opportunity for us to share this story with those who haven't yet had the chance to experience it at Contea.
But the best part, perhaps, is that this story isn't over.
La Contea Gentile continues to grow, welcoming new families and filling itself with events, parties and adventures.
And it all starts from that same simple idea with which Nicolas began this journey: If a place capable of restoring a bit of magic doesn't exist yet, why not try to build it?
Today that place really exists.
And it is here, in Abruzzo.
Enjoy the show and thank you to Studio Aperto for telling our story.
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Domenica 1 Novembre, Nicolas Gentile e il regista Giuseppe Contarino hanno presentato a Lucca Comics & Games il documentario che racconta la nascita della Contea Gentile e la storia dietro
This week, Contea appeared in the pages of Il Foglio, in Gianluca De Angelis's Decoder column, dedicated to pop culture. On the occasion of Hobbit Day, among the recommendations
There comes a moment in life when time stops seeming infinite. It is then that we learn to distinguish what is truly important from what is merely noise.
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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