Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Italian Boy Scouts and the Abbey of Trisulti








On Sunday Dante spent the day on a field trip with his Italian Boy Scout group. They usually go out on a "caccia" (hunt--though there's no hunting!) once a month. This time they went to Trisulti.




Trisulti is a Benedictine Abbey about 30 minutes from us, up into the higher mountains. It was built in the 1200's but restructured in the 1700's. One of my favorite things to do there is visit the little store just inside the entrance where they sell their products. The Cistercian monks use traditional methods to make special honey, jams, liqueurs and medicine herbal bitters. I've read that their brandy and Sambuca are produced using recipes that are among the most ancient in all of Italy. I bought their honey and eucalyptus throat lozenges (1 Euro a bag)as I'm sick, but I wish I had bought a bottle of their "imperial drops". It is said that just a couple of drops can cure the flu. Good to keep a bottle in the medicine cabinet I say. Next time, for sure. They also have made a museum of their original pharmacy which is worth a visit, and outside the entrance to the church there's a large sundial on the wall--which really works!




If you should visit and drive up from Frosinone or Veroli, you'll pass a little restaurant on the left, about 5 minutes before you arrive at Trisulti. It's called Ristorante Capofiume (0775-476004). It's a fairly rustic place with a little garden and a short walk down to a beautiful little river. It's often crowded on weekends, so go during the week or call ahead! The food is typical of the area, delicious and reasonably priced.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Diane, I am enjoying reading your blog and am pleased that Dante and Casey seem to be connecting with much in common. Casey is super busy right now but will answer Dante soon. I wish we could get together this summer but we won't be your way, I don't think. Ciao

Diane said...

Ciao Jane,

I completely understand! If we should find ourselves heading up north, I'll be sure to let you know...will you be at any beaches? We could always use a few days at one come August!

Ciao ciao,
Diane

Tracey said...

Hi Diane, wondered if you got my email? Anyway no worries, i can probably guess quantities, frozen strawberry yoghurt sounds gorgeous too!!! Love the blog.......Buona giornata :-) Valli

Tracey said...
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