My Beautiful Fortress in Italy.

Thanks for stopping by. This space is devoted to our life in the Italian countryside. In the furthest northern part of Tuscany. A region known as Lunigiana. I am a photo/prop stylist and author.

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What’s happening at La Fortezza this week: Agnino Sagra (Summer Food Festival)

Every year at the end of August, we head up the hill to the next village, Agnino, for their wonderful community gathering called a Sagra della Pattona. This food festival features the town’s signature dish, a chestnut cake filled with ricotta and honey, made on an open fire wrapped in chestnut leaves. This delicacy has been handed down for generations.

My favorite is the Sgabei, the region's fired dough. Check out the recipe from my cookbook At the Table of La Fortezza here. There is nothing better than washing it down with a cold glass of beer. Our groundskeeper Gianluca works in the Sgabei kitchen, so we always get a few extra as a treat.

There is always a band, dancing and generally chatting with most of the village. It’s a delightful evening. I look forward to it every year.

Me and the Mayor of Fivizzano

Watch Chef Leo and I make Sgabei here:

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La Fortezza Corporate Retreats:

Have you considered a corporate retreat at La Fortezza? We hold a few every year, and they are becoming more common. La Fortezza is the perfect place to relax, hold inspirational meetings, build teams, and more. Email Gen, and she can fill you in on all our options in the Italian Countryside. Treat your employees and clients to some memorable days in Italy.

Private Retreats: ARE YOU BOOKING A LA FORTEZZA RETREAT IN 2025?

PICK YOUR DATES!

WE ARE NOW taking reservations for 2025 Custom La Fortezza Retreats: If you’re interested in planning your custom retreat in June or September 2025, please email our guest liaison, Gen, and she will get you started. We are filling up.

Check the calendar and start planning. Every retreat comes with a pasta cooking lesson and a custom itinerary!

Contact Gen to reserve your place in 2025: Gen is our La Fortezza Guest Service Liaison: genesis.carlina@gmail.com

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BIG NEWS ON MY NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL: La Fortezza Kitchen IS UP AND RUNNING

This week’s episode is about Focaccia, which we always make here. It’s easy and delicious. Have a look, and don’t forget to like and subscribe. A new video is posted every Monday. Please subscribe to be the first to know.

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MY LATEST REAL-ESTATE YOUTUBE VIDEO:

This week's video is interesting. We tour a home entirely made of stone…there are some surprises, not good ones. You have to watch this one. It’s a cautionary tale.

All About Annette YouTube: This week on Move to Italy, Check it out, and please like and subscribe to keep this crazy adventure going.

Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette. Please share my channel with your friends.

The channel has 7600+ subscribers! I am beyond thrilled! Now, let’s get to 10,000 by the end of this year…Please like and subscribe, and ring the bell to be notified when new videos are released.

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Best Summer Read, now hop to it! Summer’s almost over. But you still have time.

The latest five-star reviews are in….

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GREAT TRAVEL TIPS OFF THE BEATEN PATH, GIVEAWAYS, INSIGHTS, EVENTS, DISCOUNTS, AND WEEKLY RECIPES ARE ALL GREAT REASONS TO BE A…PAID SUBSCRIBER

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