A Pilgrimage to Albareto Campi

Accommodations

We stayed at Hotel Mistrello in Borgo Val di Taro, a family-run place that’s not as fancy as what we’re used to back home. Our room had some issues like broken locks and no water for a morning shower, and the owner wasn’t as friendly as we hoped. But staying there gave us a real taste of the area, even if it wasn’t like the movies with big hugs and overflowing warmth.

Next time, we might try an Agriturismo, which are farms that offer resort-style stays. The government helps these farms make nice accommodations to attract tourists. There are lots of them near Campi and Albareto.

One tip: if you’re visiting Italy, make sure your place has air conditioning! Some places might say they have “AC,” but it could just mean they have fans instead of real air conditioning.

 

Bon Appetit

Have you heard of the “Slow Food Movement”? It’s all about going back to the basics of farming, processing, and cooking food the way nature intended.

This movement began in Emilia Romagna as a response to the fast-paced, industrialized food production that’s become the norm. Instead, it focuses on honoring traditional methods of food preparation, emphasizing flavors, quality, and sustainability. In Emilia Romagna, you’ll find bustling local markets, artisanal food producers, and restaurants dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients. They serve up iconic dishes like Prosciutto di Parma, genuine balsamic vinegar, and delicious pasta classics like tortellini and lasagna.

One unexpected delight of the region? The mushrooms! Even if you’re not usually a fan, the variety and flavors of mushrooms cooked with homemade pasta are simply amazing.

After indulging in slow-aged Parmesan cheeses, fresh pastas, local olives, Tuscan wines, and those incredible mushrooms, locals unwind with desserts like tiramisù, panna cotta, cannoli, and of course, Italian gelato and sorbet. And what better way to finish a meal than with a sip of grappa or limoncello?

The Maestri Family Church

DO NOT confuse “Pieve di Campi” with “Albareto Campi”

The church (Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore) is in Albareto Campi about 10 minutes fro Borgo Val di Taro.

Just a heads up: if you’re looking for the church make sure not to mix it up with “Albareto Campi.” The church, known as Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore, is actually in Albareto Campi, just about a 10-minute drive from Borgo Val di Taro.

When we visited, the church was locked. It seems due to a shortage of priests, and different parishes merging and taking turns hosting mass the church may seem unavailable for visitors.

To avoid disappointment, it’s a good idea to call ahead and arrange for someone to let you in. You may find mentioning our family history, Natale Maestri and making a small donation might help.

Although we couldn’t take home a big souvenir from the church, we picked-up a handful of small prayer candles for just 1 euro each. Instead of lighting them there, we brought them back home with us.

We were lucky to have Maria as our guide. She used to be a school teacher and now she’s a fantastic guide. Maria speaks perfect English because she grew up in London, but her roots are here in Borgo Val di Taro. She fell in love with a local guy when she was a teenager visiting the area, and now they have a daughter who’s almost 20 years old. Her husband is a plumber and very busy with work.

When we visited in 2015, Maria’s close friendship with the local priest came in handy. He trusted her with the key to the church, so she could let us in. On our last day, Maria surprised us with a beautiful lead crystal vase from the church, a gift from the priest. It’s now proudly displayed in our family chapel, right next to a statue of Mary.