Today was a perfect mix of time travel and true Italian dolce far niente—the sweet art of doing nothing. Our morning took us to Ricetto di Candelo, a fortified medieval village in the Piedmont region, and our afternoon was all about sunshine, poolside relaxation, and one last evening toast to our Italian adventure.

A Walk Through Time in Ricetto di Candelo

Just 30 minutes from our villa, Ricetto di Candelo stands as one of Italy’s best-preserved examples of a “ricetto”—a fortified refuge dating back to the 13th–14th centuries. Built by the local community (not by a noble or feudal lord), its purpose was simple yet vital: protect food supplies, wine, and valuables during periods of war or instability. The thick stone walls, narrow cobblestone lanes, and sturdy towers would have been both a deterrent and a last defense against invading armies.

The word “ricetto” comes from the Latin receptum, meaning “shelter” or “refuge,” and the layout reflects its communal spirit—about 200 small buildings arranged in tight rows, each with a vaulted cellar for storing grain and barrels of wine. Unlike castles, ricetti were not palatial residences, but practical, shared fortresses built by townspeople for townspeople.

Today, Ricetto di Candelo is more than a historic relic—it’s a living cultural site. Local artisans have set up workshops, wine tastings are offered in centuries-old cellars, and festivals throughout the year celebrate medieval heritage, music, and traditional Piedmontese food.

An Afternoon of Rest

The rest of the day was devoted to the quieter joys of travel. Back at Villa Botto, we stretched out by the pool, wandered the gardens, and listened to the cicadas buzzing in the warm August air.

Tomorrow, our Italian road trip takes its final turns, but today was about balance: history in the afternoon, leisure in the morning and evening, and gratitude all the way through.