The mayor Domenico Gallelli: cultural relations have been initiated at the national level and the foundations have been laid for involving the historic center as a location for a film about the life of Cardinal Fabrizio
Not even Prince Fulco Ruffo di Calabria missed the big news about the hundred painters who enlivened the historic center of Zagarise, a delightful town in the Presila that thus becomes the "Town of Art" thanks to the strong will of mayor Domenico Gallelli and sculptor and entrepreneur Luigi Verrino. Hence, the "surprise" visit of the Prince on a June evening, accompanied by Luigi Verrino, Georgian pianist Nina Zhghenti, and professional journalist Luigi Stanizzi. Welcoming him in front of the Town Hall were the mayor Domenico Gallelli, deputy mayor Pancrazio Cristaro, councilor Fabrizio Mangone Marino, president of the city council Enrico Ieraci, and president of the Proloco Salvatore Tozzo. A symbolic group embrace in a suggestive Presila sunset with souvenir photos in front of the municipal wall, followed by an informal visit to the Council Chamber adorned with a large mural by Verrino. A stroll through the historic center, in front of the wonderful Mother Church, in Piazza dell'Emigrante, talking about Calabria, Sila, tourism, the sea, the air of Zagarise—the cleanest in Europe—development, the Ruffo family, the king of Belgium, the film about Cardinal Fabrizio, the naming of the Lamezia Terme international airport after his namesake grandfather, aviator Fulco Ruffo di Calabria. But it's already dinner time and in Calabria, as everyone knows, the best moments are celebrated at the table. After passing through two ancient arches in the alley, there is the inn, the charming place chosen for this exceptional evening, authentic, simple, tasteful, true homemade cuisine, special dishes: olives, capocollo, caramelized onions, meatballs, fried eggplant, scilatelli, wild boar cacciatore masterfully cooked, fava beans and frittole which—as Verrino says—"was Mimmo Rotella's favorite dish." Prince Fulco Ruffo di Calabria continually asks Pina Puzza, the hostess, the waitress, Serena Fratto, the owner, for information about the various ways of serving, while tasting along with the joyful table of friends. But despite the sumptuous banquet, which was also joined by TV host Max Brescia, sobriety prevails. At dessert time, with equally delicious lemon and strawberry granitas, Luigi Verrino has a flash of genius and asks the owner for a marker, colored pencils, and hands them to the Prince, inviting him to write a phrase and his signature on the white wall, as a memento of the evening. There is some initial surprise among the owners of the "Salita San Pancrazio" inn, especially Roberto Paoletti, because the wall had just been painted and the newly renovated place had not yet opened to the public. But then the innovative idea is immediately enthusiastically approved and everyone writes signatures and phrases on the white wall, so much so that Verrino himself suggests calling this restaurant "The Signature or The Signatures," where everyone can leave a mark of their presence. In twenty or thirty years, this place could become a tourist attraction of inestimable value, with the diversity of personalities leaving their written mark. After a good night's sleep, the guided tour of the historic center takes place in the late morning. The surprise and enthusiasm of Prince Fulco di Calabria in admiring the precious works kept in the Verrino museum, or at the sight of the sculpture "Life," are indescribable. But to truly get to know Zagarise, more time is needed, which is why he will return to enjoy the frescoes of the Church of the Rosary, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the many other precious works by Verrino. So, a farewell to the Prince and thanks from Mayor Domenico Gallelli for his welcome visit. "Zagarise," declares the mayor of Zagarise Gallelli with his characteristic clarity, "is entering the circuits of National Art and this generates interest and economy. With the Prince, we talked about art, development, and started important cultural relations at the national level, as well as laying the foundations for involving our historic center as a location for a film about the life of Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo di Calabria. The Prince," continues Domenico Gallelli, "noticed the care of the greenery and the cleanliness of our town, appreciated the harmony and beauty of our historic center, praised the arrangement and special care of our museums, was fascinated by the architecture of our mother church and our frescoes, and above all, felt at home, thanks to our hospitality which, according to him, although present throughout Calabria, is superlative in Zagarise. Zagarise Town of Art," concludes mayor Domenico Gallelli with satisfaction, "a project shared with maestro Luigi Verrino, is becoming a reality, which is gradually enriched with new and interesting novelties." The Prince is the nephew of Paola Ruffo di Calabria, Queen of the Belgians and daughter of the namesake Fulco Ruffo di Calabria, aviator and Gold Medalist in the First World War.