Abruzzo's Hobbit County: Nicolas Gentile Builds a Shire in Bucchianico
In the Abruzzo region of Bucchianico, pastry chef Nicolas Gentile has established 'Contea Gentile,' a Hobbit-themed area inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings.' After acquiring land in 2018, he developed a hobbit house on the site. The project attracted significant interest in September 2021 when Gentile symbolically tossed a ring into Mount Vesuvio, having walked from Abruzzo to support a Patreon initiative. He now organizes an annual event called 'Bentornati a casa,' which begins on March 24, featuring Tolkien-themed discussions and activities for 500 attendees. The Contea Gentile association initiated the construction of a proper hobbit house in May 2022, aiming to create four semi-underground homes and a communal kitchen, emphasizing community and sustainability.
Key facts
- Nicolas Gentile created the Contea Gentile in Bucchianico, Abruzzo.
- The project is a reconstruction of a Hobbit county from Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings.'
- Gentile purchased the land in 2018, which was an illegal dump, and had it cleaned.
- In September 2021, he threw a ring into Mount Vesuvio to promote a Patreon campaign.
- The annual event 'Bentornati a casa' is held on March 24, with 500 participants.
- Gentile's love for Tolkien began on February 14, 2000.
- Construction of the first proper hobbit house begins in May 2022.
- The project aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem with nature and community.
Entities
Artists
- Nicolas Gentile
Institutions
- Tolkien Society
- WWF
- Artribune
Locations
- Bucchianico
- Abruzzo
- Chieti
- San Daniele del Friuli
- Mount Vesuvio
- Italy