Librerie Umane

What a wonderful start to the Friends of Mazzolla's summer events season. Now in its third year, the "Libreria umana" (Human Library) welcomed a large group of knowledge-lovers under the trees of the small village's garden on a cool early summer afternoon. The array of guests, intent on sharing their business and life stories, offered a taste of tradition, the memories of aromas, and the tactile and visual sensations inherent to the area's excellence. 

Volterra is synonymous with alabaster: representing it is Gloria Giannelli, the first woman in Volterra's history, honored throughout the artistic sculptor world as the "alabaster embroiderer." Hers is a story of courage, resourcefulness, patience, and culture. How much refinement lies in her expert workmanship in authentic Volterran stone. Gloria introduced us to this world threatened by decades of unscrupulous marketing; The true alabaster from our quarries is a mesmerizing stone, the master alabaster worker tells us, easily workable, delicate, and unsuitable for industrial processing. Naturally luminous and translucent, the original alabaster from our quarries, now in disuse, warns unsuspecting buyers and cries out for vengeance.

From the Truffle Boutique in Volterra, Stefania and Daniele told us about their work as truffle hunters, the entrepreneurial challenge, the fight against climate change, and the careful marketing that has made it a point of pride for Volterra's gastronomy. Periodically, their trained Lagotti dogs trample the forests of Berignone, searching for the prestigious tuber: skillful communication and expert craftsmanship do the rest. 

"Food will find you. Food always finds those who love to cook." - Ratatouille: this is Chef Mariana Briganti's motto. An art school graduate and quasi-architect, Mariana was seduced by the Volterran land, infusing it with her own Taranto traditions. Her artistic style is reflected in her cuisine, distinctly artisanal, open to Italians and foreigners eager to discover Tuscany on their plates. Now chef at the famous "Da Beppino" restaurant, Mariana told us what brought her to the city of alabaster and kept her there: between nostalgic pasts and visionary hopes, as well as a deep love for her son Sante, this artist of taste never ceases to amaze us: many secret dreams are sure to be revealed soon. 

From Sardinia with love, the Carai brothers, of the eponymous dairy, enriched the evening for Mazzolla's friends as well as the prestige of Volterra: they produce some of the best pecorino cheeses in Italy according to Gambero Rosso. The highest quality, authentic production (800 bleating heads surround Mazzolla), and the use of raw and pasteurized milk are a symbol of authenticity and artisanal expertise. The new generation, represented by Mauro, upholds the prestige of the Sardinian school, now flying the Volterra flag. 

Finally, Marzia Mori, honorary president of the Pro Loco di Saline di Volterra, introduced us to an authentic, vintage experience: the courageous story of 54 local women who, after abandoning the Volterra salt mines, a state monopoly, continued to work in Lucca's tobacco factories with great solidarity, determination, and dignity. A women's story marked by union protests, constantly threatened working conditions, and tears in their eyes at being separated from their Volterran families: tears that tasted like salt for this group of women who shaped the history and character of the local population and who today are the subject of valuable studies and documentation.

In short, the Friends of Mazzolla, led by the very kind Claudia and Giorgio, promised a summer filled with authentic emotions, perfect for those seeking peace, beautiful experiences, and pleasant encounters amidst the beauty of the Volterran countryside. Valentina niccolai