Lovely relaxing day with great friends!

Mattia and Mari then drove us to a nearby town where we visited the medieval castle. It was huge, and, unlike most castles we’ve come across, still in tact and rather glorious to be inside. This castle had so many rooms, and they all had a lovely view of the surrounding country side, you couldn’t help but think of how amazing and glorious it must have been back in the day! The only problem with this castle that I saw was the fact that there were many tourture and ‘murder’ holes dotted around the place. I can’t help but think that the royals who occupied this castle were both more than just a little ‘sick’.

Just outside the bedroom to the royals there was a round circle in the floor, when you looked down this you could see that there were many large razors sticking out of the walls. Prisoners use to be pushed down this hole, which would cut them up terribly on their way down, and then be left to bleed to death in pain (if they hadn’t already died that is) at the bottom of the shaft. To have it, basically in your bedroom, is just a little off putting. The royal bedroom also had a window that looked out right onto the execution grounds, so they didn’t have to leave their room to go and witness the prisoners death. They also had a large prison down stairs that had dates carved into the stone going back to 1667, and last but not least, there was also a large hole in the ground that prisoners would be pushed down (minus the razors) they’d fall perhaps 40 feet, and if the fall didn’t kill you, you were left to starve to death there in pain. There was no way in or out for that matter, other than down this hole. It was very very sadistic.

The views from the very top of the castle, in the look out, were fantastic. It was so lovely to be able to see out over the country side. We were told that there was a ‘tale’ that there was an underground tunnel that lead from the castle all the way to Imola, which was at least 30 kms away, but as Mattia said, it was just a legend… there has been no real proof of this.

After the castle we made our way to a lovely little restaurant that Mari and Mattia use to frequent regulary. The restaurant was closed, but as they knew the owner we were welcomed to eat, and boy was the food ever good!!! I know that we said we enjoyed last nights meal, but todays meal was just devine! I can see why Mari and Mattia went here so often! Apparently this restaurant is also frequented by famous racing drivers, just not today.

After this very yummy, very nice meal, we went back to the hotel once more for a small nap and shower. The weather was once more incredibly warm and tiring. After this, we met back at the hotel where we also got to meet Mari and Mattias 2 year old son Marco, who is, can I just say, adorable. Like all two year olds his favourite word at the moment is “NO!” and he appeared to be shy when first meeting us, but soon warmed to us, smiling shyly and running around us. There was a funny moment when Chris and I walked along Mattia and Marco through the town, we asked Mattia “Would you like more children? Any brothers or sisters for Marco?” Marco looked at us and very defiantly said “NO!” Which made us giggle. We walked around the city of Imola, taking in its old buildings and square, it was quiet being a Sunday night, but it was nice to be able to walk the streets in a relaxed fashion.

You would not believe me when I say this, but tonight we actually had trouble finding a pizzeria in Italy. I know, it sounds like a bad joke or something, but it’s true! The first one we were going to go to was very very busy, which meant that we had to go to plan B, but this pizzeria was closed, which meant plan C… this restuarnt looked busy, but we gave it a shot and to our delight (and stomachs happiness) it was open! Hoorah! The meal was once more, delicious. Italians certainly do know how to make a great pizza! It was here that Lidija, Chris and I presented Mari with a little present for her upcoming birthday. It was so nice that we were able to meet her just before this special occasion!

It was sad to have to say good bye to Mari and her beautiful family tonight. The last 48 hours have been so lovely and happy, and we can’t thank them enough for all their kindness and hospitality, they’ve so welcoming and accommodating. We took last minute photos and said our goodbyes and then reluctantly went our separate ways. We are sure we’ll meet again though!

written by  Chris and Emily on July 26, 2009 from Imola, Italy
from the travel blog: Europe 2009
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