In Gerano, we can marvel at a magical, nostalgic attraction, the House of Vintage Tin Boxes.
The exhibition was born by chance, from the passion of its creator, Marina Durand De La Penne. After receiving as a gift a big can of biscuits produced by Saiwa, the company founded in Genoa in 1900, she began to search for more tin boxes in flea markets and antique shops. In this way, she collected more than 1,000 specimens, manufactured between 1890 and 1950 in Italy, which contributed to preserving, promoting, and enhancing the cultural heritage of Gerano.
Inaugurated on November 11, 2000, the Italian Museum of Tin Boxes takes the visitors a journey back in time in an old shop from the early twentieth century. The objects are displayed according to a chronological order and divided by theme: the Royal Family of Savoia, the Jubilee Year, the Illustrators, Monarchy, Fascism, and the African campaign. Noteworthy are the boxes from renowned companies such as Talmone, Unica, and Venchi-Unica, and those with a peculiar shape, such as baskets or postal cakes.
A pack dated March 11, 1929, and signed by Gabriele d’Annunzio, is certainly worth mentioning. The Vate defines the biscuits as better than those produced by English competitors.
The history of Italy is told through these boxes of chocolate, sweets, cocoa, and biscuits. The fashions of those times, the historical and artistic changes, as well as the evolution of graphics and advertising flow before our eyes. You can even leave a note with your personal wish in these magical small chests.
Free booking visits are carried out on
Friday: 10.00 am – 01.00 pm– Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 am – 01.00 / 03.00-07.00 pm
Via del Palazzo, 8 – 00025 Gerano (Rome) – Tel: +39 3487960033
Email: campimarina@hotmail.com
After the nostalgic Museum, let us enjoy a visit to Gerano, a small village at 502 m above sea level, on a tufaceous hill in the Ruffi Mountains, surrounded by chestnut woods, olive groves and vineyards. Gerano lies in the Giovenanzo Valley and preserves ruins of Roman Villas and the Ciocio Fountain from the second century AD. of historical and archaeological importance.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, in the centre of the village, dating back to the tenth century, preserves the much venerated icon of the Madonna del Cuore, painted in 1729 by Sebastiano Conca. Two Jesuits brought the Madonna to Gerano and, once their mission was over, they wanted to take her back with them, but every time they tried, it began to rain heavily, until they left the image there, according to the Divine Will.
Finally, do not leave without tasting the typical strozzapreti (priest-chocker), a pasta dish made with wheat and corn flour. Seasoned with pistecchia, a sauce prepared with tomato, garlic, oil, parsley, chilli pepper and anchovies, it is served on the scifette, handmade wooden trays. The name of this dish comes from the past, when the plebs could only afford cheap, simple meals, unlike nobles and priests.