La Contea Gentile - An Unexpected Easter Monday

An Easter Monday in Middle-earth

An Unexpected Easter Monday is the annual Easter Monday event at La Contea Gentile, a village inspired by Tolkien's Middle-earth, built among the hills of Bucchianico in the heart of the Abruzzo region. For one day, the classic Easter excursion gives way to an immersive fantasy experience, where daily life dissolves, leaving only the magic of a banquet among friends beneath the branches of an ancient oak tree.

La Contea Gentile

The site was born from the vision and passion of Nicolas Gentile, who transformed over two hectares of Abruzzo countryside into a true hobbit village: paths immersed in greenery, a stream, an ancient oak, and the famous houses with round, colorful doors. More than just a theme park, the Contea is a place where visitors feel like guests rather than mere tourists, surrounded by artisan markets, statues dedicated to Tolkien, and an atmosphere that makes you lose track of time.

A day of games, horses, and music

On Easter Monday, the entire Contea comes alive from morning until evening with a program designed for both adults and children:

• ancient traditional games and crafts
• tables dedicated to board games and role-playing games
• horseback riding along the village paths
• live music accompanying the entire day
• food stalls with vegetarian and vegan options
• artisan markets and recreational activities for families

Those participating in the convivial lunches are welcomed into a reserved area to share a typical spring banquet in the shade of the trees, complete with chocolate eggs, bunnies, and the scent of freshly baked bread.

Bucchianico and the fantasy Abruzzo

The municipality of Bucchianico, a hilltop village in the province of Chieti also known for the Banderesi Festival, has become an unusual destination for experiential tourism in Abruzzo thanks to La Contea Gentile, a favorite spot for Tolkien fans and nerd culture enthusiasts. The event, organized by the La Contea Gentile Cultural Association, confirms the project's strong appeal every year, with tickets regularly selling out in the weeks leading up to the day.