As families plan their travels to Italy, a new children's book is steering them beyond the well-trodden paths of Rome, Florence, and Venice towards a hidden medieval gem. 'Simonetta, Ruggero and the Cherry Forest of Celleno,' written by Giulio Gargiullo, weaves a fictional adventure set in the real village of Celleno, a hilltop destination in the Lazio region, about 90 minutes from Rome. The book's final pages reveal that the fairy tale setting is real, complete with a QR code that leads readers to aerial drone footage of the village, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.
The concept is designed to transform sightseeing into an interactive story. Children first encounter Celleno through the eyes of the characters Simonetta and Ruggero, then discover that the castle, medieval streets, and countryside they've read about actually exist. This approach offers parents a unique way to engage children with Italy's rich history, making a visit to a lesser-known destination an exciting adventure.
Celleno, often referred to as 'Il Borgo Fantasma' (the Ghost Village), is a place frozen in time, previously listed by The Telegraph among Italy's 25 ghost towns. Its abandoned historic quarter and the imposing Orsini Castle provide a tangible link to the past. The story draws inspiration from local history, including the Gatti family, who controlled the town before the Orsini family, and the heroine Simonetta is loosely based on a woman from that lineage. The book has received official patronage from the Municipality of Celleno, underscoring its cultural significance.
Gargiullo, an honorary citizen of Celleno since 2024, explained, "I wanted children to enter Celleno through imagination and then discover that the place they have been dreaming about actually exists. If a family reading the story decides to leave the usual tourist route for a day and discover the village together, the fairy tale has completed its journey." His efforts aim to promote lesser-known Italian destinations through storytelling, digital content, and international media relations.
Beyond its travel appeal, the book incorporates educational themes. The final pages introduce the 'Little Guardians of Nature,' encouraging children to engage in simple eco-friendly actions like leaving water for birds, caring for plants, and picking up litter. This blend of children's literature, family travel, local history, and digital technology offers a multifaceted tool for parents to introduce children to Italy's hidden treasures.
For families seeking a children's book about Italy to enhance their trip, 'Simonetta, Ruggero and the Cherry Forest of Celleno' is available worldwide on Amazon in English and Italian editions, in print and Kindle formats. The village of Celleno, with its Etruscan roots dating back to the 7th century BC, offers an authentic alternative to Italy's crowded tourist spots, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore off the beaten path.
