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Roots Trip 2012
Tour of Historic Fenaroli Sites
With Giovanni Ernesto
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The Gathering of the Fenaroli's
At Tavernola the founding Site
September of 2012 Arthur Fenaroli and his children, Peter, Diane, Chris went to Italy to explore their Roots. The trip was in two parts. The first part took us to Lago D'Iseo/Tavernola to explore our ancient roots. There we met with Giovanni Ernesto. He Spent the first day giving us a tour of the extended area to show us the signs of our ancient heritage. The second day was spent with Giovanni Ernesto and many fame;y members at the first gathering of the Fenaroli clan. About 100 attended and stayed to hear Giovanni's wonderful, Power Point, presentation on the first 500 years, starting about 1000 AD, of our ancient history. Afterwards about 60 stayed for a wonderful lunch and getting to know each other.
The second part of the trip took place in Borgotaro and vicinity and related to our roots in Porcigatone and my wife's family in and around Borgotaro. What follows is a description of the first part of the trip,
using photos and my limited understanding of what I heard.
To begin, the Fenaroli name initially became none as suppliers of hay and fodder to the military of the second Holy Roman
Emperor Otto II. Initially they occupied fertile lands in the Vigolo valley above Tavernola, This is circa 1000 at the time of Guglielmo. Tavernola, at the time was a Tavern/inn on Lake D'Iseo. Over approximately the next 200 years they became increasingly rich and influential as suppliers to the military and bought many lands moving towards and into Tavernola.
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Giovanni Ernest showing us the remains of The Fenaroli Fortress/Castle.
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Fenaroli Tower
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Note stone wall at the base. This makes the edge of the area of the landslide. A landslide early in the 1900's took 90% of Tavernola into the lake. Most of the Fenaroli Fortress/Castle disappeared.
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Fresco on the wall of an old Tavernola house showing the Fenaroli Crest. Giovanni Ernesto shower us many crests thru-out the area.
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Two Fenaroli estates in the Franciacorta area. Franciacorta is a very large fertile area well known for its vineyards and fine wines. The Venetians ceded the area to prominent Fenaroli families. In addition all taxes and duties were waived. The Venetians awarded these honors to recognize the Fenaroli's as valuable Allies in their wars with the Milanese.
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The famous National Monument and 5 Star Hotel
The Fenaroli Villa Palace
Located in Rezzato, just outside of Brescia. For more information on this impressive Vill, see "Family Links"> "Roots Trip to Italy, 2009", including a short history.
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September 16, 2012
The Gathering of The Fenaroli Clan
At the Church of
The Madonna Di Contini
and The Hall of The Alpini
It was the first such meeting ever held. Congratulations to Claudia and Giovanni Ernesto for organizing the event and doing such a wonderful job.
Following are some photos and a copy of the Newspaper article covering the event. Yes, we were interviewed and please note one of the ancient spellings of our name.
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Meeting Giovanni and Anna Maia in Tavernola.
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The Clan Gathering at the Church of The Madonna Di Contini.
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The Fenaroli Chapel.
The painting above the altar originally hung above the door of a Fenaroli Stable. It was used as a roadside Shrine. The painting is
in its original location. The Fenaroli Stable door is embedded in the back of the Altar.
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With Giovanni Ernesto just prior to his presentation on the first 500 years of Fenaroli history starting with
Willelmo Phenarolus.
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Wonderful Luncheon at The Sala Di Alpini
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Claudia, wonderful organizer, with Swiss Family Members.
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Tavernola Photo given to Honored Guests, The Fenaroli's of the USA.
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Article in the "Eco Di Bergamo" newspaper.
That is us in the upper right hand corner, The USA Fenaroli's. We really enjoyed being part of a Cousin's picnic in Italy. Note once again an ancient spelling of Fenaroli.
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This is the English translation of the Eco Di Bergamo Article.
Move on by selecting a menu item from the left side.
Buon Viaggio...........