A gem – against all odds

Our task for today was to scout out Vada. The focus was not supposed to be on the tourist attractions of this small town with 3,500 residents – oh no! Tomorrow is the weekly market in Vada, and the risk of missing this spectacle on time was simply too high – so a test run …

With a distance of one and a half kilometers, the route to Vada is manageable, and so we – Emmi, Pipo, and I – quickly agreed. Luckily! Because after we found the parking lot with ease, we explored the surroundings and stumbled upon a charming little town with a harbor, a church, and many small cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Most impressive was the central square in front of the church – surrounded by a beautiful, spacious park.

It was lunchtime, and a little hunger came to visit. We decided on a small restaurant with a special service: all the dishes were displayed in a large freshness display.

The offerings ranged from cannelloni and arancini (stuffed rice balls) to lasagna and all kinds of seafood – something for every taste.

I chose a lasagna, and Icke opted for stuffed calamari. She enjoyed them so much that she even ordered a second helping – much to the delight of the friendly waiter.

One more word about this place:

Vada is a district of the municipality of Rosignano Marittimo and lies on the Etruscan Coast, by the Ligurian Sea. Its history begins in the 4th century BC – and it is filled with tragedies. As a port of the city of Volterra, Vada was often the target of military conflicts.

In the 15th century, it was leveled to the ground by the Neapolitans.

Later, malaria rapidly spread in the marshy areas around Vada, leaving the land deserted. Only the construction of a water canal system brought relief.

Since parts of the town are still below sea level, it remains difficult to cultivate the land.