La vita dell'alpigiano fra passato e presente: incontro con Pietro Fontana

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER | 13:30

On the occasion of the Autumn Festival and the Cheese Market - which will take place over the weekend of 14-15 October in the historic centre of Bellinzona - we will immerse ourselves in the world of Alpine pastures to discover how the fascinating figure of the cheese-maker has evolved over time.

As far back as 1100, the first alpine pastures in Gruyère were populated with small dairy herds. Those who were then called armalli (cheesemakers, shepherds and milkers, capable and tenacious men and women) climbed up to the alp on foot, courtyard after courtyard, carrying everything they needed with the strength of their legs. Once they arrived at the dairy - which at the time also served as their home - they would carry out the milking and all the processing of the milk by hand, using wood-fired copper cauldrons. The cheese was made without milk enzymes and each member of the family brought their own contribution.

A reality that has 'the flavour of yesteryear' and yet, even today, has not completely disappeared. While in most modern mountain pastures the access routes, infrastructures, milking and cheese production techniques have been refined and professionalised, the attachment to tradition and history is still alive among the mountain people. Constantly evolving figures who, today as then, are faced with ever new challenges.

Event in cooperation with the Autumn Festival and the Cheese Market.

Access to this event is free of charge. You can reserve your seat by selecting the "Gratis Ticket" option.