Gubbio 2025 was a Grand Chapitre in perfect Italian style! I say this with pride for the great work that went into making it happen. Generally, when preparing these events, a great deal of support comes from the Bailliage operating in the chosen territory. This time, to celebrate our Grand Chapitre, there was no such structure in Umbria.

However, we were in the land of St Francis. The result? An extraordinary outcome, with unanimous appreciation from all participants. And the final treat: the birth of a new Bailliage is on the horizon, right in that blessed land!

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who made this wonderful event possible. I am particularly grateful to Joseph Xuereb, Bailli Délégué of Malta, Member of the Conseil Magistral, a great friend of Italy, who was present with his wife Elsie. Joseph presided over the Induction Ceremony. It was his first experience in the role of Inducting Officer. We were honoured!

And what can we say about Clementson Travel Office? Enrico and Monica Spalazzi, with their unrivalled staff, ensured that everything was perfect!

Participants at our Grand Chapitre enjoyed some wonderful moments, both in terms of tourism and art, as well as those which were religiously and culturally significant. Convivial moments that were of absolute value, reflecting the Italian style at the table, respectful of tradition but full of surprises were provided by the programme,

Thursday: the welcome dinner was held after a sparkling wine tasting at the Semonte Winery where dinner followed in the Il Custode Restaurant. The excellent menu of Chef Marco Bistarelli was greatly appreciated accompanied by wines from Sermonte.

Friday: after the excursion to Assisi, we enjoyed an aperitif at Urbani Tartufi, owned by the family of Ada Spadoni-Urbani, our lady member from the Bailliage of Como. The selection of truffle-based appetisers was exceptional. There was a gift for each participant. Lunch was at Antico Casale Urbani, in the heart of Valnerina.

The highlight of the day was dinner at the Palazzo della Porta. Aperitifs and appetisers were offered by Maria Carmela Colaiacovo, owner of both the Palazzo and the Park Hotel ai Cappuccini. The event was organised by Chef Ivano Monni: another triumph! Impeccable service with wines provided by Silvio Nardi of Montalcino.

Saturday: It was a special day. There was a walk to discover Gubbio with its beautiful cathedral. At the end of the city tour, we had lunch at the Taverna del Lupo, a restaurant associated with the Confrérie, which did not disappoint.

In the evening after the Induction Ceremony in the renovated convent that is the Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, we enjoyed sumptuous aperitifs in various rooms decorated with works of art owned by the family. The Gala Dinner followed in the Mondiali Room, embellished by Arnaldo Pomodoro's large Sfera. The menu was created by Chef GianFranco Vissani and his son Luca (Michelin 1-star). Luca and Maria Carmela Colaiacovo were inducted after dinner.

Sunday: our Grand Chapitre came to a close with an interesting exploration of the city of Perugia and a visit to the Lunelli Group's Castelbuono Estate, known for the Carapace sculpture-cellar by Arnaldo Pomodoro. The winery is famous for its excellent Sagrantino wines. This was followed by a light but very pleasant lunch, with a spectacular excursion into the Umbrian countryside.

Roberto Zanghi
Bailli Délégué
Member of the Conseil Magistral