Francesca La Rana interviewed Nicolas “creator of fantasy worlds”:
A few kilometers from Chieti, on the hills of Bucchianico, there is the shire of the Hobbits, a paradise for all lovers of Tolkien, the Lord of the Rings and the fantasy genre. Born from an idea of Nicolas Gentile, who in life is a pastry chef for work and an organizer of "magical" events for passion, the shire is a unique space where you can live just like a halfling.
We interviewed the man who calls himself a “creator of fantasy worlds” to understand how his little shire was born, how it took shape, what it wants to become and what his future goals are.
I am Nicolas Gentile, I live in Bucchianico and, at the moment, I am a pastry chef. Over the years, in addition to the pastry business, I have specialized in organizing themed events. I am not talking about small events such as birthdays or themed parties. Real events, which I have organized in Bucchianico but also in other towns in Abruzzo, where I transformed the places into magical places. The Lord of the Rings but also Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, scenarios with Vikings and many others. For years now I have brought thousands of people to the town. So in addition to being a pastry chef, I like to inspire wonder and joy in others.
Nicolas, how did the idea of creating a shire come about?
Share this article
History of La Contea Gentile La Contea Gentile is an experience, a territory where fantasy themed parties are organised, where you live in serenity with people, where contact
Can a fantasy world really exist? This is the big question of the new episode of THIS IS MY PLACE, where I have the pleasure of having as a guest a
La Contea Gentile is not just a place, but an experience, a territory where fantasy themed parties are organised, where you live in serenity with people, where the
©2025 - Cultural Association "La Contea Gentile" - Bucchianico (Ch), c.da Porcareccia snc - CF 93067690698
DEED OF CONTRACT
CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT
In the book and in the film, the most famous halfling in the shire finds himself having to sign a burglar's contract drawn up by the Dwarves with a thousand footnotes and paragraphs. You can find the reproduction of this contract, in English, everywhere, but this one you see was hand-written by one of the loyal "citizens" of our project, in Italian and with references to the Journey that the contea Gentile is undertaking: the Construction and the Birth of a place out of the ordinary!
This document can be filled in with the type of trade or service you can offer for the creation of the contea Gentile!
Handmade paper, custom font, pages cut out and sewn by hand with string and sealed with hot wax.
If you're curious, find out more about the Journey to Middle Earth here!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by states friend or foe, neighboring or distant, real or imagined. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of the contea Gentile.
OFFICIAL COIN
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Minted in 2022, it depicts the symbol of the shire on one side, the Acorn. While on the other side the face of the nicest mayor there is, Nicolas Gentile. This coin was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the county project, to support and grow it.
Attention: obviously this currency has no legal value in Italy or other countries (perhaps only in imaginary ones). This is a gadget/souvenir from La contea Gentile. Certainly more emotionally valuable than other currencies in circulation in the world!
OFFICIAL PASSPORT
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Always carry the Official Passport of LA CONTEA GENTILE with you! This is the most excellent identification document: every self-respecting resident of La contea Gentile, presumed or current never leaves home without it! This passport was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the shire project, in support and growth of it.
Fill it out with the information, characteristics and details that distinguish you: gender, species, class, hair, eyes, build, particular brands and much more!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by friendly or hostile, neighbours or distant, real or imaginary states. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of La Contea Gentile. Please consult the official sources of the various kingdoms, citadels and states before visiting. Special visas and/or official stamps may be required.
One Response
The video of the trip is beautiful, the only jarring note are the cars parked in front of the church, a shot could have been taken avoiding it, anyway compliments for everything.