Ciao, miei amici! (Hello, my friends!) From the romantic city of Verona, I embarked on a 36.5km journey to the tranquil town of Legnago. A stroll which was as lovely as a sonnet from a Shakespearean play.

One might think, “What can a gnome observe during such a journey?” Well, let me tell you about the breathtaking Adige River that I crossed. So wide, so majestic, and it flows with an intensity that would give any gnome an existential crisis! As I crossed one of its ancient bridges, I couldn’t help but muse, “Il fiume scorre, ma non passa mai nello stesso posto.” (The river flows, but it never passes through the same place twice.)

As I continued my journey, the language around me remained mostly Italian, filled with the melodic lilt that makes even the grumpiest gnome smile.

Now, as I sit here in Legnago, I am filled with nostalgia for the places I’ve visited before – Ponte di Legno, Arco, Verona, and Ferrara. Each with its own charm and special place in my heart.

With this leg of the journey, I’ve covered a staggering 3288.8 kilometers on foot in only 117 days. A gnome’s got to have some serious stamina, I tell you!

And now, as the locals like to say, “Chi viaggia vive due volte.” (Those who travel live twice.) Here’s to all the journeys that await us, and the stories they will unfold.

Until next time, “Arrivederci!” (Goodbye!)

Legnago, a city steeped in Italian culture and history, is a place worth a gnome’s visit. One fascinating aspect is the Teatro Salieri. Named after the famous Italian composer Antonio Salieri (Mozart’s rival), it’s a testament to Italy’s rich musical heritage. As they say, “La musica è vita” (Music is life).

Another interesting fact about Legnago is its impressive Fortifications. These walls, moats, and bastions, designed by the great engineer Fra’ Giocondo, were once part of the “Quadrilatero”– a defense line against Austrian invasions. Don’t be surprised if you hear locals saying, “Le mura di Legnago sono un simbolo di resistenza” (Legnago’s walls are a symbol of resistance).

So, if you’re ever in the vicinity, take a stroll down the lanes of Legnago, let the echo of Salieri’s symphonies guide you and the fortifications remind you of the city’s resilience. As the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri once said, “Non si può tornare indietro. Si deve sempre andare avanti” (One cannot go back. One must always go forward).