The secret soul of Teano in Campaia is revealed with wine and cuisine at the newly-opened Il Quinto Elemento.
An abandoned building has been restored
There are places that do not ask to be rushed through. Teano, on the slopes of Roccamonfina, in northern Campania, is the town that boasts an ancient history, unspoiled landscapes and a culinary culture that deserves to be discovered. It is here, in the heart of the historic centre, that Il Quinto Elemento, a wine bistro with a restaurant, four guest rooms and a secret garden, recently opened. The project by Maurizio Landolfi and Gloria Cinquegrana is in an ancient building that had long been abandoned. The restoration has preserved its while breathing new life into it through unpretentious, contemporary hospitality.
A roof garden and cozy dining rooms
Il Quinto Elemento ph credits: Aurora Scotto di Minico
At number 64 Vico Viola, just a stone’s throw from Porta Napoli, the oldest surviving gateway to the medieval city, an arched doorway leads into an almost hidden world. The surprise is the roof garden, overlooking the rooftops of Teano, its domes and bell towers. Amidst citrus trees and Mediterranean plants, a large wooden pergola shelters the tables for al fresco dining while inside the cozy dining rooms and a crackling open fire create an intimate atmosphere, particularly evocative during the colder months. The project’s name is in itself a statement of intent. Il Quinto Elemento evokes the Aristotelian quintessence, that was added to earth, air, fire and water as a pure, eternal and immutable substance.
Local cheeses, cured meats and wines
Il Quinto Elemento ph credits: Aurora Scotto di Minico
The cuisine, helmed by Anna Merlino, stems from a deep understanding of the local area and a desire to bring its diversity to the plate. Fresh egg pasta, bread made with ancient grains and sourdough starter, artisan cured meats, cheeses from small-scale producers, vegetables, pulses and aromatic herbs tell the story of a bountiful land, deeply rooted in seasonality, reviving the traditions and flavours of the Upper Caserta region.
Four gastronomic journeys to choose from
There are four gastronomic journeys, each linked to one of the elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. The first is the most deeply rooted in the local area; Fire takes the spicy route; Water embraces fusion with seafood; Air, on the other hand, interprets a vegetarian cuisine. The journey includes platters, hot and cold dishes and a seasonal first course, in a gastronomic narrative that invites discovery rather than formality. And then there is the wine, produced around the Roccamonfina volcano and an ancient winemaking tradition. And on the first floor of the adjacent building there are four rooms – Earth, Air, Water and Fire – inviting you to stay a little longer.
A Roman theatre, a castle and woodlands
Teano, founded in the 4th century B.C. was an important centre in antiquity thanks to its location between the Via Latina and the Via Appia. The Roman Theatre, the Lombard Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Teanum Sidicinum are highlights of a heritage spanning centuries of history. And for those wishing to explore further there are the woods of the Roccamonfina-Foce Garigliano Regional Park, the villages of the upper Caserta area, Capua and, further on, the Royal Palace of Caserta.
For information: www.ilquinto-elemento.it
