of single-family houses with stables and other buildings as the icehouses and the 'baiti', where cheese was made. The building materials were mainly two : the stone for the exterior and wood for the interior, as these materials are easily found in the surrounding area. Preferably they used to be built in sunny places and sheltered by a hillock. Around the districts there are quite a lot of meadows, which were once cultivated with rye and, in the lowest areas, with wheat, as well as numerous fruit trees, such as sour cherry, walnut, and in the lowest districts, even wild apple and pear trees; these trees, planted in regular rows, used to demarcate the boundaries of a property. Today the 'contrade' are connected with each other through streets, but once the steps were possible only by mule tracks or paths, allowing the transit of wagons. Economy Worthy of note is the production of hiking boots and mountaineering footwear, entrusted to three factories of different dimensions: an ancient art wisely handed on until the advent of modern technology applied also to stylistic choices equally innovative and sophisticated materials which are constantly evolving. Considered to be important activities are those related to the building industry: civil and road construction and earthmoving companies and others of craftmen such as masons, carpenters, painters, electricians and plumbers. Agriculture consists not only in traditional products such as chestnuts or cherries but also in new crops and innovative techniques such as strawberries in hydroponic cultivation. The abundant presence of flowering lawns and fruit trees promotes beekeeping and honey production. The cattle is intended mainly for the production of milk, but some farmers have recently embarked on the sales activities of organic meat. The hilly position of the village and its vocation to summer holiday spot allowed the nearby places a development in tourism (hotels, restaurants, 'agriturismi'). The Maroni Feast The ancient feast of Maroni (chestnuts) is held annually in San Rocco di Piegara in the penultimate Sunday of October. Autumn welcomes the return of chestnuts and the village is full of people, inviting scents and colored stalls packed with local products. In the main square, a giant "rostidora" cooks quintals of maroni, while enogastronomical stands offer tastings of wine and home-made food. At the celebration, skilled craftsmen offer demonstrations of crafts of ancient culture, such as timber and the production of baskets, with musical accompaniment in the