THINKING SPACE FOR TRANSFORMATION

In addition to research and application, Torre San Teobaldo sees itself as an inspiring space for reflection and transformation.
This is not about quick fixes, but about understanding connections, dynamics, and areas of tension. Transformation is understood as an open, conflict-ridden, and non-linear process. Accordingly, questions take center stage, not ready-made answers.
What narratives shape our understanding of economics?
Where do existing systems reach their limits?
Which conflicting goals often remain invisible?
The thinking space invites one to tolerate complexity, change perspectives, and develop new approaches to thinking.

  • Education and awareness

    Educational concepts & intercultural cooperation

  • Digitization

    Interdisciplinary sciences

  • Nutrition and health

    Sustainable food production & biodiversity

  • Sustainability and efficiency

    LCA & Certification Systems

  • Justice and team culture

    International Project Coordination & Structural Change

  • Zero Waste and Circular Economy

    Environmental management, environmental economics, transformation science

community

GastroNova

The gastronomy of the future is not only sustainable, but regenerative: it doesn't just restore the status quo, but actively improves ecosystems, society, and culture. These eight key areas of expertise are crucial for such a forward-looking gastronomy.
To GastroNova

Association of Volunteers

Ahrtüffel eV

Welcome to Ahrtüffel eV!

It's great that you're here!

Here you will find all information about our association, the truffle projects, events and opportunities to get involved.
To the club

Real-world laboratory

Torre San Teobaldo

Some discoveries aren't made intentionally—they find you when the time is right. That's what happened on a changeable autumn day in 2013, as I was hunting through the Piedmontese hills. My gaze fell upon an abandoned, dilapidated little structure on a hilltop, surrounded by hazelnut trees and vines. A turret that had been forgotten. It wouldn't leave me alone. That very day, I began to investigate its origins. But the owner remained unknown at first. Instead of waiting, I decided to take action. I began to secure the roof, walls, and windows as best I could—initially without permission, but with great dedication. In 2014, after a long period of uncertainty, my efforts were finally rewarded: Following an on-site inspection, I received official permission to use the structure. But perhaps the greatest thing I gained was the acceptance of the local people. At first, they were reserved, but over time, their trust grew. Today, years later, Torre San Teobaldo has become my home.

Patron Teobaldo

The name "Torre San Teobaldo" is no coincidence. It's not actually a tower, but a ciabot, the Piedmontese term for a small garden house that once served as a shelter and workspace during the grape harvest. The hillside on which the structure stands is called San Teobaldo, named after a chapel at the end of the road of the same name. This chapel was a gift to the church, donated by the family's great-grandfather, who once farmed this land.
San Teobaldo refers to two saints who bore this name:
Saint Theobald of Provins (d. 1066) was born in France into a noble family, but chose to forgo wealth and military honors. Instead, he lived as a hermit, making pilgrimages throughout France and Italy before finally settling in Sossano. There, he was venerated for his piety, and miracles were attributed to him. He died on June 30, 1066, and was canonized in 1073. Today, he is considered the patron saint of woodcutters, tanners, shepherds, and hermits.
Saint Theobald of Alba (d. 1150) probably came from Piedmont. He, too, chose an ascetic life of poverty and seclusion early on. His work is less well documented, but his simple life earned him great veneration in northern Italy. He died in Alba in 1150; his feast day is June 1st.
A retreat with new traditions
Today, Torre San Teobaldo is far more than a restored building to me – it's a place of peace, nature, and connection. While it remains my personal retreat, I gladly open it to friends and guests. I've especially grown fond of the cherry blossom festival, a tradition I brought back from Japan. It's a celebration of nature's beauty and the fleeting nature of the moment. During the festival, I serve homemade kombucha and water kefir, living beverages that, like this place, are born of time, care, and dedication.
But the most beautiful moment of the day remains the sunrise. From the roof of the tower, I gaze out over the hills of Piedmont as the world slowly awakens. In this stillness, as the light settles over the landscape, everything feels perfectly balanced. And I know that this place has found its way to me, at exactly the right time.

THINKING SPACE

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