The Pope commissioned Michelangelo to build a new burial chamber for his family on the San Lorenzo church The Medici Chapels in Florence is a fascinating complex. It is entirely planned both architecturally and sculpturally by Michelangelo, whose own life was so intertwined with the Medici family. When he was commissioned the project by Pope […]
Some of the more complex Italian recipes will take hours to prepare – and just as long to enjoy! – but when you’re in a hurry you’re going to need quick-and-easy recipes. Mackerel fillets with potato and olive salad – (Filetti di sgombro con insalata di patate e olive) There are lots of different fish called […]
Visiting Venice at this time of year will offer you an experience quite unlike the one you would have if you were to join the throngs of tourists in mid-summer Local woman Sara Scarpa describes the atmosphere of a Venetian winter and shares with us some secrets about what Venetians will be enjoying in their […]
The striking black and white cathedral of Orvieto in Umbria is well worth further investigation, enjoying a long and varied history and rare aesthetic appeal The remarkable medieval city of Orvieto in Umbria is home to one of Italy’s most spectacular cathedrals. This architectural treat sits majestically on a hill of golden volcanic tufa, standing […]
The festive season is upon us so why not treat yourself to a sweet slice of an authentic Italian cake, like panettone, pandoro or panforte? Here’s our magnificent six… Christmas cake comes in various forms in Italy: the raisin-filled panettone, the sweet yeasted pandoro and the richly-fruited panforte. The origins of panettone stretch back to […]
The Romans really knew how to relax, as this ancient spa complex in Rome attests – it had room for 1,600 leisure-seekers, and came equipped with shops and libraries! There’s nothing quite like taking an indulgent trip to a spa to let the soothing waters ease the cares of the world from our shoulders. And […]
The Amalfi Coast is a breathtaking stretch of glam resorts, picturesque towns and glorious views – a memorable destination for recharging your batteries If you’re going to take a drive during your Italian travels, the most stunning route you are likely encounter on the peninsula is the stretch that runs from Sorrento in the north, […]
Bring a dash of Italian style to the festive season with our gift ideas for the whole family Adopt an Olive Tree For an unusual gift that lovers of Italian food will adore, why not adopt an olive tree? The recipient of your gift will be sent an adoption certificate and a welcome pack, together […]
Mario Matassa spends a packed weekend discovering a captivating world of fine food, elegant locals and compelling history right on his doorstep Everyone knows Parma. Or, to put it another way, everyone, at some point, has tasted a little slice of Parma. It is a city whose reputation precedes it, synonymous throughout the […]
There’s no better way of buying authentic Italian produce than by rubbing shoulders with the locals at one of Italy’s many bustling markets. Here are our favourites… The Rialto Markets/ Pescheria Venice, Veneto Among the multitude of architectural, historical and scenic ‘must-sees’ and ‘must-dos’ in this iconic city, here is a gastronomic imperative to add […]