The ‘Moka Express’, as the makers call it, or la machinetta as it is commonly known, has been a fixture in Italian kitchens since the 1950s… Originally designed in 1933, at a time when many Italians were having to count their lire and, consequently, their trips to the local café, the Moka pot (the manufacturer’s […]
Whether eaten on its own as a snack, or with a selection of other meats and vegetables as part of an antipasto to share, salami is yet another classic Italian favourite… Go on, for instance, a wine-tasting tour of any Italian region and there’s sure to be one constant: wherever you go you’ll be served some […]
The northeastern region of the Veneto combines gentle plains in the south with mountains in the north. From robust reds to subtle prosecco wines, it really does have it all… It’s the largest-producing region of DOC wines (accredited wines by law) in all Italy. Although not vast in size, being the eighth-largest region in land […]
Vincenzo Scamozzi’s final touch for the Olimpico was an amazingly detailed, three-dimensional stage set behind the scaenae, depicting the ancient city of Thebes Andrea Palladio channelled the great Roman architect and writer Vitruvius, studied Roman ruins, and added his own Renaissance ideas. With his Quattro Libri dell’Architettura (Four Books on Architecture), he dominated grand-building design […]
Relocating to Italy is the dream of many people, but in order to make that dream a reality you will need expert advice and consultancy on a range of issues… Business Setting up a business in Italy Setting yourself up in business in Italy is not quite as simple as it is in the UK. […]
Francis Ford Coppola is one of the biggest names in movie-making history. Famed for his Godfather trilogy, which was based largely in Sicily as well as America, his family harks from Basilicata. In this issue of Italia! James Miller visits his palazzo in the region and gets to speak with the man himself… Throughout history […]
What few examples have been found reflect a wealthy and sophisticated culture with refined tastes This fascinating civilization is often overshadowed by its more ‘famous’ fellow Ancients, the Greeks and the Romans; however, the Etruscans stand on their own for their cultural development, artistic production and commercial prowess. They were contemporaneous with the Ancient Greeks; […]
May in Italy is the month of the rose – and the Italians do like their roses. Gardens up and down the country, public and private, are now coming alight with their odours and blooms… While we in the United Kingdom have to wait until at least June to enjoy our roses – “When summer’s […]
Olives, bread and wine form the ‘Trinity of the Table’ in Tuscany, and there is an impressive supporting cast behind them too. Wanda Djebbar explains just what it is that makes Tuscan cooking so good… With the region’s great agricultural heritage, it is not surprising that Tuscan food is strongly linked to the land. Most […]
Delicious Sardinia is an unspoilt beach paradise where electric-hued water meets pristine clean sand. Fleur Kinson identifies the best places to be… Without a doubt, the island of Sardinia is home to some of the very best beaches in the Mediterranean. Crystalline waters of dazzling turquoise, cobalt or emerald lap shores of white or golden […]