Anyone who has ever visited the region will immediately recognise this scene as quintessential Tuscany – the green fields, the rolling hills, the sense of timeless peace – and those trees… The Mediterranean Cypress (cupressus sempervirens) is as much a symbol of Tuscany as the Duomo of Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A […]
This combination of caramelised figs and crisply barbecued prosciutto is irresistible. The figs are best cooked on a barbecue, but you can use a stove-top grill pan or a grill – just get the right amount of charring on the figs Method To make the bruschetta, grill, toast or pan-grill the bread on both sides […]
They are the true taste of summer, and also a design motif for all sorts of things. Think strawberries this month with these fruity gift ideas… Top 3 Ideas for Strawberries Strawberry writing set You’ve heard the phrase ‘say it with flowers’ – well, how about saying it with strawberries? Now you can, thanks to […]
This cannelloni combines a creamy sharp ricotta filling with slightly bitter greens and a sweet tomato sauce. The contrast between the sauce and filling is amazing Method To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan, add the garlic and cook until just turning golden. Add the halved tomatoes. They should hiss as […]
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici knew her family’s vast artistic collection was of immeasurable value to Florence Consider Mantua. Ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for nearly four centuries, it became a famous centre of culture and art, particularly while Isabella d’Este was Marchesa there. She was a patron of the greatest artists of her […]
Hundreds of fascinating, historic castles decorate the Italian landscape from the tip to the top of the peninsula. We’ve chosen five of our favourites… Castel del Monte Bari, Puglia Emperor Frederick II built this immaculately planned castle near Bari in the 13th century. A masterpiece of architectural achievement, the castle’s octagonal theme is intrinsic to […]
This sea bream recipe with a fresh, zesty flavour, is perfect for a quick meal but looks impressive enough to ‘wow’ a few friends! Sea Bream baked in foil Serves 4 Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Ingredients 2 sea bream, gutted and scaled but with head and skin on olive oil 2 garlic cloves 3 sprigs of […]
It is perhaps the most famous statue in the world and a preeminent icon of the Renaissance, and of the city that produced the Renaissance… Michelangelo’s David was first commissioned in 1466, though not to the artist who completed it. (He wasn’t even born until 1475). The commission originally went to one Agostino di Duccio, […]
This week we’ve been sent photos of beautiful italian sunsets, idyllic settings to holiday abroad in and to be completely honest, we are jealous of all our lovely fans and photographers who are where’d we love to be… Sunrise in Marina Grande-Capri by Annik Susemihl Last evenings most wonderful sunset over Lake Garda by Tony Dye Rome […]
Conditions for some creatures in Italy are far from ideal, but the Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals (AISPA) is helping to change things… Domestic and wild animals the length and breadth of Italy have ample reason to be flapping their wings and clapping their paws in thanks to the late Leonard Hawksley. It […]