Farfalla (n.f) Butterfly. Farfalla is a strange word because, although it does derive directly from Latin, the way that it has morphed into modern Italian is unusual. The Latin, ‘papilio’, has become ‘papillon’ in French, and the word retains its ‘p’ form in Old Florentine (the basis of modern Italian), in the Bolognese, Milanese and […]
The Missing Ingredient: Passion Benny Lewis, author of Fluent in 3 Months (published by Collins) tells us about what made him passionate about learning a language, and how this can help you to find what really motivates you. In my new book, Fluent in 3 Months, I focus on independent learners, rather than those sitting […]
Hannah Bellis visits Camogli in Liguria and explores a colourful beach front paradise that is perhaps not so undiscovered as she thinks In May I visited Liguria for the very first time. I was expecting water – this skinny northern Italian strip is practically all coastline, so I figured I would find somewhere special […]
Milan resident shares her Secret Milan addresses in Italia! issue 115, accompanied by these stunning photographs of her home city For more information on issue 115 of Italia magaine, click here or see more from Marina at www.marinaspironetti.com
In 1659, the Medici family, now well and truly the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, sold their 1400s Renaissance home in Florence, where they had lived when they were bankers and the unofficial rulers of the Florentine Republic, to the Riccardi family. Understandably, the new owners immediately renovated. Possibly their most spectacular addition to the palazzo […]
Which is the most most romantic city in the world? Ask the man in the street and they will probably say Paris. But if you ask an Italophile, chances are they will tell you it is Verona – or perhaps Venice. But here at Italia! we believe the music, history and architecture of Verona, as […]
Mazzo (n. m.) a bunch. That’s nice. A nice bunch of flowers for our word for the week. How kind. Well, don’t be too hasty because although this entry does begin with a nice bunch of flowers it ends with brutal and violent death. But for now let’s get back to the flowers – un […]
This June, guests of Hotel Eden Roc can become part of the sailing team for one of the biggest regattas on Lake Maggiore, the 3 ore di Ascona. The hotel will provide an induction course in the form of a two-hour sailing lesson on the Friday in preparation for guests to join the Eden Roc […]
Some 20km around and up to 2km deep in places, the Sacca di Scardovari is one of the wildest areas in the Po Delta and is home to the rare spring snowflake (Leucojum Vernum) flower. You will also see herons, and long-legged buzzards in the cooler months. The Sacca di Scardovari is also well known […]