The Grandeur of Venetian Palaces

The best way to see the wealth of sumptuous palaces in Venice is by water, says Sara Scarpa Images by Iain Reid  The Grand Canal, Venice’s main artery, is where the most illustrious Venetian noble families lived and where the most prestigious palaces still stand. These palazzi have been the homes of artists, writers, musicians, […]

Captivating Castelli

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Italian castles, so if you’re looking for a memorable day out or a place to stay that’s oozing with history, you’ll find the perfect destination here, says Jenny Oldaker. Italy is so liberally sprinkled with castles, it’s difficult to choose just a few favourites. From solid medieval stone […]

Finders, Keepers

Discover how the finest treasures of Pompeii found their way to Naples with Joe Gartman Images by Patricia Gartman Let’s say you’re a well-connected citizen of Pompeii back in about 80 BC (don’t worry, it’s another century-and-a-half before Vesuvius is set to blow) and you’re invited to dinner at the most luxurious house in town. […]

Discover the Rolli Palaces of Genoa

The Palazzi dei Rolli are a living showcase for the wealth and power of certain 17th-century Genoese families The lavish Palaces of the Rolli were the ultimate display of familial affluence, influence and splendour during Genoa’s Renaissance and Baroque periods. To see one such building survive to this day is remarkable, yet this port city […]

Majella travel guide

Find some of the best places to stay, visit or eat while staying around Majella with Val Nicastro’s guide to the highlights of the area… What to see and do Hike the spiritual trail The Majella National Park offers visitors a vast network of fantastic hiking routes, including the fascinating Spiritual Trail, which runs for […]

48 hours in Majella

Officially listed in the UNESCO Geopark network, Majella in Abruzzo is a dream for nature lovers, as Val Nicastro discovers. Images by Val Nicastro About an hour’s drive inland from Pescara and the beaches of the Adriatic coast, the Majella National Park is one of those hidden gems of Italy that impress with their simplicity […]

Discover Assisi

The birthplace of the Catholic friar St Francis remains a globally important site of Christian pilgrimage Assisi stands atop Mount Asio and is flanked by swathes of Umbria’s undulating green pasture and the forests of Monte Subasio. At times it seems perched heaven-like, on a carpet of clouds. It is Roman in origin, yet a […]

48 hours in Mantua

This is the city to which Romeo was banished, and it is also home to a palace entirely dedicated to love. Little wonder, then, that one English author considered it to be the world’s most romantic city, writes Jane Keightley Images by Jane Keightley unless otherwise stated Aldous Huxley once called Mantua “the most romantic […]

Top 10 guide to Liguria

Rachael Martin is spoilt for choice as she picks out ten good reasons why Liguria is a favourite destination for all the family Images by Foto Archivio Agenzia In Liguria unless otherwise stated Home to the ancient Liguri and later the maritime Republic of Genoa, Liguria’s spectacular coastline, pastel-coloured villages, well-equipped beaches and mild climate […]

Build your future in the Italian Marche

ITS ITALY is leading a pioneering group giving life back to local communities in Italy, restoring ancient properties, facilitating investments in local businesses and supporting the local circular economy Images © Shutterstock From the stunning hilltops of the Apennines to villages full of history and culinary traditions, the Marche region is an authentic Italian gem. […]