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 […]
The new Italia! Guide following the Grand Tour around Italy is on sale now! Inside this issue you will find: The essential food stop and spectacular vistas of the Italian Alps 48 hours discovering the delights of Turin Go off the beaten track in a weekend in Milan 18th Century Venice and the face […]
Find your way around beautiful Tuscany with this extensive guide… TUSCANY by Rebecca Ford, Footprint, £13.99 (paperback) Tuscany has an embarrassment of riches for the visitor, and so it’s no surprise that this exhaustive guide book runs to 320 pages. It features in-depth advice and tips for all the major parts of the region and […]
This month we showcase the most stylish retreats in the popular region of Tuscany, starting with a traditional family run hotel that offers a slice of slow Italian living? LOCANDA LE BOSCARECCE (HOTEL) A sparkling star in Tuscany?s firmament. Susanna is full of life and laughter, and her daughter Swan is equally warm. Susanna, or […]
Italy has particularly liveable cities ? small-sized, friendly, rich in history and lovely to look at. They make especially good locations to invest in a property, says Fleur Kinson… However much you love Italy?s wonderful countryside, you can?t have failed to notice that Italy?s cities are among the country?s greatest charms. Who wouldn?t swoon to […]
Be sure to tick these sensational Italian art galleries off your list if you are visiting Italy this year? Built in 1581, the Uffizi gallery, one of the world?s oldest, is regarded as Italy?s finest collection of Renaissance art ? and with over 40 rooms stocked full of masterpieces, it?s reason enough alone to visit […]
The September issue of Italia! is on sale now and is filled with inspiration to tantalise your Italian dreams. Join our editor Hannah Bellis for 48 hours in the Aeolian Islands where she finds the best places to stay and exciting things to do on your weekend retreat. Indulge with Marco Polo’s guide to food […]
Donatello is often referred to as the first Renaissance sculptor. He is the artistic grandfather of Michelangelo, who probably learnt more by studying Donatello?s work from the century earlier than any contemporary masters of his time… Donatello was the first sculptor since antiquity to make paramount, in his artistic production, the aim of communicating the […]
Luxury B&B owner Maureen Scheda moved to the quiet rural town of Casperia from Rome in order to set up her own business, and 17 years later it?s still going strong? What first persuaded you to move to Italy? I left Wales for Rome in the Sixties as Italy with its art history and wonderful […]
As spring tentatively arrives in Italy, the food and wine festivals also return to centre stage ? plus you can catch jazz music, new art exhibitions, religious days and sporting events in this month?s round-up of the best cultural highlights? CONSTANTINE EXHIBITION Until 17 March Milan, Lombardy Catch the end of this exhibition at the […]