Discover the historical centre of San Gimignano and how its downfall became its architectural saviour. Midway between Siena and Florence stand the towers of San Gimignano, no modern city skyline but a sight largely unchanged since the medieval era. Taking advantage of their hilltop elevation, the wealthiest San Gimignano families fortified their palaces with a […]
Michelle Jackson, The Novel Traveller, visited Italy’s most iconic region and discovered the highlights of Tuscany. Travel with confidence: Your holiday is a very special time, and Travel Department craft the itineraries to make sure that you get the most enjoyment. The world is continuously changing, and they have been adapting to make sure that they […]
Few countries in the world have such a variable, diverse and colourful history as Italy. Every time we visit, we learn new facts about Italy’s wonderful past. We’ve put together 10 Interesting Facts about Italian history for those History Buffs out there from all the destinations that our friends Travel Department offer. Before we start… […]
Welcome to the new issue of Italia! magazine – the final one for 2021 and the first of 2022… It’s in our DNA to feel a sense of anticipation at this time of year – after all, Christmas is approaching and the promise of a new year is on the horizon. Whatever the holidays bring […]
Now open for all, these impressive country villas and gardens were de rigueur for any self respecting Italian dynasty like the Florentine Medicis. The wealth and influence of the Medici family arose from their ownership of the prosperous Medici bank, and they amassed an impressive portfolio of rural country palaces, clustered around Florence and throughout […]
Find some of the best places to stay, visit or eat while staying around Fiesole with Freya Middleton’s guide to the highlights of the area… Images by Freya Middleton unless otherwise stated What to see and do Estate Fieosolana Via Portigiani 1, Fiesole An annual theatre and music festival usually takes place at the Roman […]
Fiesole offers a day away from the bustle of Florence and is well worth exploring when you get there, writes Florence tour guide Freya Middleton. Images by Freya Middleton Going to Fiesole is something I have always loved, and I’m not alone. The place has been continuously inhabited and constantly visited by foreigners since the […]
Jane Keightley visits the famous Umbrian hill town to see the sights, enjoy the food and find out more about the saint whose values are woven into the life of Italians nationwide… Photos by Jane Keightley. As the last tourist buses roll out of town, the whole atmosphere of Assisi changes. With five million visitors […]
The year 2020 will be remembered for a number of reasons which determined a fundamental change in the fabric of our society, but for many individuals of Italian descent it will also be remembered as the year that opened the door to realising their dream of becoming an Italian citizen. Although Italy passed a law […]
There’s a summery feel to this new issue of Italia!, which is packed with vibrant features, photography and reviews to inform and inspire your virtual travels. We begin in Fiesole, a short bus ride away from Florence and well worth a visit. There’s our travel guide to Gavi in Piedmont – renowned for its wines, […]