Mantua was once considered an island with power to rival that of Venice. Adrian Mourby experiences the mystery and elegance of the city today… Through the early morning mist, as my boat crossed the still waters of Lago Inferiore, Mantua’s towers and domes rose like a fairytale kingdom. In the days when the Gonzaga family controlled […]
Antipasti are a way of life in Italy, and an essential aspect of the nation’s favourite first course of any meal is preserved vegetables. Here we present a selection from the UK high street. Go to any restaurant in Italy and you’ll be provided with the option (and who could turn it down?) of a […]
In the heart of northern Italy, the rooftops of Bergamo capture the best of a city with both historical beauty and a distinctly modern resonance… A treasure of northern Italy, the city of Bergamo can be found in Lombardy. It has a wealth of medieval, Renaissance and baroque architecture making it an intriguing city with […]
Roman Generals, exploding carts and wayward donkeys are all on the agenda for those who choose to travel to Italy this March. Intrigued? Then step this way to find out more… Tosca 1-12 March Rome If you’re looking for a true taste of Italian culture, you can’t get much better than a performance of Puccini’s […]
The October issue of Italia! is on sale now and packed with holiday getaways, delicious recipes, reviews and properties to get you in the Italian spirit. Adrian Mourby spends 48 hours in Busseto and visits the birthplace of operatic composer, Giuseppe Verdi. The Italia! team taste the distinctive porcini mushroom and give you their verdict […]
Marina Spironetti gets off the beaten track in Milan and uncovers a surprising side to the capital of fashion ? one with peaceful residences and Venetian-style canals… The name says it all: Milano, from the Latin Mediolanum, coming in turn from the Celtic Midland, ?land in the middle?. In the middle of what? Water. As […]
Sally FitzGerald takes in the sights and sounds of the Brescia province, from the majestic attractions of southern Lake Garda to the hidden gems of the provincial capital city… “We will go straight to the island. We must be faster than the storm.” If I?m being honest these aren?t the first words I am hoping […]
Keep active this January by taking part in an array of Italian events ? from skiing and boat racing to religious and jazz festivals, plus the iconic fashion show in Milan which showcases the best new international designers? Umbria Winter Jazz Festival 25 December – 1 January Orvieto, Umbria The prestigious summer festival comes alive […]
February is carnival time across Italy, which means an array of celebrations to suit all tastes and ages. You can get messy in Ivrea, get romantic in Verona or get singing in Sanremo ? plus religious days and food festivals galore? Venice Carnival 26 January-12 February Venice, Veneto Embrace the elaborate masks of this dramatic […]
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 […]