Monza: The Racetrack, the Villa, and the Lombard Queen

The name of Monza is known to motor racing enthusiasts around the world, but Rachael Martin finds that there is more to the city than its famous race track… Mention the word Monza and most people immediately think of the city’s motor racing track. And, of course, they wouldn’t be wrong. Designed by architect Alfredo Rosselli and […]

Homes in: Veneto

It’s famous for Venice and other captivating cities, but this prosperous northern region has rural delights aplenty. Buyers seeking good investment or great value for money should take a closer look, says Fleur Kinson. Sophisticated, romantic and beautiful – these words might or might not describe your partner, but they certainly describe Veneto, a lovely, […]

Looking for Lodi

Rachael Martin descends from Milan into the Po Valley to discover the home town of her mother-in-law. Lodi, one of those quiet Lombardy towns so easily reached from Milan by car or by train, is often quoted in the Milan newspapers as the perfect day trip for the Milanese. It’s south of Milan in the […]

Broad bean piadina

This Piadina con fave is a beautiful way of using up delicious broad beans whilst they are in season. Ingredients: 1kg broad beans, in pods 1 small bunch of spring onions, trimmed, finely chopped 100g Quartirolo Lombardo cheese 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil flat breads, for serving salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: Pod the beans […]

Top 5 Italian Cheeses

With so many wonderful regional specialities, it’s a hard choice to make, but these five formaggi could rival cheeseboards from anywhere in the world… 1. Mozzarella di bufala Campania It may seem controversial to place mozzarella above Parmigiano Reggiano, but few could argue that this luxurious, creamy delight now has an unassailable place in kitchens worldwide, and […]

Italia Issue 148 is on sale now!

The latest issue of Italia! is on sale now, available to buy online and from stores across the UK! You can also download the digital edition for Apple devices or online /Android/ Windows 8 devices. Get your copy now!  This month, we’ve gathered together a wealth of great reads and fascinating features from Italy tip-to-toe: more than enough to soothe my itchy feet, and, […]

Top 5 Great Lakes

Italy is blessed with several spectacular lakes that are beloved worldwide. So many lovely destinations to choose from – which is the best? Italia! picks five favourites… Lake Maggiore Piedmont & Lombardy Peeking into Switzerland and bridging the Lombardy-Piedmont border, Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s beloved northern lakes. Traditionally the uglier sister of Como, but […]

Part 1 – The Piedmont Region Guide – Turin, the Alps and Lake Maggiore

Piedmont lies in the far northwest of Italy and gets its name from its location at the ‘foot of the mountains’ It is bordered by Alpine ranges offering plenty of winter sports, making it a popular and long-established mecca for ski enthusiasts. The flat plains below the mountain ranges are an important centre for industry […]

Top 5 – Italian Castles

Hundreds of fascinating, historic castles decorate the Italian landscape from the tip to the top of the peninsula. We’ve chosen five of our favourites… Castel del Monte Bari, Puglia Emperor Frederick II built this immaculately planned castle near Bari in the 13th century. A masterpiece of architectural achievement, the castle’s octagonal theme is intrinsic to […]