Applying for Italian citizenship in Italy vs abroad

In many cases when applying for Italian citizenship, you can choose whether to apply in Italy or abroad. Find out more below… Applying for citizenship via an Italian municipality If you are able to travel to Italy, it is often a much quicker process than applying at an Italian consulate. The most important first step […]

Pasta al Pomodoro Recipe

When it comes to pasta al pomodoro, mother knows best according to Mario Matassa. Follow this simple recipe for the perfect classic Italian dish… Words and photo © Mario Matassa When I was a child, my mother told me that I could start an argument in an empty room. Mothers, of course, tend to exaggerate […]

Neapolitan Pasta with Eggs and Cheese Recipe

This simple Neapolitan pasta dish gets its rich, creamy texture from free-range eggs and pecorino cheese. Mario Matassa shares his recipe… When choosing a pasta recipe to make with eggs, I had toyed with the idea of a spaghetti carbonara, but opted instead for an even simpler Neapolitan version, cas’ e ova in the local […]

Italian Zeppole Recipe

Beneath the golden fried crust of zeppole lies a delightfully light and fluffy centre. These irresistible treats are an Italian twist on the ever-popular doughnut Recipe, words and photo by Mario Matassa My grandfather kept chickens for eggs in a large coop behind the house in Ireland. As a child, I loved going into the […]

Glimpses of Christmas Past: Photos from Sorrento 2018

Joe and Patricia Gartman have spent the Christmas seasons from 2017 to 2019 in Italy. Here are photos from their time in Sorrento in 2018. Perched on top of sheer cliffs, high above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento provides an abundance of picturesque charm, history, views, cafés, summer sunshine and lemon-scented air. It’s also the […]

Italian word for the week: Passeggiata

Learn the root and meaning of the Italian word ‘passeggiata’, and how the locals really use it… The Italian word ‘Passeggiata’ (from passo – to step, or pace) literally means ‘a walk’. As a verb, ‘to walk’, we use ‘passeggiare’. Present, past, and future tense: Oggi passaggio nel parco. Today, I walk in the park. […]

Italian word for the week: Abbiocco

In Italy, food is at the heart and soul of every gathering, and sharing a meal with loved ones is an art form. But how can you describe the feeling afterwards? This word will help… Picture this: you’ve just devoured a hearty, Italian meal that leaves you feeling as lazy and content as a cat […]