Insider’s Rome: The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are by far the most visited art galleries in Italy. And so they should be. There are more than 20,000 items on display at any one time – and sometimes it feels as if there are just as many people seeing them. The Museums house the collections of five centuries’ worth of […]

The First Medicis – Godfathers of the Renaissance

ITALIA! presents a special, in-depth Past Italia! as Freya Middleton explores the long-lasting influence of the Medici family… The Medici family is one of the most extraordinary families in Italian history. They wielded economic and political power in Florence and in Europe for three hundred years. They were one of the wealthiest families in Europe in […]

5 reasons foodies love to visit Parma

Parma is a food enthusiast’s heaven. Here are five reasons to make it your next destination for a foodie holiday: 1. Parmigiano-Reggiano One of Parma’s most popular exports is Parmigiano-Reggiano, the grainy cheese named after the area in which it is produced. The cheese, which is often aged for at least two years, is popularly […]

Top 5 reasons to visit Valle D’Aosta

From snowy slopes and mountain peaks to ancient ruins and traditional cheese, here’s why a visit to Valle D’Aosta should be on your agenda: 1. Mountain adventures all year round The sloping mountains of the Aosta Valley make for good skiing conditions in the winter, but the same tracks are just as popular for mountain […]

8 of the best markets in Rome: a local’s guide to the city’s historic stalls

There is a side of Rome that many visitors never see: the one-of-a-kind markets in the outskirts of Rome. For an authentic slice of life in the Eternal City, let Elisa Colarossi take you on a tour of her favourite mercati romani. Welcome to Rome, home to timeless history, stunning art, and mouthwatering dishes. But […]

Penne with Porcini Mushrooms and Peas

This simple and satisfying penne and mushroom dish is the perfect solution for a tasty midweek meal. Try it tonight! In Italy, porcini mushrooms reign supreme, but this pasta dish can also be made with other varieties, depending on what you have on hand (skip the soaking step if using fresh rather than dried). Penne […]

Spaghetti with crispy breadcrumbs and anchovies

Spaghetti with crispy breadcrumbs and anchovies is a simple, coastal Italian pasta that lets fresh anchovies shine. Sweet cherry tomatoes, golden breadcrumbs and good olive oil turn a modest catch into something spectacular. There is something about fresh anchovies that invites company. Perhaps it is their abundance, arriving by the kilo in crates packed with […]

Top 10 things to do in Liguria

Looking for things to do in Liguria? You’ll be spoilt for choice with ten good reasons why it is a favourite destination for all the family Home to the ancient Liguri and, later, the maritime Republic of Genoa, Liguria’s spectacular coastline, pastel-coloured villages, well-equipped beaches and mild climate have been loved by many. In 1866, […]

Winter in the Valle di Gran San Bernardo

Experience the magic of winter in the Valle di Gran San Bernardo. Join Rachael Martin at the vibrant Coumba Freida Carnival in the Aosta Valley, and explore the snow-covered slopes of the Great St Bernard Pass. It was carnival time on a cold February morning in the Great St Bernard Valley in northern Italy’s Aosta […]