The painting of Dante inside the Florentine cathedral

A painting often really does speak a thousand words and in this one, we get to dive into the mystical world of Dante Inside the cathedral in Florence, just before the presbytery, on the left aisle wall, there is a painting of Dante (1265-1321). It is a wonderful visual biography of this much-loved national icon. […]

Sauris, the Italian mountain village where ancient traditions thrive

Novice skier Amy McPherson found the perfect place to learn in Sauris, Friuli-Venezia Giulia – but it wasn’t the skiing that truly captured her heart… Words and photos © Amy McPherson Let me begin by admitting that skiing is not my forté. I do, however, have a fascination with snow and thought that perhaps it […]

Is it easy to get Italian citizenship? Here’s what you need to know

Discovering that you can claim Italian citizenship through your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and in some cases even great-great-grandparents can be very exciting. But what is the process like, and is it easy to get Italian citizenship? Compared to other countries, Italian citizenship by descent is one of the simplest to acquire for a variety of […]

5 religious festivals in Italy

From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to La Festa della Befana, experience five of the most significant religious festivals in Italy and discover why they remain an integral part of Italian identity… Italy is steeped in history and tradition, and its religious festivals reflect this rich cultural tapestry. Religious festivals in Italy are celebrated […]

What are 1948 cases and how do they affect an application for Italian Citizenship?

1948 cases: If you are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent through a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or other ancestor, you might have come across this phrase. But what does this mean, exactly, and does it affect your application for citizenship?  1948 cases apply specifically to those who are seeking Italian citizenship through a […]

Back to the land in Siena, Tuscany

In the Siena region and neighbouring Chianti Classico territory, Amy McPherson meets a group of passionate Tuscans whose love for their land is creating a lifestyle and production choice of returning to the basics Giovanni Stella never thought he’d become a winemaker. “I wanted to go fishing!” he admits, arms waving like a conductor of […]

The new October/November 2024 issue of Italia! magazine is out now

Uncover the secrets of Italy’s forgotten towns in the new issue of Italia!. This issue, we begin with a captivating exploration of Italy’s ghost towns. From abandoned villages to towns reborn, each location tells its own unique story. Our journey through Sicily’s wild landscapes also reveals some intriguing folklore that will surprise you! And don’t […]

Viewpoint: Costa Paradiso, Sardinia

Those with a taste for adventure journey to Costa Paradiso in Sardinia to experience the island’s unspoiled beauty… Crystal-clear azure waters lap the shores of Costa Paradiso, a less-visited corner in the northern coastline of Sardinia. Nestled within a rugged landscape, this breathtaking destination is a haven for those seeking both serenity and adventure, far […]

5 foodie reasons to visit Lecce

From local delicacies to some of Italy’s finest wines, discover our top five reasons to visit Lecce… 1. Puglian olive oil At the heart of Lecce’s cuisine lies the region’s olive oil. Puglia produces around one-third of Italy’s total olive oil exports and the oil is also a staple ingredient in many of Lecce’s traditional […]

Cialledda recipe: Pugliese tomato and bread salad

Use the best possible ingredients in this simple cialledda recipe for a flavourful Pulgliese tomato and bread salad Words, recipe and photo © Mario Matassa I was searching for a salad to make with fresh, seasonal tomatoes and my friend Enrico from Tuscany said that the obvious choice was panzanella, the Tuscan bread salad. Stefano, […]