We talk a lot about what a painting is of, and what it means, but not so much about what is made of, and how it was painted. Often when we are talking about paintings, the materials used to actually make the painting rarely get a mention. However, just like the ingredients of a great […]
Spring is an ideal time for visiting Sicily. The town of Cefalù on the northern coast is particularly charming before the temperature soars and the hoards descend. Lorenza Bacino and her family enjoyed the April sunshine exploring this delightful town and the nearby Madonie Regional Park. A few hardy northern European visitors braved the calm, […]
Here are our favourite products for you this month! Plenty of summertime inspiration, from al fresco essentials and personalised gifts to travel accessories and ideas for the home… Fishy on a dishy This Italian ceramic platter is the perfect picnic accessory, £52, www.creativando.nu Discover calabria Michelle Fabio’s snappy e-guide is crammed with essential info and tips, […]
Giotto shows the representation of human emotion, injects individuality once again in the people depicted and is interested in conveying a sense of realism. Back in the very early 1300s Padua was a very wealthy merchant city and the Scrovegni family was one of the most wealthy families in the city. Reginaldo Scrovegni had made […]
Italy is blessed with an abundance of stunning lakes – from romantic giants with Alpine backdrops to crystalline volcanic beauties fringed by leafy hills to secret wild ponds in the middle of nowhere. Fleur Kinson helps you choose the right one for your taste and budget. When Italy isn’t busy wowing us with its stupendous […]
The ruggedly beautiful Aspromonte National Park covers much of the bottom third of Calabria, the province that makes up the toe in Italy’s boot. Chris Allsop took a trip to this dramatic and often unfairly overlooked part of the country’s south. “They are like a net,” my guide in the city of Reggio Calabria told […]
Deep in the heart of Le Marche, ex-pats Ashley and Jason Bartner are celebrating a very special anniversary this year at La Tavola Marche… Long-time readers will remember your regular columns in Italia! over the years, but for newer readers, can you tell us what you do at La Tavola Marche? We connect our guests to […]
Isabella d’Este was the Marchesa of Mantua and the first lady of the Renaissance. Jane Keightley goes to Mantua to find out more about Isabella d’Este and the Gonzaga family she married into, to explore the Palazzo Ducale where she lived, and see the city she knew. The letter quoted below fair representation of Isabella’s character, […]
If you’re hitting the Italian roads this summer, here are seven ways to ensure that you have a stress-free motoring experience. Paul Pettengale is your guide… Do hire a car that’s big enough for your party and all your luggage. It sounds obvious, but a family of four plus suitcases for a couple of weeks […]
Artichokes, for example, began their season in Italy before Easter, but the British season often lags some way behind. Mario Matassa is your guide to your local market’s fare… Mackerel – Sgombro This silver-bodied fish with dark grey stripes is a close relative of the tuna fish, yet has quite a different flavour. Plentiful in […]