Lords of Lucca and Princes of Pesaro: opera and art in Le Marche and Tuscany

Two towns, two coastlines, two composers and both with rich, magnificent histories. Who are we talking about? Along the sandy beach of the Adriatic sits the town of Pesaro while near the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, encased by its fortified walls, lies Lucca. Every summer both towns come alive to the sound of opera. […]

Q&A: from leftover panettone to income tax

Our experts are here to help with all your questions about Italy. This month, art holidays, what to do with leftover panettone, driving around romantic Puglia, and income tax… Painting landscapes Q: It’s my ambition one day to paint some Italian landscapes for my friends and family. Would you have any particular places you would recommend […]

48 hours in: Ferrara

Ferrara was Europe’s first modern city, and plans laid here have been copied across the continent. Sara Scarpa visits the often overlooked city of the Este family… One evening earlier this year, I watched a television programme about the Signorie, the governing bodies of old Italy, and was fascinated by the stories of these famous […]

Italia! Christmas gift guide 2017

Bring some Italian style to the festive season with our fantastic Italia! Christmas gift guide. Featuring gift ideas for the whole family! Marche Leather Goods Beautiful leather goods including handbags, manbags and purses. All lovingly designed and totally handmade from the very finest Italian leather by local artisan producers, specially sourced for you by From […]

Viewpoint: the intervention

An art installation by Lorenzo Quinn on Venice’s Grand Canal symbolises the threat to the city from rising waters caused by climate change… Opposite the Rialto fish market, two giant hands emerge from the waters and touch against the Ca’ Sagredo. Are they bracing the hotel, or reaching up to destroy it? The intervention is […]