Located just outside the city of Agrigento in Sicily is one of the most iconic Italian sights, the Valley of the Temples, which serves to remind us of ancient Greek rulers… The Valle dei Templi is, quite understandably, one of Italy?s mostprized archeological relics. Built between 510 BC and 430 BC, it was excavated and […]
With incredible detailed stonework, the Arch of Constantine on the Via di San Gregario in Rome marks a significant historical victory that changed the course of religion? The impressive Arco di Costantino is one of the key architectural sights of ancient Rome. Located between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, it was built to celebrate […]
Sally FitzGerald celebrates the 100th anniversary of DH Lawrence’s move to Lake Garda with a tour around the town of Gargnano… When someone visits a place for a day and decides to stay for six months you know they must have discovered something quite special. This is exactly what happened when the much-loved English writer […]
Hailed as the next Italian tenor by producer Mike Hedges, Friar Alessandro?s debut has shot to number one in the Classic FM charts. Rachel Beckwith uncovers the remarkable story of the first friar to be signed by a major label The headquarters of Decca Records is a large, contemporary building with a labyrinth of corridors […]
Keep active this January by taking part in an array of Italian events ? from skiing and boat racing to religious and jazz festivals, plus the iconic fashion show in Milan which showcases the best new international designers? Umbria Winter Jazz Festival 25 December – 1 January Orvieto, Umbria The prestigious summer festival comes alive […]
Patricia Cleveland-Peck meets Arrigo Cipriani, co-owner of Harry?s Bar and a true Venetian legend himself, to talk about the history behind the birthplace of the delicious Bellini cocktail… If you mention St Mark?s Square or the Rialto Bridge most people will know you are referring to Venice, a city overflowing with cultural riches. Riches of […]
With a building history that spans 450 years, this large Carthusian monastery is home to an array of architectural delights that are sure to intrigue any visitor… This flight of stairs, crafted from white marble, is part of the Certosa di Padula ? the second largest charterhouse in Italy. Founded in 1306 by Tommasso di […]
Located in Emilia-Romagna, the town of Comacchio is home to a number of architectural gems ? including the five-way Trepponti bridge… ? The town of Comacchio has origins stretching back to the Middle Ages, with many battles in the interim over borders and territory. It’s easy to see why, as Comacchio boasts unique, intact architectural […]
Donatello is often referred to as the first Renaissance sculptor. He is the artistic grandfather of Michelangelo, who probably learnt more by studying Donatello?s work from the century earlier than any contemporary masters of his time… Donatello was the first sculptor since antiquity to make paramount, in his artistic production, the aim of communicating the […]
The idyllic island of Sicily is renowned the world over for sand, sun and food ? but you may not have heard of its salt? On first glance you may think wheelbarrows seem rather out of place on a Sicilian beach ? however this is salt, not sand, and it really is collected in the […]