Sebastian Cresswell-Turner explores the differences between cultures, and most importantly how la bella figura features strongly as the Italian sense of pride and presentation in everyday life? La bella figura Per gli inglesi che abitano in Italia, ? quasi impossibile, dopo un po?, non affrontare la questione di identit? nazionale, per stabilire se veramente […]
Sebastian Cresswell-Turner explains how to embrace the more direct approach when ordering a cappuccino or eating at a restaurant… Il cappuccino che tradisce Verso la fine degli anni durante i quali fui residente a Roma, vedevo sempre pi? spesso la vita dal punto di vista italiano; ed era quindi abbastanza naturale, suppongo, che rimanessi sorpreso […]
February is carnival time across Italy, which means an array of celebrations to suit all tastes and ages. You can get messy in Ivrea, get romantic in Verona or get singing in Sanremo ? plus religious days and food festivals galore? Venice Carnival 26 January-12 February Venice, Veneto Embrace the elaborate masks of this dramatic […]
As spring tentatively arrives in Italy, the food and wine festivals also return to centre stage ? plus you can catch jazz music, new art exhibitions, religious days and sporting events in this month?s round-up of the best cultural highlights? CONSTANTINE EXHIBITION Until 17 March Milan, Lombardy Catch the end of this exhibition at the […]
With Easter falling early this year, our April selection is testament to the fact there is still plenty to do this month throughout Italy – we look at spring festivals, liberation day, art exhibitions and wine tastings in our selection of events… VENICE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 5-7 & 12-14 April Venice, Veneto A great time […]
Marina Spironetti has travelled to the Alpine town of Castelrotto to attend a traditional wedding with a difference… It’s a winter Sunday morning and I have a wedding to attend. It’s not going to be the usual ceremony, though. First of all, it’s a traditional one. The wedding couple, as well as all their families […]
Fresco is one of the most fascinating and most diffused artistic techniques in central and southern Italy. The fresco technique was big in the classical period; the Minoans, Greeks and Romans decorated their grand homes with wall paintings in fresco… During the medieval period this technique, like bronze for artistic purposes, dropped out of use, […]
Pompeii is a truly spectacular place, frozen in time for two millennia. The story may be familiar, but now it is being retold in a landmark exhibition of archeological finds… There are very few places to visit that are as historically fascinating as the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The demise of the city and […]
The Italian festival season really gets going in May, and sees the country celebrating everything from ancient traditions to the modern motor car. If you’re planning a trip, read through our top recommendations for this vibrant month… PROCESSION OF THE SNAKE CATCHERS 1 May Cocullo, Abruzzo The month kicks off with this rather unusual event […]
In the 19th century Giuseppe Garibaldi and his legion of loyal supporters fought for the independence of what we now know as Italy, and his revolutionary actions have not been forgotten… As a result of his exploits as a general and commander Giuseppe Garibaldi is considered a key individual in the formation of unified Italy. […]