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. […]
The statue of David by Michelangelo is a proud republican statement, placed like a guardian watch dog in front of the town hall of Florence… Initially commissioned for an external buttress on the Florentine cathedral, the destination changed after Michelangelo finished the over-life-size, five foot tall sculpture, due to its pertinent relevance to contemporary politics. […]
June is a month full of events just waiting to be explored, with traditional Saint’s days, music festivals, summer athletics and local food extravaganzas… FESTA DELLA REPUBBLICA 2 June Throughout Italy This date marks the day that the Italian population voted to become a republic, ousting the monarchs of the House of Savoy. This took […]
The Scuola del Cuoio shares the secrets of leather making with students from all over the world, turning them into skilled artisans… Picture a 13th-century Franciscan monastery right behind the basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. There, under imposing brick vaults, a small number of international students are learning the techniques of leather making. Welcome […]
Emerald blue water, luscious green grass on the Tyrol hillside, and white snowy mountains – nature at its very best. But what’s the bell tower got to do with it?… This fabulous vista on the Italian border with Austria has a past hidden underwater. The only giveaway is the top half of the bell tower […]
The name Pantheon means dedicated to all gods, ‘pan’ means all and ‘theos’ means gods. This most spectacular ancient temple, located in the centre of Rome, inspires awe now, but it would have been truly worthy as a gift to all gods if seen during the classical period… The emperor Hadrian (76-138AD) rebuilt the almost […]
A very musical month awaits you if happen to take your trip during July, with jazz and blues festivals around the country, but there is also the infamous Palio. Take a look at our monthly highlights to see what Italy has in store for you this summer… PALIO DI SIENA 2 July Siena, Tuscany This […]
Sebastian Cresswell-Turner explores La Festa della Donna – the Italian day celebrating women – and how the seasonal changes provide a satisfying rhythm to the life of those who live in Italy… Festa della donna “Una delle cose che apprezzo molto della vita qui in Italia è la chiarezza con la quale la forma […]