Italy’s wealth of historical sites is surpassed only by its wealth of corrupt politicians, but hey, no place is perfect. If we focus on Italian artists, architects and designers, plus Italy’s great chefs and scientists, then we can try our best to ignore Berlusconi. Italy is like a hundred countries in one, with totally different places to visit that have their own architecture, regional cuisine and local dialect, and many of these places are rarely visited by foreign tourists. Explore slowly with me, and discover off the beaten track Italy on our walking tours, as well as personal recommendations at more popular sites in Italy, and interesting people along the way.
Posted In: Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy
Gathering snow and compacting it into ice has been done for centuries, but nowhere more beautifully than at the neviere snow huts of Monte Lauro. Join us on a visit to this off the beaten path attraction in Sicily.
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The ancient Greek silver of Morgantina – once looted, sold, and investigated – has finally been returned to Italy. View the extraordinary collection in Sicily.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
The festival of San Sebastiano in Sicily is a big deal – not to be missed for the colorful mix of religion and folklore – with stunning special effects that will blow your mind. Join the patron saint celebrations in Palazzolo Acreide and experience a festa you will not soon forget.
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After long negotiations with the Getty museum, the stolen Goddess of Morgantina has finally returned to Sicily. Off we go to Aidone to welcome her back.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy
A visit to torrone heaven in the small town of Giarratana, Sicily. At the Torronificio Trapani, I watched how to make almond torrone, a traditional Christmas nougat that is popular all over Italy.
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Set amongst lemon groves near the town of Noto in southeastern Sicily, the remains of the Roman Villa del Tellaro are noteworthy for their exquisite Roman mosaics dating back to the 4th century AD.
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Who says flowers only bloom in the spring? If you are in the right place in Italy at the right time, you can view wildflowers all year long.
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My favorite walking route for this spectacular hike in the Dolomites of Italy, and how to avoid most of the crowds on the popular walking trails around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
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There have been initiatives in several towns in Italy, where the town is selling unrestored houses for the starting sum of 1 euro. The latest town to announce this offer is Sambuca di Sicilia, a town located in southwestern Sicily. Since this news item was picked up by CNN, the town’s mayor has been inundated […]
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One of the most recognized faces in Italy is that of Moira Orfei, whose outlandish appearance has become the Italian symbol for the circus queen
Continue Reading »Posted In: Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
Enjoy free admission to museums and archeological sites all over Italy during the 14th annual Settimana della Cultura, the 2012 edition of Italian Culture Week
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Aren’t towers supposed to be tall? Not in the countryside of Modica, where a “torre” – tower – is something else indeed.
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