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: Hip Trip Tips for Travel in Italy, Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy
The weekend of March 24 & 25, 2012 the organization called “FAI” (Italian National Trust) sponsors guided visits of 670 sites all over Italy, most of which are not normally open to the public.
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The historic Lorenzi shop in Bolzano is a family–run store with a great selection of quality kitchen goods, knives, and scissors. If you’ve got something to cut, they’ve got the tool, and their individual attention and friendly service are the essence of shopping in Italy.
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New fixed-price menus at lunch are an enticement for discerning diners at the 2-star Michelin restaurant Il Duomo in Ragusa Sicily. They’re a great way to sample chef Ciccio Sultano’s superb cooking.
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Silvio Berlusconi resigned on Nov 12, 2011, and a government of technocrats is being headed by the newly appointed prime minister, Mario Monti. But Italy’s current situation is still shaky as Monti works to gain a confidence vote in parliament, and hopefully head off early elections.
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Art galleries, sculpture studios, and great restaurants make the Tuscan town of Pietrasanta a highlight of our Cinque Terre walking tour in Italy.
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The German Ritter chocolate maker is battling against Italian chocolate makers who make square chocolate bars, claiming the shape as their own. Ritter has threatened to fine a German chocolate seller 20,000 euros if it continues to sell square chocolate bars from other chocolate makers on its internet site. And so the chocolate battles begin.
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‘Mpanatigghi are a sweet biscuit from the town of Modica, Sicily with a long history dating back to the 16th century, and contain a surprise ingredient, most unusual for sweets in Italy.
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The city of Modica, Sicily re-blossoms during the first annual contest for the most beautifully decorated balcony in town called Modica Città Ri-fiorita. An initiative not without political contoversy, however.
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Franco Zeffirelli’s spectacular stage sets are not to be missed at the 2010 Arena of Verona Opera Festival, held in the Roman amphitheatre.
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Take a tour of my walled garden in Modica Sicily, and enjoy the real world of spring.
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Life in a Tuscan farmhouse is interrupted by a plumbing adventure, and the mystery of the black well unfolds.
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The Madonna in Italy may not sing and dance, but on Easter Sunday she runs across the piazza in Sulmona, while in the town of Modica, the Easter Madonna is known for her kisses. Follow these fascinating Easter celebrations in Italy, during processions in Abruzzo and Sicily.
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