The Italian grandmother's timeless life advice
"Mangia bene, lavora sodo, ama con tutto il cuore e non dimenticare mai da dove vieni. La vita è più dolce con una buona pasta, buoni amici e un cuore grato." If there’s one person who knows the secret to a life well-lived, it’s an Italian nonna. With hands that have kneaded thousands of loaves of bread and hearts filled with stories of resilience,...
Since Ancient Times, Romans Have Gifted These Cream-Filled Treats to Their Sweethearts
Ancient Romans had a seemingly predictable diet for pre-refrigeration days made up of mostly cereals, legumes and meats with sauces from fermented fish and vinegar. But perhaps it wasn’t just these staples that fueled Roman gladiators, but also a sweet cream-filled bun called a maritozzo. In all its simplicity, the maritozzo is a soft bun filled wi...
This 105-Mile Italian Hiking Path Offers The Dolomites Dolce Vita
Italy has many beautiful hiking trails, like the Santa Barbara mining trail. It's 311 miles long (500 km) and gently weaves its way across the Sardinian coast following the 19th century extraction routes for many local mines. Or there's the recently reopened Via Dell’Amore (the path of love) near the five medieval villages of Cinque Terre. However...
The new life of dessert wines: the era of serving them only at the end of a meal is over
Our country boasts an incredible variety of aromatic grape varieties. The climate allows for late harvests and drying processes, and our winemaking tradition is ancient. However, for several years now, a decline in consumption has put these wines at risk, often relegated to the end of a meal or festive occasions. Yet, their vitality lies precisely...
Turin Is The Hidden Italy, A Stately And Quietly Elegant City
Imagine an elegant, magical, and uncrowded Italian city of vast piazzas, arcades, and Art Nouveau-era cafes, with the snow-capped Alps in the background. That’s a pretty good description of the Italian city of Turin in the country’s northwestern corner. Turin may be the country’s fourth largest metropolis, but it seems oddly forgotten if my recent...
The rise and fall of bella figura: the evolution of Italy's aesthetic ideal
I am going to be honest with you: as an Italian, I detest the concept of bella figura. While it still remains one of the most deeply ingrained aspects of Italian culture, shaping not only individual behavior but also public life and institutions, bella figura may have finally reached the capolinea of its dominion on Italian costumes. Or does it? B...
Ciao, Innovation! 10 promising Italian startups you should keep and eye on in 2025
Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural heritage and strategic position in Southern Europe, has long been recognised for its contributions to art, design, and manufacturing. Beyond its reputation for historic landmarks and culinary excellence, Italy has been quietly building its profile as a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. The country’s bl...
Liquidity in Italian bank accounts rises again: almost 20 billion euros more in one year
After two consecutive years of decline, in 2024 the overall balance of savings for families and businesses showed an increase, reaching 1.363.6 billion euros, up 19.8 billion compared to 1.343.8 billion euros in 2023, a growth of 1.5%. This marks a shift in trend compared to the previous two years, during which the erosion of liquid savings was dr...
Italy celebrates 550 years of Renaissance genius Michelangelo
Italy is marking the 550th anniversary of the High Renaissance genius Michelangelo with a series of special events and cultural initiatives, centred mainly in Florence. The celebrations begin on Thursday, 550 years after the birth of Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni in the village of Caprese Michelangelo, located about 100 km east of the...
Regional Italian Foods Chefs Think Everyone Should Try
On average, most Americans will reach for a slice of pizza at least three times a month. The dish is a classic comfort food, loved for its cheesy, saucy topping and satisfying crust. It is one of Italy's most famous culinary exports, rivaled by spaghetti, of course, which is a midweek classic for many US families. But beyond these favorites, Italia...
The stunning seaside town in Italy with a 'Santorini feel' you may have never heard of
A quaint little town in the southern region of Puglia offers up the quintessential Italian experience, described as being similar to Santorini but with much a calmer ambiance. Monopoli charmingly combines its historic medieval centre with its picturesque coastline and is one of the loveliest places to stroll. The town is home to a number of small c...
This Lesser-visited Italian Region Is the Birthplace of Prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano—How to Visit
When you arrive in Bologna, the gastronomic capital of a country that is arguably the gastronomic center of the world, it’s best to arrive hungry. I arrived with a molar that had fractured on a cough drop en route to Boston’s Logan airport. The concierge at my hotel procured an appointment with a dentist shortly after I landed. My toothache throbbe...