The super guide to Italian frying
“Everything tastes better when fried”: and how to disagree with this proverb, as old as Italy, that we all keep repeating when we talk about food. The smell, the crispy texture, the warm and velvety filling (when present) are an irresistible mix and everything takes on a different essence. Frittura is undoubtedly a landmark of Italian gastronomic c...
In 2025, the wonderful Palazzo Te in Mantua will celebrate its 500th anniversary
In 2025, Mantua's Palazzo Te will commemorate its 500th anniversary, marking half a millennium since its construction between 1525 and 1535. This Renaissance masterpiece, conceived by Federico II Gonzaga and brought to life by architect and artist Giulio Romano, stands as a testament to the era's artistic innovation and the Gonzaga family's cultura...
St. Stephen's day, history and traditions of the December 26 holiday in Italy
St. Stephen's Day, observed on December 26th, is a Christian holiday commemorating the first martyr of Christianity, as recounted in the New Testament. In Italy, this day has been a public holiday since 1947, aimed at extending the Christmas celebrations. St. Stephen is recognized as the first Christian martyr, often referred to as the "protomartyr...
Lamborghini: 20 Years of Partnership with the Italian State Police
Automobili Lamborghini and the Italian State Police (Polizia di Stato) are commemorating a 20-year partnership that began in 2004 with the delivery of a Lamborghini Gallardo. This collaboration has provided the police force with high-performance vehicles for patrolling and emergency medical services, notably completing over 200 organ transport miss...
I visited Rome and other tourist spots in Italy, but a highlight was exploring the village restored by a billionaire fashion designer
On a recent trip to Rome, I left the major tourist city behind to spend an afternoon in Solomeo, a small village in the Province of Perugia. The stunning village, with cobblestone streets and beautiful views of the rolling hills, looked like something straight out of a fairytale. One of the most fascinating things I learned, though, was that Solome...
'Truly extraordinary' ancient offerings, including statues of snakes and a child priest, found submerged in 'healing' spring in Italy
Archaeologists in Italy have dug down deeper into a hot spring that was used, over two millennia ago, by the Etruscans as a sacred place to leave their votive offerings. Located at San Casciano dei Bagni, a municipality located about 75 miles northwest of Rome, the spring started being used for votive offerings, or offerings given in hopes of divin...
What do we eat at Christmas here in Italy?
Italian Christmas culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture, offering a diverse array of regional specialties. From the Alps in the north to the Mediterranean islands in the south, each region has its own unique recipes and dishes that make the holiday season a time of joy, community, and, most importantly, exceptio...
Greccio: Where the living Nativity was born
In December 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi introduced the first live Nativity scene in Greccio (Lazio), to make the story of Jesus Christ's birth more tangible for the local populace. This marked the beginning of a tradition that has endured for over 800 years, transforming Greccio into a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Christmas...
Preserving the spirit of Calabria’s Christmas past
Calabria, the southern tip of Italy’s mainland, is home to Christmas traditions that are as lively as they are deeply rooted in faith and community. Over the years, some of these customs have faded, yet they remain a powerful reflection of the region’s unique cultural identity and the shared joy that once defined the holiday season. One of the mos...
The Jubilee: A Sacred Tradition in the Catholic Church
Yesterday, Pope Francis officially inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. The Jubilee is a unique blend of ancient traditions, religious significance, and contemporary relevance. It serves as a moment of profound spiritual renewal for believers while also impacting the social and cultural fabric of Rome. The...
How Italy views NATO’s 3% proposal
Italy cautiously supports NATO’s proposed 3% defence spending target, with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto calling for financial adjustments at the EU level. The opposition endorses the plan while also advocating for defence Eurobonds. Strategic partnerships and an integrated defence industrial base remain crucial for achieving Europe’s security go...
US Relations with Italy and Partnerships in Healthcare Innovation Are Setting a Global Standard
For many years, USA and Italy have shared an enduring partnership rooted in cultural and economic ties, as well as a mutual commitment to advancing healthcare and medical research. These collaborations have helped proffer solutions to complex health issues. As both countries continue to spearhead groundbreaking health initiatives, USA and Italy are...