How to Make a Perfect Cappuccino: Tips from an Italian Barista
Italian coffee bars can be some of the most chaotic places for a foreigner. During the morning rush hour, you’ll need to elbow your way to the counter and catch the barista’s eye to place your order. Once your espresso, espresso macchiato or cappuccino is placed before you, you are granted only a few moments to enjoy before someone else comes to ta...
Settimo Dolcetto is destined to be your secret pour for guests | Phil Your Glass
Dolcetto is the name of an Italian grape that grows in the Piedmont region in Northwest Italy. It is overshadowed by another Piedmont grape, Nebbiolo, that’s used to make Barolo, commonly known as the Wine of Kings. The name Dolcetto means “little sweet one;” however, this is not a sweet wine. Not even close. “It’s our everyday wine,” explained Giu...
The tourism that saves forgotten villages: Italy’s hamlets are reborn through Alberghi Diffusi
Golferenzo has just a few dozen residents, and even fewer in its historic centre. It is one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages: a handful of stone houses perched on the hills of Oltrepò Pavese, brimming with charm but home to few inhabitants (photo above). A few years ago, Luigi Brega and Paola Calonghi launched Borgo dei Gatti, an Albergo Diffuso...
Puglia's Hidden Gem Is A Medieval Town With Charming Squares And Streets Tucked In The Italian Mountains
From its perch in Puglia's Gargano region, the medieval town of Monte Sant'Angelo is announced by rows of whitewashed houses tracing the slope of the hillside it's nestled upon. One of the little-known towns exuding old-world charm along Italy's coast, Monte Sant'Angelo's main attraction is the Sanctuary of San Michele, a UNESCO World Heritage Site...
Why there's a Pyramid in Rome? The charming history of Cestius Pyramid
It might seem strange, but it is true: in the heart of Rome there is a Pyramid and it is a real pyramid, just like those of Ancient Egypt. Built in a flash in the 1st century BC by order of a wealthy Roman politician overwhelmed by the fascination for Ancient Egypt, who wanted it as his funeral monument. It seems like an unusual case, yet in that p...
Portogruaro: The Charming Venetian Town with Surprising Connections to the World
Today, I celebrate Portogruaro, my birthplace—a town rich in history, culture, and timeless charm. Recently marking 885 years since its founding, this hidden gem on the banks of the Lemene River began as a bustling river port in 1410, flourished under the Republic of Venice, and became part of Italy in 1866. Though lesser known, Portogruaro has con...
Italian whisky: A rising industry influenced by wine history
With wine deeply embedded in the national identity, and high-quality productions spanning anything from liqueurs to artisan beer, Italians are no strangers to the arts of fermentation and distillation. The country’s profound passion for whisky, however, has never managed to trickle down from independent bottlers and whisky clubs to master distiller...
One Of Italy's Most Underrated Islands Boasts Historic Churches, Serene Walkways, And Legends Of Dragons
From the romantic villas along the edge of Lake Como to the dramatic mountains rising behind Lake Garda, there are an endless number of extraordinary landmarks to see in Italy. Few travelers, however, have ventured to the mesmerizing shores of Lake Orta, where crowds are scarce. Even fewer have heard of the Isola San Giulio. A small stretch of rock...
Italians and their pets: trends, costs, and the growing pet economy
More than half of Italians (56%) own at least one pet: 36% have at least one dog, and 33% have at least one cat. The remaining 44% are divided between those who don’t have pets but would like to (20%) and those who have chosen not to own any pets (24%). On average, keeping a pet costs 65 euros per month (780 euros per year), excluding healthcare an...
Italy’s push for electric mobility: progress and challenges
Italy is accelerating its transition to electric mobility. On one hand, public charging infrastructure continues to expand: by December 31, 2024, there were 64,391 installed points, a 27% increase from the previous year, with a notable 47% growth in fast DC chargers. Although nearly 16% of the points were still awaiting activation at the end of 202...
The 800th anniversary of the Cantico delle creature
Today, the conclave begins in Rome to elect the successor of Pope Francis. The name Francesco was chosen as a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, who is also the patron saint of Italy. This year marks the 800th anniversary of the writing of the Cantico delle creature (Canticle of the Creatures), Saint Francis's most important work—a prayer and prai...
Welcome to Rome to the US Ambassador to Italy H.E. Tilman J. Fertitta
We the Italians, the Italian media company dedicated to promoting relations between Italy and the United States with a special focus on the Italian American community, is pleased to welcome the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Tilman J. Fertitta, to Rome, a proud Italian American himself with deep roots. We look forward to continuing our work as a bridge...