Catacombs of Saints Marcellino and Pietro: inside Rome’s forgotten catacombs few travelers ever see
A short distance from the urban chaos of Rome, ten meters below the street level, there still exists an ancient and mysterious world: the Catacombs of San Marcellino and Pietro, which are not only an archaeological site but an immersive experience that combines primitive Christian art and faith. When thinking of Rome, the Colosseum, the Vatican, t...
Meeting the Italian American Pope describing what we do for these wonderful community
Standing before the new Pope, what strikes you right away is his ability to create a familiar, almost intimate atmosphere in just a few seconds. Speaking about peace - his pontificate’s absolute priority - he quoted the words of Mother Cabrini: “Begin the mission, and the means will come.” An invitation to act, he said, that applies just as much to...
Below the Clouds review – a ghostly yet luminous cinematic mosaic of Naples crowns a superb trio
Gianfranco Rosi has made a movie that could be thought of as the last of a conceptual trilogy about normal life and spiritual life in Italy: the first was his Sacro GRA from 2013 about Rome, for which Rosi won the Venice Golden Lion; the next was Fire at Sea about the migration crisis as experienced in Lampedusa in Sicily. Now there is Below the Cl...
Pantelleria’s fiery lake sheds light on life’s origins - with a martian twist
On the volcanic island of Pantelleria, southwest of Sicily, a small alkaline lake tucked inside an ancient crater is revealing secrets about how life might have begun - both on Earth and possibly on Mars. Known locally as "Bagno dell’Acqua" or “Lago di Venere,” this thermal basin bubbles with heated, mineral-rich waters - creating a natural lab whe...
Italy’s foreign ministry gets a modern makeover: here’s what it means for Italians abroad
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a sweeping reform that will revamp its structure, priorities, and daily operations. The goal is to turn the ministry - historically rooted in diplomatic traditions - into a modern, streamlined, and outward-facing institution. This shift is particularly important for the millions of Italians living ab...
Italy’s digital ID overhaul: from paper and passwords to smart cards
Italy is preparing for a sweeping shift in its digital identity infrastructure, marking the end of traditional paper IDs and universal login credentials in favor of a more secure, streamlined system centered around the Electronic Identity Card (CIE). From August 3, 2026, the classic paper identity card will no longer be valid for international trav...
Amalfi Coast’s ancient agricultural terraces garner global prestige
Nestled along Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast, a living testament to centuries of human ingenuity and natural beauty has achieved a momentous honor: its terraced landscapes - host to lemons, olives, and vineyards - have been named a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization. This distinction...
The ancient abbey in the Euganean Hills where monks produce wines, honey and liqueurs
Nestled in the greenery of the Euganean Hills, the Abbey of Praglia is a monastery that unfolds around a minor basilica and four Renaissance cloisters. The complex houses a library with over 130,000 volumes, an important cultural heritage alongside a historic book restoration workshop, active for more than half a century. Ancient manuscripts are pr...
Italy’s Postcard Island: Enjoy No Crowds & Secret Shores On Your Next Italian Getaway
Italy is and always will be one of Europe's most sought-after destinations for its captivating culture, ancient sites, incredible food, and yes, even stunning postcard-worthy beaches. The latter has travelers worldwide flocking to the Amalfi Coast year after year, resulting in unavoidable crowds that many tourists justify, given the pristine beauty...
Sutri: a small town with big history on the Via Cassia
Sutri sits in northern Lazio, in the Tuscia area of the Viterbo province, about 40 miles north of Rome along the Via Cassia. The historic core occupies a narrow ridge of volcanic tuff above ravines, which helps explain both its long settlement and its compact layout. Sutri is on the Via Francigena pilgrim route and has been recognized among Italy’s...
Kissing the Stone
I will never forget the first time I saw San Donato. I had just crossed the Apennines from Pescara and descended into the Val di Comino. I drove, awestruck, into the gently lit village nestled into a notch between two snow-dusted mountains. It was incredibly beautiful — it reminded me of a presepe, the elaborate Italian Nativity scene that often se...
In Puglia, Beauty Is a Habit
Our neighbor Vito is always bringing something over: turnip greens in winter, artichokes in spring, barattiere melons and tomatoes in summer, and crunchy taralli baked year-round by his friend Palma. If we’re not home, he leaves them on the porch on chipped plates. At first, it felt like too much, like we hadn’t done anything to deserve such genero...