My great grandfather Niccolò Cipollina was born in the Cala, Palermo’s ancient port, in 1899. My great grandmother was born in Villarosa in the Enna province at around the same time. My Sicily roots run deep and it’s one of my favorite places to travel. It’s also a frustrating place to dine out since so many restaurants exist mainly to cater to tou...
READ MOREMount Etna loomed large over everything as we arrived in eastern Sicily that early January. From miles away, I could see the steam plumes rising from the snow-topped behemoth, like blown-out candles on a hastily iced birthday cake. Appropriately, I was on a milestone birthday road trip around Sicily, from Palermo to Catania. The second-to-last stop...
READ MORELiterary cafes have existed for a long time, but this well-preserved gem in Catania is much more than a bookstore where you can have an espresso. First and foremost, Legatoria Prampolini was established in 1894, a detail that officially makes it the oldest bookstore in all of Sicily. Since 2019, it has been managed by the sisters Angelica and Maria...
READ MOREIn this article, we delve into the 20 best places to retire in Italy for US citizens. Navigating retirement planning involves strategic decision-making, and for numerous US citizens, Italy has emerged as an enchanting destination to retire to. These American retirees are attracted to the richness of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the beauty of stunni...
READ MOREAs Carnevale approaches in the runup to Lent and then Easter, Italy comes alive with festivals in February. In the US the biggest such event is New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, but in Italy many cities have their own versions as they celebrate the last fling before Lent puts an end to fun and self-indulgence, ushering in the reflection and gravity of prepa...
READ MORE3Sun, Enel Green Power's photovoltaic cell and modules production gigafactory, has secured a 560 million euro financial package to back the expansion of its production capacity, in a significant milestone for Europe’s energy transition and security. The financing was made possible through a collaborative effort between the European Investment Bank...
READ MOREYou may know her from the “scandalous” Sicilian dessert, or at least have seen it in photos. Small mounds, covered in a layer of sugary, white marzipan and adorned with a candied cherry on top. It’s also popular in iconic religious imagery, with a painting revealing the saint who is holding a pair of cakes on a plate. Some say these mini cassate re...
READ MOREDecember is the month that opens the door to the Christmas season, one of the most beautiful times of the year to spend in Italy due to its wide variety of offerings from north to south, including Christmas markets and lights, visits to ancient villages and medieval castles, and of course the sunny landscapes and crystal-clear waters of southern It...
READ MORECatania is a beautiful and charming city located on the east coast of Sicily. Picturesque and elegant, it stands on the slopes of the Etna volano and is surrounded by seaside villages, Baroque towns and natural wonders, all within easy reach in one day trip. Departing from Catania, you cannot miss a one-day trip to Mount Etna, Europe's highest acti...
READ MORELorenzo Mazzamuto just started the hardest job at an orchestra, one that will also require balancing life in Philadelphia and in Italy. And he’s thrilled for the challenge. He debuted in April as the concertmaster Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, Sicily, beating out numerous other applicants. “The concertmaster is the most diffi cult job in the or...
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