Close

Jubilee 2025 is one of the biggest Catholic events on the global calendar next year. With Rome being a bucket-list destination for many Catholics, the Holy Year is set to bring even bigger crowds to both Italy’s capital and Vatican City. Celebrated every 25 years, the jubilee is a tradition in the Catholic Church that sees Catholics give time and d...

415

As they celebrated the milestone of their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy, in June 2023, Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife, Francine, 75, made an important decision. The retired elementary teachers, originally from Syracuse, New York, resolved to leave the US and move to Italy for good. That same year, the Smarrellis, both of Italian desce...

5894

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it the most inviting and colourful season of the year. This is certainly the case in Italy, and during these months, Mother Nature showcases her most enchanting display as the leaves transform into a comforting palette of warm, earthy tones.  To help you make the most of this extraordinary time of natural transform...

272

Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world visit Italy’s religious sites. Although one needn’t even be religious to appreciate what Italy’s most beautiful churches offer. So from north to south, from monumental-sized structures to tiny churches, here is my list of favorites. Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi, Assisi, Umbria Since 123...

229

Set off on a journey to discover the most colorful villages in Italy. From north to south, between pastel plasters and bright colors that shine in the sun, there are many and all not to be missed. Walking along narrow streets or by the sea, you will encounter different dialects and cultures, historical monuments and fishing villages, crafts and loc...

455

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. One of the best things about traveling to a new country is learning about new traditions and customs. They can be very different from our own. When visiting a foreign county, it is smart to follow the local social rules and customs of the people who live there. This can make your stay eas...

319

When we arrived in Genoa, also called Genova, we discovered much about this destination that many in Italy already know: That it’s a little gritty but highly welcoming, the pasta is as fabulous as any you’ll find in Florence, and it’s not plagued by over-tourism. “It’s off the beaten path. So you see something others have not seen,” said Matteo Del...

430

The Savio Valley, located in southern Romagna, stretches from the headwaters of the Savio River near Mount Fumaiolo to the city of Cesena. The stream springs from the slopes of the mountain, which is one of the valley’s main natural attractions. Along the course of the stream are villages such as Bagno di Romagna, known for its thermal baths dating...

247

The cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy, are renowned for their larger-than-life architecture, one-of-a-kind art, sweet desserts, and sunset views over the Arno river. On a month-long trip abroad, juniors Madeline Bolger and Natalie Miller learned how crucial another facet of Florence was to the country’s economy — food. Traveling to Florence th...

335

As my family and I settle in for an aperitivo in Chianalea, an ancient fishing village, now district, in the town of Scilla, we can’t help but notice newlyweds floating. We sip our lemon sodas and bergamot spritzes (the Aperol spritz’s cooler, boho cousin). The two are holding hands and beaming at each other while navigating the narrow cobblestone...

537