Italy is one of the world’s most beloved countries. Everyone knows or wants to visit Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast. And with so many visitors, some Italian cities, like Venice, are taking measures to control tourism. But rather than mount one of the unfortunate “Tourist Go Home” campaigns racking countries from Spain...
READ MOREA fascinating tradition of Italian culture, the “Condominium Theatre System” in central Italy during the 18th and 19th centuries is now a candidate for inclusion on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This unique system was characterized by the use of private residences, often belonging to noble families, which were transformed into theater...
READ MOREIf you want to experience and learn about the Italian region of Umbria, take a sip and turn the page. We did. We had the pleasure of attending a unique book launch for Tiny Tales of Umbria: Madrevite's Storybook. This original project, written by the author and illustrator, Marisa Finetti, Decanter magazine contributor, in conjunction with Nicola...
READ MORENestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is often referred to as the “Green Heart of Italy.” Unlike its more famous neighbor Tuscany, Umbria offers a quieter, Italian experience. This region is a tapestry of rolling hills, medieval towns, lush vineyards, and historic treasures, all waiting to be explored. If you’re considering an Umbria adventure in t...
READ MORETartufo, Prosciutto di Norcia and Perugina chocolates are just three of the many reasons why anyone interested in food should consider a trip to Umbria. The forest-filled region has much more to offer than a rich culinary tradition — but that’s certainly a top selling point. Umbria also isn’t in the spotlight as much as its neighboring regions of...
READ MORETo skip the overrated tourist traps in Italy, get on a train and travel to the other major cities in the country besides Rome, Florence, and Venice. You can also rent a car to visit Italy's many picturesque small towns. One medieval village that provides a quaint day trip is Rasiglia in Umbria (which has all the vibes of Tuscany without the crowds)...
READ MOREItaly is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, and cherries hold a special place in this tradition. From the sun-drenched hills of Sicily to the fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna, Italy's cherry varieties are celebrated not only for their taste but also for their deep cultural significance. There are 18 officially recognized specialties. Whet...
READ MOREGubbio, among the rolling hills of Umbria, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. Walking through its ancient streets, one feels transported back in time, immersed in an atmosphere charged with history. This charming town is known not only for its architectural and cultural heritage, but also for its connection to St. Francis and its...
READ MOREOn 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...
READ MOREPerugia, the capital of Umbria, is a medieval gem of a hill town. Known for its excellent universities, rich architectural history and Umbria Jazz, one of the great music festivals of Europe, it’s also nurtured a vibrant sister-city relationship with Seattle for more than three decades. There’s another area where Perugia shines: as a center of fash...
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