Udine: The Italian City Built in Venice’s Image
Udine was shaped by 377 years of Venetian rule. Here’s what the Republic built in Piazza San Giacomo — and why the Lion of St Mark is still standing.
How Venice Shaped Udine for Nearly 400 Years
Udine spent 377 years under Venetian rule, from 1420 to 1797. The Lion of St Mark, the clock tower modelled on the one in Piazza San Marco, and the Gothic loggia in Piazza San Giacomo are all still standing. Here is what the Venetian Republic left behind.
Udine: The Square That Has Barely Changed in 600 Years
Udine’s Piazza San Giacomo has looked the same since the 1400s. The Loggia del Lionello, the clock tower, the Venetian columns — here is what to see, eat, and do in Friuli’s most underrated city.
The Real Balsamic Vinegar Has Nothing to Do With What You Buy in Shops
Discover the extraordinary story of traditional balsamic vinegar — aged 12-25 years in family attics in Modena, Italy — plus get weekly Italy stories free in our newsletter.
Piazza San Giacomo, Udine: A Guide to the Historic Square
Discover Piazza San Giacomo in Udine — one of Italy’s finest medieval squares. This practical guide covers the history, key buildings, what to see, and how to get there.
Civita di Bagnoregio: Italy’s Hilltop Village That Won’t Last Forever
Civita di Bagnoregio is a medieval hilltop village in Lazio slowly crumbling into the valley below. Here’s what to know before you visit this remarkable, endangered piece of Italian history.
Why the World Gets Pesto Wrong, and What Genoese Nonnas Do Differently
Why genuine pesto genovese tastes nothing like the jar: the seven ingredients, the mortar ritual, and where to find the real thing in Genova — plus get weekly Italy stories free in our newsletter.
Maratea: Italy’s Best-Kept Secret on the Tyrrhenian Coast
Maratea is Basilicata’s only coastal town — a hillside village above the Tyrrhenian Sea, home to a famous Christ statue, a medieval harbour, and some of southern Italy’s best seafood. Here is what to know before you go.
Italian Surnames of Veneto – Origins, Meanings and Heritage
Discover the most common Italian surnames from Veneto, their Venetian Republic origins and meanings, emigration history, and how to trace your Venetian family roots.
The Italian Behind America’s Most Famous Words
The Tuscan friend of Thomas Jefferson who wrote the words that inspired America’s Declaration of Independence — plus free Italy stories in our newsletter.
Tracing Your Family in Friuli: A Heritage Travel Plan
Planning a heritage trip to Friuli-Venezia Giulia? Discover how to trace your Friulian roots, find family records in Udine, and visit ancestral villages in northeastern Italy.
Dolomites Italy Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Visit
Plan your Dolomites Italy trip with this complete guide. Discover the best time to visit, top hikes, where to stay, and how to get there from the US.
How to Open a Bank Account in Italy as an American (2026 Guide)
Find out how to open a bank account in Italy as an American. Our 2026 guide covers the best banks, required documents, and digital alternatives.
Tracing Your Family in Piedmont: A Heritage Travel Plan
Discover how to trace your family in Piedmont. Find civil records in Turin and provincial archives, visit your ancestral comune in the Langhe or Cuneo, and plan your Italian heritage journey.
Best Time to Visit Italy: A Month-by-Month Guide for US Travellers
Planning a trip to Italy from the US? This month-by-month guide covers the best time to visit Italy, with tips on weather, crowds and costs.
How to Travel Italy by Train: A Complete Guide for Visitors
Plan your Italy trip by train. This guide covers Trenitalia vs Italo, key routes, booking tips, rail passes, and practical advice for first-time visitors.
3 Days in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Plan your 3 days in Rome with this first-timer’s day-by-day itinerary. Discover the Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere and local tips for US visitors.
Tracing Your Family in Liguria: A Heritage Travel Plan
Discover how to trace your family in Liguria. Find the right archives in Genoa, visit your ancestral town, and plan the perfect Italian heritage trip to the Italian Riviera.
Italian Elective Residency Visa: How Americans Can Live in Italy on Passive Income (2026 Guide)
Everything Americans need to know about the Italian Elective Residency Visa — income thresholds, required documents, costs and the application process.
Venice Italy Travel Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Your complete Venice Italy travel guide 2026 — when to visit, what to see, how to get around, where to stay, and how to avoid the crowds.
Tracing Your Family in Emilia-Romagna: A Heritage Travel Plan
How to trace your family in Emilia-Romagna. Find civil records in Bologna, visit your ancestral town, and plan the perfect Italian heritage trip.