Why Venice Locked Its Glassblowers on an Island for 700 Years
In 1291, the Republic of Venice made a decision that changed glassmaking forever. Every furnace in the city — and […]
Places to visit
Italy is a country full of history, culture and outstanding natural beauty. Some must-visit places include the romantic city of Venice with its famous gondolas and canals, the capital city Rome, home to ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Vatican City. Florence is famous for its Renaissance art and architecture. The Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are renowned for their stunning coastal scenery. Other notable places include the fashionable city of Milan, the picturesque region of Tuscany, the historic city of Pompeii and the beautiful islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Beyond cities and landscapes, Italy is also known for its delicious cuisine and world-class wines.
– Venice: Known for its romantic ambiance, iconic gondolas, and beautiful canals.
– Rome: The capital city is home to ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Vatican City.
– Florence: Famous for its Renaissance art and architecture.
– Amalfi Coast: Renowned for its stunning coastal scenery.
– Cinque Terre: Another area known for remarkable coastal views.
– Milan: A fashionable city, known as a global hub for design and fashion.
– Tuscany: A picturesque region with rolling hills, vineyards and historic towns.
– Pompeii: An ancient city with well-preserved ruins from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
– Sicily: The largest island in the Mediterranean sea, known for its rich history and diverse architecture.
– Sardinia: A beautiful island with stunning beaches and clear blue waters.
– Italian Cuisine: Famous for its delicious food like pizza, pasta, gelato, and many regional specialties.
– Italian Wines: Italy is one of the largest wine producers in the world, with famous varieties like Chianti, Prosecco, and Barolo.
How Matera Went From Italy’s Shame to One of Its Greatest Treasures
In 1952, Italy’s prime minister stood before parliament and called one of his own cities “the shame of Italy.” Tens
Why the Hour Before Dinner Is the Most Important Part of an Italian Day
Discover why Italy’s aperitivo hour is far more than cocktails — it’s a daily ritual of connection, slowness, and belonging that defines Italian life.
Why Italian Nonnas Still Start the Sunday Ragu Before Anyone Else Is Awake
Italy’s Sunday ragu is more than a recipe. It is a nonna tradition passed through generations, a slow-cooked ritual of love, patience, and family that has outlasted everything.
Why Italians Still Take the Same Walk Through Town Every Single Evening
The passeggiata is the Italian evening walk that brings communities together at sunset. Discover why this ancient tradition still happens in every town across Italy.
Why Italians Feel More Loyalty to Their Town Than to Italy Itself
Campanilismo is the fierce Italian loyalty to your home town above all else. Discover why your town matters more than your country in Italy — and how this shapes everything from food to festivals.
Why Millions of Italians Still Wear a Red Horn Around Their Neck
The malocchio — Italy’s evil eye — is one of the oldest beliefs in the country. Find out what it is, where it comes from, and why millions still take it seriously.
Why a 700-Year-Old Horse Race Still Drives an Entire Italian City to Tears
The Palio di Siena is more than a horse race. Discover why this 700-year-old Tuscan tradition still moves an entire city to tears every summer.
The Hidden World Beneath Rome’s Colosseum That Most Visitors Never See
Beneath Rome’s Colosseum lies a forgotten underground world — the hypogeum. Discover the ancient tunnels, Roman engineering, and the spectacular shows they made possible.
The Thousand-Year Human Story Behind Cinque Terre’s Famous Cliffs
Discover the remarkable story of how generations of farmers built Cinque Terre’s famous terraces by hand over 1,000 years — and why they still matter today.
Why Millions of Americans Could Be Italian Citizens and Don’t Know It
Millions of Americans with Italian heritage may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent. Learn how jure sanguinis works and how to start your claim.
What Michelangelo’s David Was Really Trying to Tell Florence’s Enemies
Most tourists in Florence’s Accademia Gallery walk past the same marble torso, the same oversized hand, the same intense gaze.
The Italian Grape Harvest Ritual That Turns Neighbours Into Family
Discover Italy’s vendemmia tradition — the grape harvest season where families reunite, communities come together, and every day ends with a feast.
The Sardinian Women Still Weaving Patterns That Predate the Roman Empire
Discover the ancient Sardinian weaving traditions that have survived for 3,000 years. Each village pattern tells a story older than Rome itself.
Your Complete Florence Italy Guide
Your complete Florence Italy guide: discover the Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and where to stay, eat and shop in this beautiful Renaissance city.
Popular Italian Baby Names and Their Beautiful Meanings
Explore popular Italian baby names and their meanings. Find beautiful boy and girl names from Italy, with pronunciation tips and cultural stories.
Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe: How Romans Really Make It
Learn how to make authentic Italian carbonara the Roman way — guanciale, egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, black pepper. No cream, no shortcuts, pure flavour.
The Unwritten Italian Coffee Rule That Locals Never Explain to Tourists
Discover the unwritten Italian coffee rule that every local knows but rarely explains. Why cappuccino is strictly a morning drink — and what to order instead.
The Festival Napoleon Banned — and Why Venice Brought It Back
Every February, something extraordinary happens in Venice. Strangers in silk gowns and painted masks wander through medieval squares.
Why Italians Dread Friday the 17th — While the Rest of the World Fears the 13th
Why Italians dread Friday the 17th — not the 13th. Discover the ancient Roman roots of Italian superstitions, from the evil eye to lucky charms.
Why Barolo Gets All the Glory and Barbaresco Drinkers Don’t Mind
There are two great wines made from the same grape in the same corner of northern Italy. One is world-famous.