Giulia Franceschini

Research carried out a few years back found out that the vast majority of Italians considered language the strongest representation of their “being Italian.” It seems a legitimate view: in a country where traditions and cultural habits can change drastically …

If you have been an English major in university, mentions of Otranto immediately bring to mind the dark, ghostly atmospheres of Horace Walpole’s Castle of Otranto. Surprisingly enough, though, this beautiful town in the region of Puglia, known also for …

With the Tokyo Olympics in full swing, we couldn’t pass on the occasion to look into the history of Italian sport and find those athletes who, also thanks to their olympic performances, entered in the nation’s heart and in our …

Ferragosto  is a typically Italian holiday, that isn’t celebrated anywhere else in the world. While the 15th of August is honored in Catholic countries as the day of Mary’s Ascension to Heaven, Ferragosto in Italy doesn’t have only a religious …

Literally, dolce far niente means “sweet doing nothing,” but in truth it is much more than that. It is hands down one of Italy’s most coveted activities, and not because we are lazy, but rather because in today’s busy world, …

Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and among the healthiest ingredients you can keep in your pantry. It is also a symbol of Made in Italy around the world and a reason of national pride: indeed, Italy …

Italian kids hate September, the month schools open again,  but once you grow older, the coming of the first month of the fall is often welcomed with a sense of relief. Because summer may be filled with sun kissed fun …

The amazing tale of Italian fashion is made of style, beauty, creativity and preciousness. It is also made of names so famous around the world they are synonym with Made in Italy and Italian style themselves: think of Prada, Gucci, …

A century ago this month, on the 2nd of August 1921, legendary tenor Enrico Caruso died. Born and departed in Naples, his life was, however, profoundly American: performer at the Metropolitan Opera House – he went on stage 607 times …

Memories of Milan bring images of the Duomo and Via Montenapoleone to mind, art and fashion remaining two of the reasons people like the city so much. But if you’ve visited, and especially if you’ve lived there and enjoyed your …