Giulia Franceschini

You may have heard people in Italy referring to others with titles like Cavaliere, Commendatore, or even Grande Ufficiale: Silvio Berlusconi, the late divisive former Prime Minister and tycoon, remains perhaps the most famous of all Cavalieri della Repubblica, at …

Italy’s record-breaking feats are a fascinating blend of the expected and the unexpected. Renowned for its contributions to art and culture, the nation also shines in areas that might surprise many.  My customary research journey to find interesting topics for …

Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is known for its architectural and natural beauty, excellent cuisine, and strong connection to its historical and cultural roots. It is a charming, welcoming place that manages to strike a balance between modernity and …

Salento, often referred to as the “heel” of Italy’s boot, is a stunning sub-region in the southern part of Puglia (Apulia), located at the southeastern tip of the Italian peninsula. It includes the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto, and …

Nettle, often referred to by its scientific name, urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant native to many parts of the world, including Europe. Known for its distinctive, stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, nettle has been used in …

Italy is, by definition, a land of differences. From north to south, from east to west, landscapes, habits, food, climate, flora, and fauna: they all change.  But perhaps nothing says as much about the country’s multifaceted, at times complex, reality …

Wherever you are, Sunday lunch means, traditionally, two things: good food and family. In the old days, when activities were still largely organized around Sunday morning mass, the family cook would attend the earliest function and then go back home to get …

As summer approaches, our tables begin to brighten with an array of fresh, vibrant vegetables. Among these, zucchini is a versatile and beloved ingredient in many Italian dishes. Its subtle flavor and tender texture make it a favorite in kitchens …

One thing about Italian cuisine we can all agree on is that it is as rich and varied as its history weaving together as it does, flavors, traditions, and ingredients that evolved over millennia.  At the heart of it all, …

Sformato, flan, timballo, and gattò are iconic Italian dishes even though, outside the borders of the Belpaese or the homes of Italians around the world, they are little known. While sharing some similarities in terms of preparation and presentation, each …