rita cipalla

In 1902, 22-year-old Pietro Nelli, like so many immigrants before him, boarded a ship and left Italy to seek a better future in America.  At that age, he could have never imagined what lay before him. It’s possible he saw …

Sometimes gritty, often exotic, always exciting, Palermo is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful churches, ornate palaces and delicious foods. The intensity of the capital city is without equal in all of Sicily.  If you’re looking for yet another …

At first glance, elephants and Seattle seem an unlikely pairing. Why would the world’s largest land mammal, found in Asia and Africa, have so intrigued residents of the Pacific Northwest? Yet two Seattle companies have used this massive animal for …

The road from Siena to Florence has been in use for centuries, passing through charming villages, fields bursting with flowers, and gently rolling countryside. About 20 minutes north of Siena, along one bend of the road, an impressive skyline suddenly …

A glass artist for more than 75 years, Lino Tagliapietra is considered the greatest glass-blower of all time. His work has had tremendous impact on the studio-glass art movement internationally, including the Pacific Northwest, a mecca for glass art.  But …

Tuscany has enticed visitors for generations with its stunning landscapes, well-preserved medieval towns, and colorful pageants. For those same reasons, it also attracts plenty of tourists, particularly during the summer months.  If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to …

In November, as Seattle temperatures dip and the ever-present rains return, there is another harbinger that marks the coming of fall: Cinema Italian Style.  The popular Italian film festival, now in its 16th season, was held from November 7-14 this …

Mention Pinocchio and most Americans immediately think of the 1940 blockbuster film by Walt Disney that introduced the feisty wooden puppet with the pointy nose to millions of children. But the Disney film classic – despite winning two Academy Awards …

Perugia, 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 …

This year, the 2024 Windermere Cup Regatta, a popular Seattle tradition, brought together two rowing powerhouses – the University of Washington and the Italian National Team – to battle it out in a contest with historic roots. In 1936, during …