Silvia Donati

History, art, cuisine, tradition: you don’t always have to head to a major tourist town to experience these classic treasures we associate with Italy.  Head to one of the country’s “borghi” instead: ancient, tiny villages retaining the atmosphere of times …

“When I refer to discovering Bologna, I admit to an ongoing seduction by her unique past and modern charm, not the least of which are the Bolognesi themselves.” Mary Tolaro Noyes’s love affair with the city of Bologna began in …

Italian-American director Jonas Carpignano is the author of the film Mediterranea, which tells the story of two African migrants, Ayiva, played by Koudous Seihon, and Abas (Alassane Sy), as they try to make better lives for themselves in Italy, after …

If it were not for her nonna, Mary Tedesco would not be doing the work she is doing today: helping people from around the world find their Italian roots. A professional genealogist, Mary established ORIGINS ITALY, an Italian genealogy research …

Constantino Brumidi: not exactly a household name, and yet he was the man responsible for the decoration of several rooms and walls of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in the 19th century. Brumidi’s chief work, the allegorical fresco The …

A leading expert in digital media worldwide, Italian entrepreneur Bibop G. Gresta was a key figure in the early development of the digital market and Internet technologies  both in Italy and abroad. A native of Terni, he has been living …

When looking at a gondola, have you ever noticed that sinuous object supporting the gondolier’s oar? Well, neither had I, until I learned about it at the Venetian workshop of Piero Dri, one of only four remaining artisans in the …

For outsiders, the Palio may just be an ancient horse race, but, to the Sienese, it is much more than that: the Palio is life, they say. Hopes, dreams, passions, fears, battles, scheming and community: just as these elements are …

Those who believe there’s no culture in Los Angeles, much less Italian culture, should reconsider their belief: L.A. residents interested in learning about Italy have plenty of opportunities to do so. Just consider that, as Italy pays tribute to one …

Seeing the artistry behind the tiny, handcrafted wooden spinning tops Mauro Sarti makes, it is surprising to find out it all started by chance. Granted, the Bologna-born artisan had always liked making things by hand. However, the decision to devote …