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Truffle hunting is an ancient tradition rooted in Roman times, when the Romans regarded truffles as a delicacy, and attributed their mysterious growth to divine forces. While truffles have been prized for millennia, the formal tradition of truffle hunting as …

Collodi is a small yet charming village in Tuscany, between the well-known towns of Lucca and Pistoia. Located about 15 kilometers from Lucca, it is a popular stop for travelers exploring the rolling hills and historic towns of Tuscany. But …

Accipicchia (atch-tchi-peek-eeah)  is a playful and colorful interjection in the Italian language, often used to express surprise, amazement, or mild frustration. It’s a term that embodies the expressive flair of the language and that can add a sense of lightheartedness …

The Ottobrata Zafferanese is one of the most important gastronomic festivals in southern Italy, held every Sunday in October in the town of Zafferana Etnea, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. This year, the 44th edition takes place …

The mechanical pencil is a sleek and efficient writing tool with an Italian heart, as it was created by the company Aurora, a renowned manufacturer of fine writing instruments. Founded in Turin in 1919 by Isaia Levi, Aurora quickly became …

The Italian expression non ci sto (non tchi stoh) translates to “I don’t agree” or “I won’t stand for it” in English. It is often used to express firm disagreement or rejection of a proposal, situation, or idea.  The phrase …

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is both one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, and a symbol of Florentine heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship. For over 400 years, this legendary institution has been making exquisite perfumes, skincare products, …

The Italian word spavento (spah-vehn-toh) refers to a sudden and intense feeling of fear or fright. It is commonly used to describe an emotional reaction to an unexpected event or perceived danger, and can also imply shock or alarm in …

Altomonte is a small village in Calabria, southern Italy, known for its medieval charm, historical significance, and cultural wealth. Located in the province of Cosenza, it is around 38 miles northwest of the city.  While somewhat off the beaten path, …

Founded in 1909 by the Italian-born French designer Ettore Bugatti, Bugatti remains a symbol of luxury, innovation, and racing excellence more than 100 years later.  Originally headquartered in Molsheim, Alsace, which was then part of Germany, the company became known …