Culture

The color red is a defining feature of Christmas everywhere in the world, Italy included. Its ubiquity in decorations, traditions, and seasonal celebrations reflects centuries of cultural and religious evolution, making it a deeply significant part of the Italian holiday …

The tradition of the Christmas Tree and Nativity scene in the Vatican is a relatively recent but deeply symbolic addition to the Church’s celebration of Christmas. The Vatican Christmas Tree was first introduced in 1982 during the papacy of John …

Spooky month may be over, but a good historical true-crime story is always welcome, especially when it’s about a woman widely considered one of the most infamous villains of 17th-century Italy.  Giulia Tofana gained infamy for her creation and distribution of …

Each of our lives moves toward the same destination, but what distinguishes us is the path we take to get there. This journey defines us, and if there’s one mode of travel that stirs our imagination about where life might …

Italy’s regional cultural diversity means that the country’s traditions, food and, indeed, way of speaking are manifold. Such variety also influences its Christmas traditions, with each region celebrating the festive season with unique customs and, indeed, expressions and words. This …

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 …

The Sistine Chapel is probably one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance era. Built in the 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV and named in his honor, the chapel forms part of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace and serves …

Sant’Agata Feltria is a village  in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, a place where you can meet history and charm at every corner; it’s the kind of place that makes you feel a tad like you’re on a stage, with its …

In an era dominated by GPS and digital navigation, it’s difficult to imagine a world where long-distance travel was possible without modern maps. Yet, the Romans, masters of engineering and logistics, managed to build and maintain a sprawling empire spanning …

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was famously destroyed in AD 79 by the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Within moments, the town was buried under at least six meters of volcanic ash and pumice, capturing in chilling detail the …