Heritage

One of the great things about modern libraries that is sometimes taken for granted is the access to books of many cultures and ages they make available.  Such was not always the case. With the fall of the Roman Empire in …

For ten days in December, a scirocco paralyzed Rome. Traders, oblivious to a rise in corn, moped around the Triton Fountain in Piazza Barberini. Socialites, veiled and caped in otter, drowsed in park carriages on the Corso. From the loggia …

Identity is a serious matter, but not too much.  Let’s explain it better.  It’s something important for the consequences and the effects it may have and, for this reason, it must be taken into right consideration. But it cannot be …

Nestled on a little island, off the southeastern tip of Sicily stands a gleaming white cathedral. As the hot Mediterranean sun hits its towering Corinthian columns and saintly statues, the Baroque façade lights up. It’s an architectural gem and beautiful …

Last month Venice suffered the fourth highest floods in its history. Water seeped up through the drains, over the canal sides and into the houses, businesses and hotels of the city. And few were spared, with around 75% of streets …

A masked parade on the waters of Venice’s canals. The Doge’s ball. Thousands of masks walking around the city. From the party on the Rio del Cannaregio to the parade in Piazza San Marco, where one can see the most …

Rome, caput mundi and glorious mother of western civilization, wasn’t the first power to rule over the peninsula. Naturally enough, a lot happened before that faithful April 21, 753 BC, the date selected by Latin historian Varro as the beginning …

This year, the 20th of March was not only the last day of Winter: it also celebrated the innovative beauty of Italian design around the world. The day, Italian Design Day 2019, endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and …

The beautiful walled city of Volterra, an ancient Etruscan town some 45 miles southwest of Florence, is famous for its well-preserved medieval ramparts, museums and archeological sites, and atmospheric cobblestone streets. Fans of American author Stephanie Meyer know it as …

Today, I feel like to write about Rome and Italian heritage, but for once – our regular readers may be aware of my penchant for classical history – I won’t delve into the depths and beauties of the Empire, but …