Culture

On November 4th, we mark the 58th anniversary of the devastating 1966 Florence Flood, a tragedy that also highlighted extraordinary resilience. In recognition of this milestone, L’Italo Americano had the pleasure of interviewing Karen Greenwald, author of The Mud Angels …

The Domus Aurea, or “Golden House,” is perhaps the most recognizable and widely known symbol of Emperor Nero’s extravagant ambitions; built between 65 and 68 AD after the Great Fire of Rome — remembered because of the (fictitious) image of …

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 …

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 …

The ticking of typewriter keys, constant like the stream of thoughts racing through the mind and eyes of a reporter as they translated events witnessed just hours before into words, was the unmistakable soundtrack that filled newspaper offices until the …

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 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 …

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 …

In the evening, we would get into the car and drive to the curve or straight stretch we had scouted out in the days before. Armed with blankets—the spring nights were still chilly, especially in those mountainous or hilly areas—we …

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 …