Culture

In Italy, Easter comes a close second in the list of most loved celebrations after, needless to say, Natale. Both rooted in religious tradition, they are the apotheosis of Italian spirituality, heritage and, of course, food.  Easter is a movable …

We Italians love our beautiful markets, how characteristic and traditional they are and we still consider them central part of our weekly routine. Truth is, markets are common across Europe, from north to south, and we aren’t the only nation …

Exactly one year ago Italy first, then the US found themselves in the eye of a storm caused by a new, incredibly contagious virus.  We were hit by a wave of fear. Thick clouds forced us inside our homes, incredulous: …

In the US Capitol building, there is a marble bust of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the popular hero of the Italian Risorgimento, signed Giuseppe Martegana, 1888. The official catalogue “Art in the United States Capitol” lists the bust as the  gift of …

When I used to live in Liguria, there was a place I loved particularly. It wasn’t a beach, nor a promenade, as you may expect, perhaps, in a region known for its seaside beauty. It was a convent. In Loano, …

The Roman army is legendary: whether you think of Caesar’s Republican days or the greatness of the Empire, its strength, prowess, organization are not only known among classicists and military historians, but also among common people, used to the centurions …

Twelve months ago, during the first lockdown caused by Covid-19,  Italians rediscovered the pleasures of cooking. Don’t get me wrong, compared to other people in the world, we spend an awful lot of time in the kitchen, but sheltering at …

I’ve recently come across an article published by Business Insider,  then proposed in Italian on the turismo.it website. In it, ten things about Italy that shock foreigners are listed. Curious, I scrolled the article and began wondering: how do I …

La Bocca della Verità: sounds rather ominous, don’t you think? If you look at it, all stone, stern eyes and wide, gaping mouth, the sense of dread is even stronger. The famous classical times’ “lie detector” was probably, in origin, …

It doesn’t matter if you’re from the North or the South: a colomba will find its way on your Easter table. This sweet and fragrant “lievitato” is very reminiscent of another traditional Italian cake, panettone, and there are plenty of …