All Around Italy

If you love wine, you know the name Barolo: known as the King of Italian reds, Barolo is a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, or “controlled and guaranteed designation of origin”) wine produced with Nebbiolo grapes from the …

Matera is likely the most well known and visited of Italy’s cities carved into stone, but it’s far from being the only one. The Basilicata beauty has experienced a cultural Renaissance in recent years, also thanks to its role of …

As “resta a casa” mandates and travel bans continue to be the new normal, many of us have found extra time to daydream, to get lost in thoughts that whisk us away from reality. For me, those dreams often center …

A quote attributed to the 18th-century British writer, literary critic and moralist Dr. Samuel Johnson goes: “A man who has not been in Italy is always conscious of an inferiority.” I am not sure that strong statement is still valid …

Bridges are quite a wonder. We take them for granted, driving or biking or walking across with nary a thought of what a complex structure lies beneath us, supporting and safely transporting to the other side. Imagine, if you can, …

If you have been an English major in university, mentions of Otranto immediately bring to mind the dark, ghostly atmospheres of Horace Walpole’s Castle of Otranto. Surprisingly enough, though, this beautiful town in the region of Puglia, known also for …

With its history connected to the mysterious Knights Templar, the walled village of Alberona could easily be used as the set for a neo-noir film. This atmospheric and depopulated Puglia borgo 30 minutes from Foggia would be perfect for an …

Dozza Imolese is a quaint village of about 6000, that quietly sits on the rolling pre-Apennine hills outside Bologna. One of FAI’s most beautiful borghi, its name may fail to evoke any memory of important works of art or historical …

Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and among the healthiest ingredients you can keep in your pantry. It is also a symbol of Made in Italy around the world and a reason of national pride: indeed, Italy …

There’s a lot to cheer about this summer. We’re eating in restaurants again, festivals are underway, swimming pools overflow with squealing children – we can even have a BBQ with the neighbors! Like a longed-for prodigal son, normalcy is making …