All Around Italy

Florence’s cathedral—Santa Maria del Fiori, or simply il Duomo, as it is known to the Florentines, is a fantastic piece of architecture. Every time I visit Florence its beauty strikes me. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style, and …

It has been just a few weeks since the Italian media coverage began to be monopolized by the success of the new TV series Medici: Masters of Florence starring Richard Madden and Dustin Hoffman. As it appears, the intrigues of …

There’s been a bridge at the site of Florence’s legendary Ponte Vecchio since the days of the ancient Romans. Today it’s a focus for Florence’s jewellers and draws tourists from around the world. But the bridge has had a fascinating …

Christmas time. Children love it: as the days go by and the 25th approaches they can hardly wait to see what Santa is going to leave underneath the tree. Most adults, whether they like to admit it or not, are …

St Francis of Assisi invented the idea. Sculptors and woodcarvers have made them for nearly 800 years. And at this time of year they’re a common sight in homes, churches and town squares around the Christian world. But there’s one …

The SPA resort of Bormio, Bagni Vecchi, attests man’s ability to create something of such beauty on top of a wondrous nature. This place was discovered by the Romans and perhaps even by someone else before them. There are the …

When one thinks about mountain holidays, depending on personal preferences, one envisions either white peaks and powdery snow or green fields dotted by a myriad of wild colorful flowers. The fall is often overlooked, and it shouldn’t, as it can …

The influence of the powerful Medici dynasty can be seen everywhere in Florence. Palazzo Vecchio was once the home of the Medici; the Uffizi Gallery began as a collection of Medici art; the churches of Florence are filled with famous …

Castelluccio di Norcia, in Italian region Umbria, is a tiny village perched on a small mount overlooking the Great Plain of Castelluccio. Only 12 people live there in winter! Let’s wander around, paying attention to the city walls… could you …

When I first heard about Stendhal’s Syndrome I thought it was a joke. It is not. This illness has been scientifically researched and documented; it is also listed in the Zingarelli, the best Italian dictionary. And now you can even …