Giovanni Boccaccio: His Life, the Decameron and the Art of Storytelling
Giovanni Boccaccio transformed love, wit and human contradictions into the Decameron. Discover his life, five memorable tales and his lasting place in Italian literature.
The Black Death in Italy: How the Plague Transformed Medieval Society
The plague of 1348 devastated Italian communities and reshaped medieval society. Discover its impact on Florence, Siena and Venice, from labor shortages and changing wealth to Boccaccio’s Decameron.
Italian Olive Oil: History, Regional Varieties, Health Benefits and Uses
Explore Italian olive oil traditions, from Tuscany and Puglia to Sicily and Liguria. Learn how extra virgin olive oil is produced, how to recognize quality, and how to enjoy it in authentic Italian cooking.
The Sexiest Italian Actors from the 1950s to Today
From Marcello Mastroianni’s effortless elegance to the magnetic screen presence of today’s stars, explore Italian actors whose style, talent and charisma have captivated audiences for generations.
Christmas Markets in Italy 2026–27: Best Places, Dates and Travel Guide
Plan your Christmas holiday in Italy with confirmed 2026–27 market dates, the latest updates from Turin, Rome and Naples, plus the best places to visit, where to stay and how to travel.
Apericena in Italy: Food, Drinks and the Italian Art of Social Dining
Apericena combines Italian aperitivo with a casual evening meal. Discover what Italians eat and drink, where to try it, what it costs and how to recreate this social dining tradition at home.
Italian Pantry Essentials: What Every Home Cook Should Have
What belongs in a traditional Italian pantry? Explore the ingredients Italian families rely on, how to use and store them, and where to find authentic products.
Authentic Italian Pizza: The Secrets of Perfect Dough, Toppings and Baking
What makes authentic Italian pizza so special? Explore the secrets of traditional dough, fresh ingredients, Neapolitan pizza-making techniques, and how to prepare excellent pizza at home.
Prosecco vs. Franciacorta: Best Italian Sparkling Wine Brands and How to Drink Them
Prosecco and Franciacorta bring different styles to the Italian table. Learn how they are made, which producers to explore, what the label means and how to serve each bottle.
Italian Vermouth: A Guide to Vermouth di Torino, Styles and How to Drink It
Turin’s Vermouth di Torino is one of Italy’s historic aperitivo drinks. Learn what vermouth is, how its styles differ, and how to serve it or use it in classic cocktails.
Interview with Giuseppe Garibaldi: His Life, Battles and the Unification of Italy
What would Giuseppe Garibaldi say about his revolutionary life, Anita, the Expedition of the Thousand and the creation of Italy? Discover his story through an imagined historical interview.
Eurochocolate Perugia 2026: Dates, Events and Visitor Guide
Eurochocolate returns to Perugia from November 13–22, 2026. Discover Italy's famous chocolate festival with free general admission, artisan producers, tastings, workshops and family events. Our guide covers locations, transport, tickets and the best places to stay.
Rome Film Fest 2026: Films, Guests, Tickets and Visitor Guide
The Rome Film Fest 2026 ended October 25. Javier Bardem has received his Lifetime Achievement Award, and major Italian premieres, international guests and screenings continue across the city.
Medieval Italy and the Rise of the City-States: Power, Trade and Rivalry
Discover the fascinating history of medieval Italy, when independent communes, maritime republics and powerful dynasties competed for wealth and influence. From Florence's merchants to Venice's trading empire, explore the political rivalries, cultural achievements and economic transformations that laid the foundations for the Italian Renaissance.
Italian Breakfast Cakes: Ciambellone, Plumcake and Homemade Favorites
Explore the tradition of homemade Italian breakfast cakes, with simple recipes for ciambellone, yogurt plumcake, torta di mele and crostata. Discover everyday Italian baking, useful techniques and breakfast customs.
The Fall of Rome and the Early Middle Ages in Italy (476–1000)
What happened to Italy after Rome fell in 476? Discover how the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards, papacy and Franks transformed Roman Italy into the medieval world, while preserving much of its ancient heritage.
Roman Italy: From the Roman Republic to the Fall of the Empire
Discover how Rome conquered and transformed the Italian peninsula, extended citizenship, built an extraordinary civilization and left a legacy that continues to shape Italy today.
Ancient Italy Before Rome: The Peoples and Civilizations That Shaped the Peninsula
Before Rome became a great power, Italy was home to prehistoric communities, the Nuragic civilization, Etruscan cities, Greek colonies and diverse Italic peoples. Discover the civilizations that shaped ancient Italy and the archaeological sites where their stories survive.
Puglia Food Guide: What to Eat from Bari to Salento
Explore Puglia through its extraordinary food, from Bari's street food and the Valle d'Itria's grilled meats to Lecce's pastries and Salento's seafood. A first-person guide to regional specialties, wines, food traditions and memorable culinary experiences.
The Etruscans in Italy: Best Etruscan Sites, Tombs and Museums to Visit
Discover Etruscan Italy through the painted tombs of Tarquinia, Cerveteri's necropolis and the museums of Rome, Florence, Volterra, Chiusi, Cortona and Orvieto. Includes tickets and a suggested Etruscan road trip.
My Brilliant Friend: The Story, Cast and Filming Locations
Discover the story behind My Brilliant Friend, meet the actors playing Elena and Lila, and explore the Italian locations that bring Elena Ferrante’s novels to life.
The Best Italian Crime Series: Detectives, Mysteries and Mafia Dramas
Discover ten Italian crime series spanning Sicilian detective mysteries, historical investigations and mafia dramas, with viewing links for Italy and abroad.
The Best Italian TV Series to Learn Italian
From everyday comedies to demanding regional dramas, these ten Italian TV series offer engaging ways to practise listening, learn expressions, and explore Italian culture.
Italian Spelling Alphabet: A come Ancona, D come Domodossola
Why do Italians say “D come Domodossola”? Discover the Italian spelling alphabet, with a complete reference table and tips for spelling names, double letters, and email addresses.
Olive Harvest in Italy: Where to Experience Olio Nuovo, Mills and Autumn Traditions
Experience Italy’s olive harvest through working mills, guided tastings and countryside stays. Discover where to go, what olio nuovo means and how to book the right visit.
Italian Word of the Day
Build your Italian vocabulary one word at a time. Discover a daily word with its English meaning and a translated example, review recent vocabulary, and explore useful learning resources.
Saint Francis of Assisi: 800 Years Later, October 4 Becomes an Italian Public Holiday
Eight hundred years after Saint Francis of Assisi’s death, October 4 becomes an annual Italian public holiday. Explore his life, the 2026 commemorations and the Umbrian places that preserve his legacy.
The Last One for the Road (2025): Friendship and Detours in Veneto
Francesco Sossai’s The Last One for the Road follows an architecture student and two unlikely companions through Veneto in a funny, thoughtful story of friendship.
Vermiglio (2024): Maura Delpero’s Moving Portrait of Family and Change
Maura Delpero’s Vermiglio follows a family in the Italian Alps as war, love, and change reshape their lives. Discover its story, cast, awards, and viewing options.
La chimera (2023): Alice Rohrwacher’s Tale of Lost Love and Buried Treasure
Alice Rohrwacher’s La chimera follows a grieving outsider and a group of Etruscan tomb robbers. Discover its story, cast, awards, and U.S. and Italian viewing options.
Io Capitano (2023): Matteo Garrone’s Powerful Journey of Hope
Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano follows two Senegalese teenagers on a dangerous journey toward Europe. Explore its performances, awards, and powerful human story.
The Hand of God: Paolo Sorrentino’s Story of Naples, Loss and Cinema
Paolo Sorrentino returns to the Naples of his youth in The Hand of God, a moving story of family, football and loss. Explore its cast, awards and viewing options.
Happy as Lazzaro (2018): Alice Rohrwacher’s Moving Modern Fable
Alice Rohrwacher’s Happy as Lazzaro follows a young farmworker whose kindness exposes the inequalities around him. Discover its story, performances, Cannes recognition, and where to watch.
Gomorrah (2008): Matteo Garrone’s Unflinching Crime Drama
Matteo Garrone’s Gomorrah follows five stories shaped by the Camorra. Explore its cast, filmmaking, major awards, and U.S. and Italian viewing options.
The Son’s Room (2001): Nanni Moretti’s Moving Film About Grief
Nanni Moretti’s The Son’s Room follows an Italian family through loss and the difficult return to daily life. Explore its story, cast, awards, and viewing options.
Let’s Hope It’s a Girl (1986): Monicelli’s Portrait of Women and Family
Mario Monicelli’s Let’s Hope It’s a Girl follows a Tuscan household facing debt, change, and uncertain relationships. Discover its remarkable cast and enduring appeal.
Il Postino (The Postman): Massimo Troisi’s Moving Story of Poetry and Friendship
Massimo Troisi and Philippe Noiret bring warmth and depth to Il Postino, a story of poetry, friendship, and finding your voice. Explore its cast, awards, island locations, and U.S. and Italian viewing options.
There’s Still Tomorrow (2023): Paola Cortellesi’s Powerful Debut
Paola Cortellesi’s There’s Still Tomorrow follows a woman seeking freedom in postwar Rome. Discover its story, performances, awards, and viewing options.
Mediterraneo: Gabriele Salvatores’ Oscar-Winning Film About Escape and Friendship
Gabriele Salvatores’ Mediterraneo follows eight Italian soldiers who find an unexpected life on a Greek island. I look at its humor, friendships, Oscar success and questions about escape.
The Best of Youth: A Family Story Through Modern Italy
Marco Tullio Giordana’s The Best of Youth follows an Italian family through decades of love, conflict, and change. A guide to its story, cast, awards, and viewing options.
The Great Beauty: Paolo Sorrentino’s Rome of Beauty and Regret
Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty follows Toni Servillo through a dazzling, restless Rome. A guide to its story, characters, awards and viewing options.
Mixed Berry Tiramisù with Mascarpone and Lemon
My mixed berry tiramisù combines lemon-scented mascarpone cream, berry-soaked ladyfingers or sponge cake, and a colorful fruit topping.
Ricomincio da tre: Massimo Troisi’s Warm and Witty Film Debut
Massimo Troisi’s Ricomincio da tre follows a young man from Naples to Florence in search of change. Its gentle humor, memorable performances, and warm view of uncertainty still resonate.
Suspiria: Dario Argento’s Italian Horror Classic
A ballet academy hides a terrifying secret in Dario Argento’s Suspiria. Read about its cast, striking colors, Goblin score, and viewing options.
Amarcord: Fellini’s Unforgettable Portrait of Small-Town Italy
My guide to Fellini’s Amarcord, a vivid portrait of provincial Italy, with its unforgettable characters, award history and U.S. and Italian viewing options.
Il sorpasso (The Easy Life): Dino Risi’s Classic Italian Road Movie
Dino Risi’s Il sorpasso pairs Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant in a summer road trip that reveals the pleasures and contradictions of modern Italy.
How to Attend a Soccer Match in Italy: Tickets, Stadium Seating and Family Advice
Plan an Italian football outing with official club ticket links, advice on identification and changing fixtures, and practical guidance for seating and children.
Rocco and His Brothers: Visconti’s Powerful Portrait of Family and a Changing Italy
Luchino Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers follows a southern Italian family seeking a new life in Milan. Here is why its powerful drama still matters, with cast, awards and viewing options.