Herculaneum: the forgotten Pompeii
Nestled along the scenic Bay of Naples, Herculaneum beckons you with its captivating history and archaeological wonders. Situated in southern Italy, just a stone's throw away from Naples, this ancient Roman city provides a compelling destination for those seeking to delve into the past. When Vesuvius unleashed its fury, Herculaneum was caught in th...
From a Brockton kid to Stonehill's commencement speaker: John Della Volpe returns home
When John Della Volpe was a teenager living with his family in Brockton, he and his friend would ride their bikes down the dirt path that led to Stonehill College’s campus. They’d play basketball in the college’s old gym, or ice skate on campus during the winter. Della Volpe, now the director of polling at Harvard’s Institute of Politics, returned...
Genzano di Roma in Italy, the splendid town and its picturesque flower festival
Just a few kilometers from Rome, along the Appian Way, lies Genzano di Roma, a beautiful town set in the magical setting of the Castelli Romani. Genzano and its wonderful medieval historic center are an exciting attraction at any time of the year, but they certainly become even more enticing in the first days of June, when the town is covered in co...
All'Antico Vinaio To Open UES Location
While the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Vecchio are staying put in Florence, the world-famous Italian sandwich maker a stone's throw away from the home of Michelangelo's "David" is coming to the Upper East Side sometime this summer, according to filings with Community Board 8. All’Antico Vinaio, a famous — and now viral — focaccia (technically,...
Turin’s industrial glamour
Turin is the historical first capital of Italy, a city where a captivating tale unfolds amidst its industrial roots. The urban modern chic transcends the ordinary, intertwining magnificent architecture, a noble chocolate culture, and the enduring legacy of the iconic Fiat car brand. Unearthing its hidden treasures makes it a haven for discerning tr...
Acclaimed Late Night Talk Show Host and Comedian Jay Leno Named as ‘Godfather’ to Carnival Venezia
Carnival Cruise Line today announced that acclaimed late night talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will serve as its first ever godfather to one of its ships, Carnival Venezia™, at a celebratory event on June 14, 2023 when the ship is blessed and enters service from New York City. The ship is the first to incorporate “Carnival Fun Italian Style” t...
Biological exceptionalism: How two Italian sisters lived to 100
In my endless email about COVID-19 popped up a new paper analyzing the health of two Italian sisters who lived to remarkably old ages. “The Phenotypic Characterization of the Cammalleri Sisters, an Example of Exceptional Longevity,” from Calogero Caruso M.D. of the University of Palermo, Italy, and colleagues, is published in Rejuvenation Research....
A plaque in New York to remember Arturo Di Modica and his Wall Street bull
A plaque was delivered on the occasion of June 2, Italy's Republic Day, to commemorate Arturo Di Modica, the sculptor originally from Vittoria, Sicily, who is world famous for the Wall Street Bull. It was delivered into the hands of New York Mayor Eric Adams by Antonino Laspina, director of the Italian Trade Agency. The plaque certifying the author...
A Perfect Day in Perugia: Capital of Umbria
During a trip to Italy with two other couples, we rented a VRBO villa in Tuscany for the first week of our stay. Our house, Cappella Di Pancole, was located in the hill town of Castelnuovo Berardenga, about 50 miles from Florence and 10 miles from Siena. After touring both anchoring cities and exploring the bucolic towns and villages around Casteln...
There’s a New “Taste of Italy” in Rhode Island
There’s a new Italian deli in Rhode Island — with some familiar faces. “Taste of Italy Deli & Caffè” opened this month on Atwood Avenue in Johnston — “where Schroeder’s used to be” — and co-owner Mike Giammarco says the business is off to a strong start. “We’re very busy, every day,” Giammarco, who is partnered with Mario Mennella and Pasquale Pale...
Guide To The Ruins Of Rome's Famous, Centermost Palatine Hill
Rome was always famous for its seven hills, and each had its own character and played its own role in ancient Roman history. One of the notable hills of Rome is Palatine Hill. Palatine Hill is the centermost of the seven traditional hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the Eternal City of Rome. Today, much of it is a large open-air...
After flooding, pandemic, Italian club reopens
First came the flood. In February 2020, three pipes burst at the Italian Community Center, sending 180,000 gallons of water flowing through the building at 302 Rantoul St. By the time the water could be turned off, the interior was completely destroyed. Next up? The COVID-19 pandemic, which arrived in force the following month. Several members of t...