Santa Severina is a historic village in the province of Crotone, Calabria, about 30 kilometers inland from the city of Crotone itself. Built on a hill overlooking the Neto River Valley, Santa Severina is famous for its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and for its profound sense of history and architectural richness. Known as the “Sto...

On September 19th, 2023, my partner Michael and I departed from Boston to Rome for a three-month trip to Europe. How did we get to this point in our lives where we could drop all responsibility and go? I call this our “semester abroad”. If the college kids do it, why can’t two adults in their early 60’s? We planned and embarked on an amazing journe...

Wednesday, November 13th at 7pm at Watchung Booksellers (44 Fairfield Street in Montclair). Moderated by Coccia Institute Director, Mark Rotella. Register here. The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America is thrilled to collaborate with Watchung Booksellers in presenting Juliet Grames, author of The Lost Boy of Santa Chiona.  One uni...

New York City is consistently one of the most expensive places to live, so it’s no wonder more and more Big Apple residents are packing up their postage-stamp apartments and heading abroad in search of more space for less money. And, if you’re considering pulling a real-life Emily in Paris and escaping to Europe, you might be pleasantly surprised j...

Altomonte is a small village in Calabria, southern Italy, known for its medieval charm, historical significance, and cultural wealth. Located in the province of Cosenza, it is around 38 miles northwest of the city.  While somewhat off the beaten path, it is a destination worth discovering for its blend of history, art, and traditions, as well as it...

Santa Severina, Cirò, Crucoli, Melissa, Carfizzi, Pallagorio, San Nicola dell’Alto: this is the map of the magnificence of a cultural melting pot that has its roots in a past as rich as it is flourishing with ancient workmanship and craftsmanship. The villages of the province of Crotone are the indissoluble trace of the cultures that have followed...

As they celebrated the milestone of their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy, in June 2023, Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife, Francine, 75, made an important decision. The retired elementary teachers, originally from Syracuse, New York, resolved to leave the US and move to Italy for good. That same year, the Smarrellis, both of Italian desce...

More than 1,500 professional operators – buyers, importers, distributors and the HoReCa channel – over two days had the chance to get to know 1,650 labels from in excess of 230 wineries based in seven regions of Italy – Calabria, Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Latium, Sardinia, Umbria and Veneto, while also taking part in 30 events including mast...

Blue Island Mayor Fred Bilotto joined local and state officials in August to welcome Orlandino Greco, mayor of Castrolibero, Calabria, to Casa Italia in Stone Park. The get-together was organized by Tony Turano and the Calabresi in America Organization. Blue Island is sister cities with Castrolibero as well as Ripacandida, Basilicata, and Estancia...

As my family and I settle in for an aperitivo in Chianalea, an ancient fishing village, now district, in the town of Scilla, we can’t help but notice newlyweds floating. We sip our lemon sodas and bergamot spritzes (the Aperol spritz’s cooler, boho cousin). The two are holding hands and beaming at each other while navigating the narrow cobblestone...