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For many, George Clooney might be the first name that springs to mind when one thinks of Lake Como. But if you’ve actually spent time on the lake, he’s likely just an afterthought (no disrespect, Mr. Clooney!). With something for everyone, Lake Como has a variety of appealing elements: colorful waterside villages, centuries-old historic villas, hik...

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Robert Allegrini, the longest-serving member of the Milan-Chicago Sister City Committee, was named its co-chairman at the Chicago Sister Cities board meeting in February. First appointed to the committee by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1989, Allegrini has served under more than half a dozen committee chairs and worked with eight different Milan mayors...

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Cremonese luthiery, the art of making bowed and plucked stringed instruments, began in the mid-16th century and soon attracted attention on the international scene, thanks to the work of Andrea Amati and his disciples.  The quality of the instruments made by Cremonese luthiers gradually declined from the end of the 18th century, but the foundations...

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THE BASILICA DI SANT’ANDREA STANDS in Mantua’s historical center, overlooking the Piazza Mantegna. In the crypt are kept two reliquaries with earth soaked in the blood of Christ. Christian tradition holds that while Jesus was being crucified, a Roman soldier named Longinus pierced his side with a lance. After Jesus died, Longinus repented for his s...

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The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Italian exports hard, with a -9.7% drop in 2020. However, many companies have quickly converted to e-commerce, recovering some or all of the lost ground. Exports through online sales of consumer goods have in fact reached the value of 13.5 billion euros, with a growth of +14% in 2020. And so, according to the Osservato...

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THE PALAZZO DEL TÈ WAS built in the 16th century as a leisure palace for Federico II Gonzaga, Marquess of Mantua. Italian artist and architect Giulio Romano, who had been a student of Raphael, designed the building. Today it is widely considered to be Romano’s masterpiece. The palace is filled with elaborate decorations and paintings—one room, know...

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Now it’s confirmed: following a successful first season, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy will be back for seconds. Having already covered the ‘Big Six’ on a food safari through Italy (Milan, Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany), where should host - and late-blooming sex-symbol - Stanley Tucci head next? Below ar...

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First there were the covid-free flights between Rome and Milan airports. Now it is the turn of trains. Italy's first covid-free trains will operate between Rome and Milan from Friday 16 April, with only those who have tested negative for covid-19 permitted to board the Frecciarossa high-speed service. Initially there will be two non-stop trains run...

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Milan is a city known for its aperitifs, for the Duomo and its museums. Moreover, there are historical places of interest such as the Pinacoteca di Brera or the Cenacolo Vinciano. The Lombard capital is not only this – the city is rich in galleries, museums and foundations where contemporary art is the protagonist. Who has never said, in the face o...

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Exploring Lake Como in style is easy when enjoying it’s luxurious ferries. Polished hardwood floors, comfortable padded seating and a smooth ride, these ferries are half the fun of getting around the lake. It is the perfect way to spend a day or two exploring the townships dotted around the lake. Each ferry, always on time, always exceptionally cle...

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