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Paolina Grassi, 97, is the sole inhabitant of an abandoned Alpine hamlet in northern Italy, Casali Socraggio, on the Swiss border. It’s so isolated, it does not appear on many maps. Mrs Grassi has lived alone in the hamlet since 2016 when her sister, who lived with her, died. She used to lead a peaceful, bucolic life amid foxes and hens until local...

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You will close your eyes and, for a moment, find yourself in a bygone era. A maze of narrow cobblestone alleys will lead you through a merry confusion of quaint little squares, ancient stone walls, antique stores, and dynamic craft stores. Orta San Giulio, located in the province of Novara, is a place of rare romantic beauty, where the spirit of lo...

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From north to south, Italy is bursting with wine producers that feature some of the most unforgettable experiences imaginable. Whether you're looking for a guided tour, tasting, or a decadent lunch, there's something for every kind of visitor.   Ornellaia, for example, offers guests everything from tours and tasting to wine dinners, and even the ch...

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Rose, cherry, strawberry, licorice, chocolate, leather, and cloves are common flavors found in wines made from Nebbiolo. Despite these similarities, not all Nebbiolo is created equally. The red grape is synonymous with the Barolo and Barbaresco DOCGs in the Langhe, the backdrop for some of the world’s finest wines. The varied climates, altitudes, a...

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“La dolce vita” translates into “the sweet life” in Italian, and if you are thinking of retiring soon, you might want to set your sights on the nation that is known for pasta, wine, culture, scenery and so much more. But with all Italy has to offer, perhaps it is out of your price range, especially if you are going to be on a fixed budget once you...

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Have you ever heard of the town of hundred towers? Probably yes, given that in Italy there are many villages which, thanks to their history with roots set in the Middle Age, have deserved this nickname. But there is only one that perfectly mixes its important past with a very rich cultural heritage, especially in the gastronomic field: we are talki...

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In the Italian charming North-West, where the towering Alps of Piemonte and Provence meld with the serene blue depth of the Ligurian Sea, lie two ancient pathways characterized by their historical significance and natural splendor—the Via del Sale and the Alta Via del Sale. These storied routes trace back to times when salt was a precious commodity...

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Tucked in the north of the country, between France and Switzerland, Piedmont is, for me, the jewel in Italy’s crown. The scenery is breathtaking and there are plenty of rooftop bars where you can experience the vistas with a negroni or a glass of wine in hand. At the Turin Palace Hotel, you’ll see ceramic tiled roofs to one side, and snow-topped Al...

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Piemonte, characterized by its undulating landscapes and fertile plains, has a rich agricultural heritage: it is a region known for its radici contadine, or rural roots, where la terra is at the heart of life in all its facets. For generations, the Piemontesi have cultivated their land to produce some of Italy’s most renowned wines and cheeses, as...

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Is a tea kettle a work of art? Alberto Alessi, grandson of Alessi founder Giovanni, certainly thinks so. Alessi’s president said the success of the company over the past six decades has been driven by his motto that functional objects like toasters and spoons have the potential to be intrinsically poetic. In 102 years of his family’s history and de...

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