Piazzas are a typical architectural feature of Italian cities. Ever since the time of the ancient Romans, they have been the main public place in historic centres, connection points for commerce, the administration of politics, religion and local justice. These urban spaces have always represented fundamental places for social life in Emilia-Romagn...

Otherworldly screams? Laments from the afterlife? The bloody hand of the devil? The poor town of Pentedattilo on the edge of the Aspromonte Mountains in the southern tip of Calabria has seen it all. Earthquakes and precarious shifting of soil lent the final blow. But this cluster of edifices clinging to a strange rock formation, finally abandoned c...

The Sassi di Matera are an extraordinary example of ancient and sustainable human settlement in the southern region of Basilicata, Italy. These stone dwellings, etched into the limestone cliffs of Matera, represent one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with origins dating back over 7,000 years. What makes the Sassi so fascinating...

Val d'Ayas is an enchanting area located in the beautiful region of Valle d'Aosta. This area, characterized by a rich history and breathtaking scenery, is especially popular with nature lovers and travelers in search of authenticity. The Ayas Valley has a long history dating back to Roman times and features a wide variety of attractions and places...

Italy’s fair Verona extends beyond her fame for being the city of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Verona was nicknamed piccola Roma (little Rome) thanks to its importance during the Roman times, Verona was established as a Roman settlement in 89 BC. With its long history and so much on offer, I’ve gathered 26 best things to do in Verona. My top...

A popular saying, often the bearer of great wisdom in the Italian culture, tells that: "Whoever goes to Santa Fiora, there falls in love with it". Is that true? Well, we are about to discover it today by leaving for the wonderful Tuscany, a region full of enchanting historic villages to visit. Our journey today takes us to Santa Fiora, a real gem i...

It’s a controversial opinion, but Rome’s major sites are overrated. Crowded, costly and utterly devoid of charm, the city’s most visited landmarks have been cheapened in the age of mass tourism into little more than a box-ticking – or selfie-taking – exercise. Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Everyone should be accosted by a middle-aged Italian...

Less famous than its neighbours Catania and Palermo, who have long charmed visitors with their centennial history, Ragusa is a comparatively newer city that can still enrich tourists with its architecture and culture. Immersed in an area very rich in natural and architectural beauties to visit, the city stands on the Hyblaean Mountains which is als...

From pizza and pasta every other day to breath-taking views of the Mediterranean, the first two weeks of my semester abroad have flown by. With how much I’ve done these days, it feels like I’ve been living here for a month. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my surroundings, learned to appreciate the opportunities I’m given, and have already met p...

I'm hitting Capri Island, Italy, and I'm taking you with me. Here's the deal: this guide's the real Capri - history, maps, the works. When to go? About Capri's weather. You need to move smart. I'll show you how, from the Sorrento ferry to Capri's streets. Customs, etiquette, safety - I've got the lowdown. You'll learn to blend in and stay sharp. Ca...