I live in Rome and these are my 13 secret things to do that most tourists miss, including where you'll find the best views of the city
Rome has a lot happening, so settling on the "best, must-do things" can be daunting. It's OK to embrace the bucket list, especially when that list includes a UNESCO World Heritage site historic center, one of the most important ancient arenas in the world, and one of the best art collections. You don't need me to tell you to go to the Pantheon or t...
Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrating 125 years in June
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church will celebrate its 125th anniversary come June 5. The event is scheduled for the 10 a.m. Mass, followed by a brunch and program in the community center, 1200 E. 21st St. Tickets are $25 per person, children ages 10 and under $12.50. Our Lady of Peace Parish consists of three churches — Our Lady of Mount Carm...
Otranto, the easternmost city in Italy
Otranto is a town located on the Apulian coast – at Punta Palascia, the most extreme point of Salento and the easternmost point of Italy, between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas – in the province of Lecce, and is a renowned tourist centre. Its ancient and splendid village has been recognized the status of Unesco Cultural Heritage. The historic center...
Houston is going through an Italian food renaissance with a slew of new openings
When searching for "Italian restaurants near me," you may have found several unrecognizable names flooding your feed recently. A flock of Italian restaurants have opened in rapid succession in Houston, giving even the most finger-on-the-pulse diners a lot to keep track of. While institutions like the original Carabba's on Kirby, Damian's, La Grigli...
Hiking Amalfi Coast: the breathtaking Path of the Gods
The Path of the Gods, il Sentiero degli Dei, is one of Italy's most beautiful nature trails. Definitely, a must-go when you are travelling the Amalfi Coast. You walk over the Mediterranean Sea, immersed in the breathtaking nature of the Monti Lattari and the fantastic view of the coast. Here is what you need to know to enjoy a unique and unforgetta...
Multi-Analytical Techniques Employed to Study Italian Church Murals
The Sotterra church at Paola was rediscovered whilst building work was being performed on the Madonna del Carmine church in 1874. Thought to be of Byzantine origin, the site contains several historically important religious murals from that time period. Archaeological evidence has indicated that the site underwent several changes before it was aban...
Rudolph Valentino, the American myth of an Italian icon
Rudolph Valentino’s story is out of the ordinary. He embodies success at its highest, the chance of reaching the top when doing it, everywhere else, is forbidden, unthinkable, a pure utopia. This is the very meaning many migrants gave to the American experience, and not without reason, considering the incredible personal goals many of them achieved...
Bella Vita Cafe set to add bakery next month
Oneida’s newest cafe will be adding a bakery on June 5 after nearly a year of operation. The expansion is a result of hard work and endurance through illness by owner Lori Seef and will expand their array of Italian breads and pastries. The Cafe will now be known as Cafe and Bakery. The story of Bella Vita Cafe has resulted from a recipe of one par...
Tre Foglie 2022. The best olive oils from Puglia
Despite the consequences of climate change, Italy registered a 15% increase in oil production, with respect to 2020, approaching 2019 in terms of overall output. This year we decided to double our efforts, both when it comes to the Oli d’Italia guide, and in terms of supporting the world of extra virgin olive oil. We decided to start by bringing to...
Identities. Stolen Art, Stolen Ideas and Protection of Made in Italy
When: May 23, 2022 from 6PM to 8PM - Where: Istituto Italiano di Cultura, NY - Guests will be asked proof of vaccination and ID upon entry. The event is organized by the Italian Cultural Institute | New York in collaboration with Alessia Panella Law Firm Speakers: Lt. Col. Alfio Gullotta Commander of the Group of Rome Carabinieri Command for the Pr...
La Maddalena: a dream archipelago
About sixty islands, islets and rocks form the first Historical and Environmental Geominerary Park in the world, but also the first national park in Sardinia, protected since 1994; in 2017 Legambiente and the Touring Club awarded the area five sails for the quality of bathing water and efficiency of services. Beyond the awards and numbers, the Madd...
Caesar’s favourite herb was the Viagra of ancient Rome. Until climate change killed it off
Of all the mysteries of ancient Rome, silphium is among the most intriguing. Romans loved the herb as much as we love chocolate. They used silphium as perfume, as medicine, as an aphrodisiac and turned it into a condiment, called laser, that they poured on to almost every dish. It was so valuable that Julius Caesar stashed more than half a tonne in...