October 2015

Modica Spicy Chocolate

The Ancient Chocolate of Modica

The south-eastern Sicilian city of Modica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Baroque architecture.  Along with seven other towns in the Val di Noto, like Ragusa and Catania, Modica was rebuilt in 1693 following a powerful earthquake that devastated the area. The construction after the earthquake resulted in remarkable city planning and

The Ancient Chocolate of Modica Read More »

Perugia fair of dead

Perugia’s Fair of the Dead

In the Italian region of Umbria, fairs are common events and they have a rich history that dates back to medieval times.  The earliest fairs in this area were celebrations of Ognisanti (All Saints Day) at the beginning of November.  These fairs developed into bustling markets that allowed commerce between medieval towns to flourish, and

Perugia’s Fair of the Dead Read More »