Right in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan region, not far from Siena and only 9 Km from Montalcino, sits the impressive Sant’Antimo Abbey, a must-see for anyone visiting the area. According to a legend, the abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 781 AC after he fell ill nearby and prayed for deliverance. Even though there is no evidence of this popular tale, it is quite likely he did make a stop that year (apparently in full health!) and set his seal on the foundation. In later times, the monastery served as a rest stop for pilgrims, merchants, Continue reading "Sant’Antimo Abbey and the Gregorian Chants"
Culture
Pizzica and Tarantella: Folk Traditions of Apulia
Folklore is a large part of Italy and even more so, in the Apulia region located in what is the heel of Italy’s “boot” shape. In this particular region, folk dances are very popular and have their roots in Ancient Greece. The “Pizzica” is a traditional dance popular throughout the Salentine peninsula along with the “Tarantella”. These ritualistic dances were performed in honor of the gods of music and sun (Apollo) and wine (Dionysus). Continue reading "Pizzica and Tarantella: Folk Traditions of Apulia"
Archaelogical site of Pompeii
The archaeological site of Pompeii is one Italy’s and the world’s most popular tourist destinations. This ancient Roman city was destroyed by the volcanic ashes from a catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 79 A.D. Today, one can see the well preserved remains of a city and its local population that was buried alive, later rediscovered in 1748.
Rome Italy The Eternal City
Rome is the “Eternal City” Your journey through Rome can take you from the modern age to the Renaissance age and from the Medieval to Ancient times in a matter of minutes. A simple tour walk can reveal the mysteries of the ages. This is one of the city’s greatest pleasures!
Murano Island Venice Glass artisan shop
When in Venice, be sure to visit the Island of Murano, home to artisan glass shops where unique handmade glass products have been produced for thousands of years, using the same ancient techniques particular to Murano glass making . From simple small glass figurines available in different colors to much more elaborate pieces such as chandeliers, there is something to suit everybody’s fancy and pockets while observing the glass-artisans at work is a unique experience!
Come Experience the Spoleto Festival of the Two Worlds
Every year in the quaint and historic town of Spoleto, located in the Umbria region, one of the most important artistic festivals in the world takes place during the summer months: the “Festival dei Due Mondi," or Festival of the Two Worlds. This exuberant event was first started in 1958 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti. Menotti hoped to fuse the artistic contributions of both the old world, Europe, and the new world, America, and generate mutual appreciation for Continue reading "Come Experience the Spoleto Festival of the Two Worlds"
Exploring the Unique History of Coffee in Trieste
When tourists think of the best place for good coffee in the beautiful nation of Italy, famous towns such as Naples or Rome are often the first to come to mind. These cities, however, are not the only coffee spots in the country. On the opposite side of the peninsula, sharing a border with Slovenia, the city of Trieste is one of the most important coffee towns of the Italian nation. Continue reading "Exploring the Unique History of Coffee in Trieste"
Learn about Art and Culture of the Aosta Valley During Foire de Saint Ourse
Skiers know that they can find quite a few great places to go skiing on their Italian vacation, and the Aosta Valley is one that often stands out amongst the best in the country. You can find great lifts and runs, perfect snow, and plenty to love about the area. This area offers far more than just great skiing though. Continue reading "Learn about Art and Culture of the Aosta Valley During Foire de Saint Ourse"
Cremona: a Musical City with a Very Sweet Tooth
Have you ever climbed up and down a thousand steps in a narrow staircase?
Have you ever been to the place where some of the world’s finest violins come from?
Have you ever tasted sweet and delicious nougat?
If you can answer yes to at least at one of these questions then you know this is Cremona; a beautiful little jewel of a city right on the left bank of the Po river on the border between Lombardy and the Emilia Romagna regions of northern Italy.
Continue reading "Cremona: a Musical City with a Very Sweet Tooth"
Get your Donkey and Frog Ready for Competition
If you think that the word Palio is only associated to the well-known Siena horserace, you will learn that it is not the case after reading this article.
According to its Latin origins, the word Palio (from Pallium) refers to the banner or the cloth awarded to the winner of a competition. According to the tradition the winners’ district will keep this Palio until the next competition, usually one year later. Continue reading "Get your Donkey and Frog Ready for Competition"