Italy: The Italian Fire Giants

Italy is a small country, and yet it contains all types of volcanoes that can be found in other areas of the world at distances of thousands of kilometers. Southern Italy, in particular, is like an enormous pressure cooker, with its three main volcanoes. Stromboli, Etna and Vesuvius are the most famous active volcanoes on Earth. Continue reading "Italy: The Italian Fire Giants"

Caserta: the Royal Palace

If you are planning a trip to Italy, including the South of the country, do not forget to include “Reggia di Caserta” with its splendid park and gardens. During World War II, the soldiers of the US Fifth Army used the palace as a headquarters, and, in April 1945, the Allied forces signed an unconditional surrender with Germany, to end all fighting in Italy, here. Continue reading "Caserta: the Royal Palace"

Sicily: When Donkeys Become Garbage Collectors And Help To Save The Environment

Giarratana and Castelbuono are two villages in Sicily and can be considered virtuous places. In fact, some months ago, these villages gave a lesson of civility and environmental sensibility to many larger towns in Italy.... Continue reading "Sicily: When Donkeys Become Garbage Collectors And Help To Save The Environment"

The “Palio di Siena”: a horse race and much more

Siena Palio horse race Mounted Carabinieri police charge

The Palio di Siena is a horse race that takes place twice yearly, on July 2 and August 16, in Siena, in which ten horses and riders represent ten of the seventeen  city districts  (in Italian: Contrade). The Palio is one of the most popular and spectacular Italian events.  Continue reading "The “Palio di Siena”: a horse race and much more"

Caravaggio: Genius and Dissoluteness

Castel Sismondo in Rimini, Emilia Romagna, will host, from next October to March, works of extraordinary artistic value.
Among them, visitors will find the very famous Caravaggio “St Francis in Ecstasy.”  The masterpieces come from the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the oldest American museum and surely one of the most important. It is hard to find someone who has never heard about the Caravaggio, known not only for his art, but also for his turbulent life.   Continue reading "Caravaggio: Genius and Dissoluteness"

Parma: the Five Pointed Crown

There is a city in Italy, known all over the world as the king of Italian hams, synonymous with quality. The city is Parma, in Emilia Romagna, a really pretty town. Around Parma, there are eleven officially recognized production areas for the ham: the famous Prosciutto di Parma. Continue reading "Parma: the Five Pointed Crown"

Umbria: Land of Peace and Silence

umbria medieval historical parade

Umbria is the Region of the spirit. The beauty of the landscape - with welcoming mountains and sweet hills - is luminous.

The region offers superb art and architectural treasures that reflects thousands of years of history. An ideal destination, both for those who love culture and for people more interested in nature, Umbria has not yet bowed to the tyranny of mass tourism. Continue reading "Umbria: Land of Peace and Silence"

CICERO No.4, Apr 2010 – Anno MMX, Vol. 1

Trips 2 Italy BlogCICERO No. 4 - Anno MMX Introduction of Italy
Aprile 2010 - Vol. 1

Dear Trips2italy's Friends,
Welcome back to our newsletter!

I would like to introduce you to a little, but delightful, region: Umbria, a peaceful land. Seldom included in the classical Italian tours, its beauty is sometimes underestimated due to its proximity to the most famous Tuscany, although Umbria shines with a beauty all its own. Continue reading "CICERO No.4, Apr 2010 – Anno MMX, Vol. 1"

CICERO No.3, Mar 2010 – Anno MMX, Vol. 1

Trips 2 Italy BlogCICERO No. 3 - Anno MMX Introduction of Italy
Marzo 2010 - Vol. 1

Dear Trips2Italy’s Friends,

Although winter’s images are yet vivid in our eyes, spring is slowly approaching and Italy is ready to welcome you with a variety of offers.
Continue reading "CICERO No.3, Mar 2010 – Anno MMX, Vol. 1"

Milan: Leonardo Da Vinci Last Supper & Santa Maria Delle Grazie

The wonderful church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Dominican convent of immense architectural value and a rich testament to the Renaissance in Milan.
Continue reading "Milan: Leonardo Da Vinci Last Supper & Santa Maria Delle Grazie"