How to Use Iris Flowers in Italy Members of the Iris family (Iridaceae) have sprung from almost every country- and every corner of this world can boast at having its own variety. But surely for most it must be Italy that springs to mind as the month of April arrives, […]
The history of Rome is closely tied to its military history. As a fledgling nation, Rome’s military was disorganized and sporadic, only being brought together as it became necessary. With time, however, the military would become a professional war machine, with its members fighting for the glory of the state, […]
Saffron is known especially for being one of the main ingredients of a typical Italian dish, risotto alla Milanese, to which it gives its characteristic yellow color. It is used in other rice dishes, too Navelli in Abruzzo, just south of the National Park of Gran Sasso, is considered […]
Italian Moths that seem like Hummingbirds I have been asked, time and time again, “What’s that? Is it a hummingbird?” by the guests that come and stay at our holiday houses here in Tuscany. They were all referring to a curious creature that flits, with great speed, from flower to […]
Born on April 18 1480, Lucrezia Borgia was the daugher of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and his mistress, Vannozza (Giovanna) dei Cattani. Lucrezia had two older brothers, Giovanni (Juan) and Cesare. She also had a younger brother, Goffredo. Her father doted on his children but had a special bond with his only daughter. […]
Tomato: its history in Europe Italian tomatoes Without a doubt, there are millions of dishes where the tomato is one of the main ingredients, or where it is used as a base for recipes. It could be for its color and flavor, or for its versatility. And heaven knows what a long way has […]
Most first-time travelers to Italy expect to see an ancient, quaint country, just like the places they read about in history books or see in movies. Oftentimes, the place they picture has been taken over by busy streets and modern living. Visitors of the Coliseum in Rome can’t help but […]
There are some really, really basic things that you should try in Italy. These are usually the pasta, the different cold cuts, the gelato of course, and the cheese! Italy is famous for many dishes, and many food products. Well, cheese is definitely the most beloved part of Italian cuisine […]
The year 753 BC marked the beginning of Rome, which would dominate the western world for centuries: politically until the fall of its western Empire in 476 AD, culturally and artistically, under many points of view, still influencing western culture today. The Capitoline She-Wolf, symbol of Rome (wikimedia) The traditional […]
The Legend of Tarantella & The Dance of the Spider Italian weddings, festivals and celebrations would never be the same without the dance of the Tarantella. It proves highly popular, and excels high above all other great Italian songs. With its lively and graceful tempos the Tarantella Dance can be […]