When one thinks of Italian cuisine, gnocchi often comes to mind: they are comforting and delicious, and go well with plenty of sauces. Unlike the harder, durum wheat pasta varieties, gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings, made using a wide range of ingredients and many regional variations exist: from the traditional […]
Author: Francesca Bezzone
Zingarelli 2025’s new words
The 2025 edition of the Zingarelli dictionary (an icon in itself, read here to see why) will welcome several new words, many of which reflect the ever-growing influence of English on the Italian language. Next year’s additions to the Italian lexicon range from overtourism to bubble tea, and illustrate how global trends and digital culture […]
New discovery in the world of Marco Polo
A rare manuscript’s discovery brought Il Milione, Marco Polo’s famous travel account, high up in the interest of scholars and the public. The document surfaced in the Biblioteca Diocesana Ludovico Jacobilli in Foligno, a historic town in Umbria, central Italy. This significant find comes as the world marks the 700th anniversary […]
Moving to Umbria: an Overview for 2024
Moving to Umbria may be a dream for many, but dreams, as they say, son desideri, and no one says they can’t come true! This beautiful region, often called the “Green Heart of Italy,” is a peaceful, picturesque region renowned for its rolling hills, medieval towns, and vibrant cultural life. […]
The “spicy” history of cannoli Siciliani
Nuns or concubines, phalli or faucets, our cannoli were probably born during the Middle Ages, the result of Arab influence on the flavors of Sicilian cuisine.
Accabadora: myth, mercy, and mystery in Sardinian tradition
The figure of the Femmina Accabadora is one of the most enigmatic in Sardinian tradition and she can be considered the embodiment of a unique intersection of popular myths, sacred rites, and practical needs. Sardinia, with its history of isolation and deeply rooted rural culture, gave rise to characters that […]
Roman Inventions that Shaped Modern Life
Famous Roman inventions of ancient times are among the first things that come to mind when discussing our ancient history: just to name a few, aqueducts, concrete that withstood the passing of time, and a vast network of roads that connected — and still connects — many parts of Italy […]
Moving to Tuscany: a 2024 overview
Moving to Tuscany can be appealing for those seeking a blend of cultural wealth, stunning landscapes, and a high quality of life. Known for its historical cities, beautiful countryside, and world-class wine and food, Tuscany offers all of that. This guide covers everything you need to know, from property prices […]
Carbonara in a tin? Yes, according to Heinz
I am Italian yet not necessarily invested in defending the purity of our recipes and their execution but …carbonara in a tin? Yes, you read that right: Heinz is launching spaghetti carbonara in a tin and, as you may guess, this has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Italy. The […]
Moving to Lazio: an overview for 2024
Lazio, the central Italian region that houses the capital, Rome, is one of the most attractive places to consider moving to in 2024. Its rich history, cultural offerings, and diverse landscapes make it a popular choice for both locals and expatriates. However, like any relocation, it is crucial to understand key […]