Beautiful corner apartment, detached on three sides, in a small-scale block in Vercana, a small village just above Domaso in the north of Lake Como. Living room with open kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. From the living room, the large sliding window gives access to the spacious, fully covered terrace with lake views. From […]
Author: Italia Travel & Life
Italia! issue 173 is on sale now!
Hello springtime! There’s always plenty to celebrate at this time of year, with Easter round the corner and the prospect of longer, warmer days enticing us to plan fresh adventures… We have plenty to inspire those adventures for you in the new issue! You’ll find fabulous features on dreamy destinations, from Lake Maggiore and Tuscany’s […]
Grana Padano on test
This Italian hard cheese has long lived in the shadow of Parmigiano Reggiano, but there’s no real reason why it should. We put seven supermarket brands under the spotlight… Grana Padano cheese has a long and noble history: originally made by the Cistercian monks of Chiaravalle way back in the 12th century, it is now […]
Almond & hazelnut biscuits (roccocò)
Roccocò are typical of the Campania region and some claim they are the southern version of Tuscany’s cantucci biscuits – here’s how to make them… Recipe and photo © Mario Matassa ➤ MAKES: 30 biscuits ➤ PREPARATION: 20 minutes ➤ BAKING: 20 minutes Almond & hazelnut biscuits | Roccocò Ingredients: 250g plain flour 160g caster sugar grated zest of […]
Fried chocolate & chestnut pastries
These calzoncelli di castagne are a speciality of the Puglia region, though versions of this pastry are made throughout the country, with different names and fillings… Recipe & photo © Mario Matassa Fried chocolate & chestnut pastries | Calzoncelli di castagne ➤ MAKES: about 20 ➤ PREPARATION: 30-45 minutes, plus resting ➤ COOKING: 20 minutes Ingredients: For the pastry: 300g […]
Valtellina fruit cake (bisciola della Valtellina)
This tasty cake is also known as panettone della Valtellina, though it is moister and richer than traditional panettone – Mario Matassa shares his recipe… Recipe & photo © Mario Matassa Valtellina fruit cake | Bisciola della Valtellina ➤ Makes: One loaf ➤ PREPARATION: 20 minutes ➤ CHILLING: 40 minutes Ingredients: 200g plain flour 50g rye flour 50g unsalted […]
Drive Italia: Fiat Bertone X1/9
Say hello to this diminutive, mid-engined wedge from the 1970s with pop-up lights and targa roof… Photo by Nick Cornwell-Menzies In the 1970s, the choice for those wanting to dial into frugal two-seater sports car thrills was basically limited to mainstream MGs, some Triumphs, and just a small handful of other eclectic marques. FIAT then cleverly […]
Alta Maremma travel guide
In the realm of the ‘Super Tuscans’, Anna Blomefield shares the best places to eat and great accommodation choices for Tuscany’s gorgeous Alta Maremma area… Photos by Relais di Biserno Where to eat & drink Osteria San Guido The philosophy of the kitchen revolves around a respect for ingredients of the highest quality in a […]
Super Tuscany
Tuscany’s Alta Maremma – once a malaria-infested swamp – has become a mecca for hedonists the world over. Anna Blomefield finds out why… Photos by Anna Blomefield unless otherwise stated I’m leafing back through my wine-tasting notes. “Perfumed, black fruits, baked, liquorice. Great length… amazing!” The page is stained with purple drips. I remember this […]
Piano and the Port
Renzo Piano was born in Genoa, and the famous Italian architect has been instrumental the regeneration of the city’s Old Port… Photos courtesy of Genoa Tourism and Sarah Rodrigues From the outside, the Piano-designed Aquarium may resemble nothing more spectacular than a large shipping container but, as one of the largest in Europe, the understatedness […]