Donatello is often referred to as the first Renaissance sculptor. He is the artistic grandfather of Michelangelo, who probably learnt more by studying Donatello?s work from the century earlier than any contemporary masters of his time… Donatello was the first sculptor since antiquity to make paramount, in his artistic production, the aim of communicating the […]
The idyllic island of Sicily is renowned the world over for sand, sun and food ? but you may not have heard of its salt? On first glance you may think wheelbarrows seem rather out of place on a Sicilian beach ? however this is salt, not sand, and it really is collected in the […]
Sebastian Cresswell-Turner explores the differences between cultures, and most importantly how la bella figura features strongly as the Italian sense of pride and presentation in everyday life? La bella figura Per gli inglesi che abitano in Italia, ? quasi impossibile, dopo un po?, non affrontare la questione di identit? nazionale, per stabilire se veramente […]
This month we review a revamped book on Herculaneum ahead of a new exhibition at the British Museum, plunge into a Venetian mystery and indulge in sweet delights in our latest round up of Italian books? Sugar & Spice by Gaitri Pagrach-Chandra, Pavilion, ?25 (hardback) For those with a sweet tooth, books like this are […]
Sebastian Cresswell-Turner explains how to embrace the more direct approach when ordering a cappuccino or eating at a restaurant… Il cappuccino che tradisce Verso la fine degli anni durante i quali fui residente a Roma, vedevo sempre pi? spesso la vita dal punto di vista italiano; ed era quindi abbastanza naturale, suppongo, che rimanessi sorpreso […]
A lesser-known gem of northern Italy, often shrouded in mist, Marina Spironetti shows us what Cremona has to offer ? a city known as the capital of the violin industry… The diligent lady at the tourist information office has equipped me with everything I could possibly need for my short stay in Cremona: maps, leaflets […]
Jon Bickley takes his family on the trip of a lifetime to the Forte Village Resort in Sardinia, only to find that it is easier than you might imagine to keep everyone happy on holiday? It started with a train journey from London and ended in a luxury resort in Sardinia ? if only all […]
?Getting hot under the collar, James Gingell explores the common use of chillis in the cuisine of Abruzzo, and tells us how to make the perfect Italian spaghetti dish with these little devils… Pepperoncino or diavolino (which translates as little devils) play a huge part in the food and dishes of the Abruzzo region. They […]
Fleur Kinson picks a selection of the best activities and events to get involved with during a stay in Ravello? MUSIC IN THE OPEN AIR From March to November, the Ravello Concert Society organises numerous performances of classical music. Most are held in the peerless setting of the Villa Rufolo gardens, with jaw-dropping vistas of […]
From supermarket dross to the go-to white in the wine bars, how did Pinot Grigio?s transformation come about? Paul Pettengale explains that it?s all about quality… Though it?s rather hard to believe it, it wasn?t that long ago when any wine with Pinot Grigio on the label would be parked firmly at the bottom of […]