Over the six years I lived in Italy from 2010, I had many weekends when I could go and explore hidden corners of Rome and its surroundings. I gradually uncovered increasingly intriguing places that were barely known to most people, especially outside the country, yet had much to teach us. When I switched to freelance … More Introduction
Le Celle Hermitage is a peaceful retreat within walking distance from the Tuscan hilltop town of Cortona. It is one of the places that Saint Francis, patron saint of animals, the environment, and Italy, chose to spend time in prayer and reflection, reaching it in the early 13th century. According to information at the site, … More A walk to St. Francis’ retreat outside Cortona
Cortona sits on a hilltop in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, surrounded by panoramic views of the Valdichiana and the Sienese mountains. With lots of quality local food and wine, an exceptional museum of Etruscan history, a collection of fine art in the Diocesan museum, and many sites to see nearby, it is a worthwhile … More Hunting for antique treasures in Cortona and Arezzo
When I was preparing my trip to Tuscany while working as an English teacher in Rome, I surveyed my Italian students to uncover the best hidden jewels in the area around Siena. One of them I remember immediately suggested San Quirico d’Orcia, a town I had never heard of that sounded ideal for my research. … More A stroll around San Quirico d’Orcia and its public gardens
“I wish you to know that every tear proceeds from the heart, for there is no member of the body that will satisfy the heart so much as the eye. If the heart is in pain the eye manifests it.” – St. Catherine of Siena A visit to Siena is the chance to discover more … More Learning about the life of St. Catherine of Siena
Valpolicella in the Veneto, known locally as the “pearl of Verona”, is a hilly and scenic area of Italy where you can tour vineyards, discover the local range of wines from Valpolicella Classico to Amarone, and visit some of the most beautiful and elegant villas in the country. If you are planning a holiday to … More A weekend journey through Valpolicella and Valpantena
Palermo in Sicily is Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, with many events and exhibitions planned. So this is an ideal year to visit the southern Italian island and discover its colourful history and culture. Here are our top ten suggestions of gems to explore in the city and across Sicily: 1. Stanze al Genio: … More Ten of the Best Sicilian Gems to visit in 2018
Here are the top ten Italian Gems viewed on this blog since it was started four years ago: The spellbinding tales of Benevento’s witches and the walnut tree 2. A glimpse of Christmas Nativity Gems in Rome, Naples, and Salerno 3. A stroll along the Aurelian walls, Rome’s ancient ramparts 4. Revealing the jewels under … More Top Ten Italian Gems at start of 2018
Cerveteri’s Necropolis of Banditaccia is the greatest example of Etruscan burial traditions and architecture and one of the most significant ancient sites in the Mediterranean. If you are interested in learning more about the Etruscans, who held power in the Italian peninsula before the Romans and strongly influenced its culture, Cerveteri is an essential stop … More Cerveteri’s Banditaccia: the Etruscan kingdom of the afterlife
NB: Visits to the Pharmacy of the Incurables have been suspended since April 2019 due to a floor collapse in the nearby Church of Santa Maria del Popolo degli Incurabili. The Museum of Sanitary Arts can still be visited and updates are available here: http://www.museoartisanitarie.it Naples’ Ospedale degli Incurabili is an old and still-functioning hospital … More Naples’ Pharmacy of the Incurables: merging science, magic, and art
ITALIAN GEMS 