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Umbria is a region both timeless and beautiful: with its rolling hills and ancient towns filled with art and history, it is a well-known and beloved holiday destination for Italians and non-Italians alike. Yet, beneath the surface of its medieval charm lies an unexpected surprise – a vibrant, thriving pulse of music, and not just any music, but jaz...

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Italy holds claim to 58 UNESCO sites (the most of any nation), with 31 additional sites on the tentative list right now. It’s incredible; all that history and enlightenment from a country slightly larger than the state of Arizona. And it means that no matter how many times you’ve been to Italy, there’s always so much more to see, and do. While I do...

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Boom of walkers in 2022, +26% compared to last year. There were 4,203 walkers from 57 nations who reached the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi alone, in groups or in the company of their four-legged friends. Data collected by the Statio Peregrinorum, an office of the Basilica of St. Francis, show that the majority of pilgrims, who arrived in Assis...

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Italy's culture ministry has announced the 10 finalists for the 2025 edition of the Italian Capital of Culture.  The shortlisted towns and cities vying for the title must present their bids to a jury appointed by the culture ministry in Rome on 20-21 March. The jury will then be tasked with recommending the most suitable candidate for the prestigio...

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Italy has never been afraid of maximalism. One of the country’s defining values is a love of everyday beauty–something that is seen not as an elitist pursuit, but rather a feeling that everyone is entitled to. Of course, there’s wildly ornate architecture, breathtaking frescos and hand-carved sculptures, but beyond this grandness, Italy has always...

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He’s remembered for renouncing his riches and devoting himself to a life of poverty. But Saint Francis of Assisi — one of the two patron saints of Italy and among the most venerated figures in Christianity — has a flashy new investor in his legacy: Ferrari.  The Italian luxury sports car company will fund a restoration of the Maestà di Assisi (Mado...

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The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is no doubt one of Assisi’s major attractions; yet, how many know of or venture along the nearby trails and woods where Francis himself, and his friars, walked in nature and dedicated themselves to contemplation. It is here, behind the Basilica, that FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, has restored and opened to t...

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Although people often associate hill towns with Tuscany, the neighboring region of Umbria has its fair share of picturesque medieval towns perched on hills. Most of these hill towns still have medieval, or even Etruscan, walls surrounding the old town and stunning views of the countryside below and Etruscan or Roman remains. OrvietoOrvieto is one o...

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The willingness to donate, called "Give back" by the Americans, is especially important to the Italian American community, which unites with it the enormous heart carried by Italian DNA. And it is true that Americans, and particularly Italian Americans, have always shown a disposition and a desire to give back and donate to help preserve, restore a...

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Early summer is peak lavender blooming season in many places. While France, and Provence in particular, is the most popular “lavender destination” in Europe, Italophiles with a passion for lavender should know that there are several locations in Italy where you can admire the magnificent blooms. Lavender usually blooms in mid-June and will produce...

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