Lake Mergozzo in Piedmont is so little known that even Piemontesi would be hard pushed to pinpoint it on a map – let alone Italians from other regions. Measuring only about a mile-and-a-half in length, this deep blue sliver of water was once the westernmost part of Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake. Then, between five and six centuries ago...

As you twist and turn along the roads that head away from Rome, up and through the verdant hills that billow through Tuscany, castles begin to crown distant peaks like ornate figurines in a wedding cake shop. Even better, you can actually stay as a guest in some of those majestic Italian castles. Italy is not short on castles or villas or palaces o...

Nature, sacred art and spirituality are the main features of a journey through the nine Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, established from the 15th century as religious sites alternative to the traditional (but distant) territories of the Holy Land. Here are nine itineraries by which we’ll discover both the historical role and the mystical side...

Despite being considered a smaller city in Italy (although it’s actually the 4th largest city in the country), Turin offers a rich variety of museums, events, and restaurants. With over 40 museums and exhibition centers, plus an array of art galleries and antique stores, there’s always something going on. Turin’s museum scene is a captivating blend...

The vineyards of the most prestigious Italian wine denominations are the most valuable agricultural lands in Italy. At the top, the Barolo vineyards, whose value fluctuates between 250.000 and 2 million euros per hectare; in second place, the Alto Adige vineyards in the Lake Caldaro area (between 440.000 and 900.000 euros), and then the vineyards i...

Wine has been part of Italian culture for millennia, it is at the same time the ideal compendium of Italian cuisine and the expression of the territory, as well as a whole section of Made in Italy appreciated, recognized and renowned all over the world. Among the vines of greatest pride and tradition stands out Barolo, diamond tip of both Piedmont...

Wine is produced in each of Italy’s twenty regions, and when you take into account that there are more than 300 varietals in use today (the exact number is not known - it could be as high as 600), you can imagine the remarkable variety of Italian wines available, be they white, red, rosato, passito or sparkling.  Everyone who knows a little about t...

In the new episode of Italian Innovators I present to you the story of GIULIA FALLETTI di BAROLO (1785-1864), the woman and entrepreneur who spearheaded the experimental development of the Nebbiolo grape into the world-renowned Barolo red wine. After marrying the Marquis Carlo Tancredi Falletti, the French-born Juliette Colbert (later Giulia Fallet...

Italy, a country renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, is home to countless well-known landmarks and attractions. However, it also harbors a multitude of lesser-known gems, each with its own unique story. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover five such “secrets” hidden in plain sight in some of Italy’s most famous cities. Our first st...

Tom Morello, 59, one of the world's greatest guitarists, received honorary citizenship of Pratiglione today. Best known for being the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and numerous other international bands, he discovered his family history in 2008. Of those Morellos who, having left the small town in the Gallenca Valley, found their fortune i...