Messina has the smarmy air of the city by the sea historically open to hospitality and a romantic and melancholic Belle Èpoque air bequeathed by the post-seismic reconstruction (the devastating earthquake of 1908 razed millennia of history to the ground).  While tourists usually aspire to other, more storied Sicilian destinations, it's indeed a pri...

There is no lack of fantastic statuary in Italy. Even in the smallest hamlets, you’re sure to find at least a statue or two honoring a local hero or momentous occasion. While most of Italy’s statues are duly admired by passersby, there’s a subset of iconic bronze statuary that receive a more personal form of attention. You may’ve even noticed one o...

Italy's villages and cities appeal to retirees for many different reasons - the beautiful beaches, breathtaking countryside, amazing food, wonderful nightlife, bustling town markets and welcoming people. In this article, we cover several of our readers' favorite places, but one of our members offered the best advice, "in over 20 years of travel to ...

The Transiberiana d’Italia, also known as the Ferrovia dei Parchi, is a famous railway that winds between Abruzzo and Molise and offers a fascinating journey made of wonderful views of historic villages, mountains and natural areas. It is a path at high altitude on the Majella and up to the Major Highlands of Abruzzo of almost 1300 meters high, whi...

Seton Hall is well-known for its faculty and students who win Fulbright Scholarships to study in other parts of the world, but the Fulbright Program also offers highly competitive grants to bring scholars from other countries to the United States to pursue their research. This semester (Spring 2023) Claudio Staiti of Italy is in residence at Seton...

Just like us, our ancestors, the Ancient Romans, liked to follow trends. After the conquest of Egypt, in 31 BC, it became popular – at least among the wealthy – to get buried … in pyramids. We know that, at some stage, there were at least 13 pyramidal tombs in the Eternal City.  Are you familiar with the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli an...

Among the greatest natural wonders to admire in southern Italy, everyone thinks right away about Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most suggestive tourist destinations to visit and discover throughout the year, especially for hiking and outdoor sports lovers. However, it’s not common knowledge that the natural area around th...

The challenge to elect the Borgo 2023 of the well-known Rai broadcast resumes A journey to discover truly exceptional places in Italy, rich in history, culture and traditions. These magical places will surprise and delight you, and that we recommend you enjoy them during your next vacation. A journey through 20 regions, 20 territories rich in histo...

The Calabrian coastline in southern Italy is home to a number of picturesque towns and villages, each with their own unique charm and character. One such town is Scalea, a hidden gem that has managed to escape the tourist crowds and maintain its traditional way of life. Scalea is located on the western coast of Calabria, nestled between the Tyrrhen...

One of SPSCA's signature programs for our members is our Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded to study at the University for Foreigners (Università per Stranieri), the oldest and most prestigious Italian institution engaged in teaching Italian language and culture, located in the heart of historic Perugia. Students not only have an opportu...