When we think of Venice, we think of water and its maritime might, but its most famous citizen went by land. It was in the year 1271 that the young Marco Polo set off for China to accompany his father on a commercial expedition. Plagued by bad weather, war and disease, the long journey east along the "Silk Road" took more than three years. However,...

One look at Verona's medieval alleyways and magnificent Roman Arena (Arena di Verona) and it's easy to see why Shakespeare chose this picture-perfect northern Italian town as the setting for his seminal tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Hordes of tourists flock daily to the 14th-Century structure known as Juliet's house (Casa di Giulietta), wading through...

A memorial Mass for Lydio Francesco Tomasi was celebrated by Fr. Walter Tonelotto and Reverend Thabang Nkadimeng at Holy Rosary Church on February 17, 2024. Francesco Isgro, President of CISC Italian American Museum of Washington DC gave the eulogy. Maria Marigliano and the Holy Rosary Church Choir provided the music. In Memoriam: Fr. Lydio Frances...

“Buona sera, signora,” a cheerful white-haired man greets me as he takes my luggage and shows me to my sleeper cabin on the Espresso Cadore. After the train departs Roma Termini station, I head to the train’s bar car to grab a glass of prosecco to kick off my trip to the Dolomites—to ski on Italy’s famed Olympic slopes. As I pass through the red pl...

In all its territorial variety, Italy boasts a large number of beautiful and evocative mountain localities, ideal for visiting any time of year, whether summer or winter. From north to south, the Italian mountain scene offers tourists a range of landscapes: lakes at high altitutude, incredible forests, enchanting villages and borgoes rich in histor...

The first documents that speak of horticulture in the Lusia area are several handwritten notebooks dated 1930. The term “insalata” is used, which at that time still meant either lettuce or endive. But, in 1933, the words “latuga” or “salata” appear meaning "Cappuccia lettuce”. The post-war period, characterized by destruction and famine, provided a...

Chiacchiere, bugie, frappe, and cenci. No matter the name, they are a similar Carnival snack—thin, deep-fried strips of a liqueur-enriched dough that are tossed in sugar and munched upon during the festivities. In Venice, arguably home to Italy’s most famous Carnival celebration, they’re known as crostoli or galani.  But these aren’t the only sweet...

Among the islands in the Venetian lagoon, Torcello island is probably the most ancient. It was in fact one of the first to be inhabited, before the foundation of the city of Venice. Over the centuries, the island has suffered a progressive decline, due to the siltation of the lagoon and the strong predominance of Venice. Nowadays it attracts touris...

Verona, the enchanting city nestled in the heart of northern Italy, is a destination that exudes an undeniable allure. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its delectable cuisine and renowned wine, Verona offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Italy. Whether you are...

In Verona today, far from just Shakespeare's canvas. Here to dish out the real deal. We're hitting streets rich in stories. I'll take you to spots only locals know. We're discovering hidden wine bars, debating soccer in dim corners. Yes, we'll hit the famous sites. But I'm exposing Verona's raw edges, the parts your classic guidebooks skip. We're p...