Italy New Years Tradition and Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sex ban for fireworks fans in Italy
Naples, Italy - Men in Naples will have to make do without sex if they insist on going out to play with fireworks this New Year's Eve.
That's the tough love message from Se Spari, Niente Sesso (No Sex for Fireworks), a group that claims to have signed up hundreds of women supporters in recent days.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Italy New Years Celebrations and Festivities: Prosecco or Champagne Toast?
New Years Eve in Italy is a day of family gatherings, celebration, and festivities filled with food, drink, and lots of music, dancing and singing among family and friends. From Milan to Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, and all the town and villages in Italy you may hear the sound of fireworks and the pop of…Prosecco.
Although Champagne is the reigning king of the New Year’s Eve pop, Italy’s Prosecco makers from the Veneto region feel they have finally arrived to the party as well.
Prosecco arrived in the United States around 1984, and since then has enjoyed exponential growth. The United States has become the biggest importer of the sparking wine from steep-hilled villages surrounding Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Italy’s Veneto region. Today, about 60 percent of all prosecco — some eight million cases — comes from producers outside the traditional prosecco-growing region of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, a cluster of villages about a half-hour’s drive north of Venice. The newcomers are not held to the same strict production standards as the traditional producers, which are tightly governed under Italian wine laws.
With its fresh flavor, pleasing bubbles and gentle price tag — it typically sells for $10 to $20 a bottle — prosecco has gained many fans worldwide. Global sales have been growing by double-digit percentages for 10 years, to more than 150 million bottles last year. And with consumers in an economizing mood this holiday season, prosecco is an increasingly popular alternative to Champagne, which has been soaring in price.
A host of producers elsewhere in Italy and as far away as Brazil are trying to cash in on the drink’s newfound popularity. Because prosecco is the name of a grape, like chardonnay or cabernet, anyone can use the name.
The region’s turn of fortunes, though, is relatively recent. Although prosecco grapes have been cultivated here for three centuries, in the early days they were made mostly into still wine for local consumption. The vines shared the steep hillsides with more valuable cows and sheep.
It was only after a new method for producing sparkling wine became widespread in the mid-1900s that things began to change.
Champagne and other sparkling wines typically get their bubbles when they are fermented a second time, with added sugar and yeast. The yeast feeds on the sugar and converts into alcohol and carbon dioxide. When the bottle is opened, the escaping gas gives the wine its bubbles and characteristic “pop.”
Champagne re-ferments in bottles, an expensive and labor-intensive process. But the new production methods allowed prosecco makers to re-ferment their wine in large tanks, a process that kept prices down. That, and prosecco’s light, delicate flavor and low alcohol content, made it an especially versatile wine.
IN Italy, prosecco is enjoyed year-round — and practically around the clock. “The only moment we don’t drink it is for breakfast,” Mr. Giustiniani says.
That approachability has helped propel the popularity of prosecco — in the 1960s throughout Italy, in the ’80s in Germany and neighboring countries and in the ’90s in the United States, which today is prosecco’s No. 1 market outside of Italy.
THE threat of foreign-brand prosecco has prompted northern Italian producers, of both D.O.C. and I.G.T. prosecco, to work together to protect their turf. They say they believe that their proposal will raise quality and prevent others from calling their products prosecco.
The plan would create a broad new D.O.C. designation to govern the hundreds of I.G.T. prosecco producers that have sprung up across eight northern Italian provinces in the plains from Treviso to Trieste. The producers would have to comply with strict quality controls, including lower yields per hectare and stronger oversight.
The region of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, meanwhile, would be elevated to Italy’s highest designation for wine regions, known as D.O.C.G.
The key is to link prosecco to its traditional home.
“We don’t want to end up with something like pinot grigio,” says Primo Franco, owner of the Nino Franco winery in Valdobbiadene, referring to another white wine grape from the Veneto region that today is grown around the world.
Because prosecco is also the name of a northern Italian village where the grape is believed to have originated, the consortium can make an argument, too, that prosecco is a place name that can be protected just like Chianti, Champagne and others.
By bringing all of northern Italy’s prosecco makers into the fold, the winemakers hope to do more than give prosecco a territorial identity. They also want the muscle power to meet growing demand and achieve their goal of matching or even besting Champagne, which today produces some 300 million bottles a year. About 150 million bottles of Italian prosecco are produced a year.
So this New Year’s Eve the happy people living around Conegliano-Valdobbiadene will be smiling and toasting the New Year and their new growth plans to double production to match and hopefully overtake Champagne’s 300 million bottles sold annually.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Butcher of Panzano Dario Cecchini - Antica Macelleria Cecchini
Dario Cecchini is known as the Butcher of Panzano, which is located in Chianti near Greve, in beautiful Tuscany.
The Cecchini family in Panzano have been the butcher's of Panzano for 600 years. For six centuries and continuing today under Dario "the Magnifico" Cecchini the Antica Macelleria Cecchini has butchered meet for the world's most famous and fed the most famous in its restaurant.
It is said Dante Aligheri loved to eat here and Leonardo da Vinci was inspired to paint the Mona Lisa after eating the meat butchered by the Cecchini family.
In his book Heat, Bill Buford observed Dario Cecchini is not just a butcher he is a Museum of Tuscany.
WebVisionItaly visited the Macelleria Cecchini and ate a very nice 'pranzo' on the Tuscan hill side. The weather was gorgeous in October and so while we give thanks and enjoy Christmas traditions with family and prepare for the New Year festivals we must include one Italy's great family traditions - Dario the Magnifico - Butcher of Panzano - in our thoughts this Christmas. Preparing wonderful lamb, Bistec Fiorentina etc etc.
Dario prepares cuts of meat in the greatest of Tuscan traditions, which date back to before the Renaissance and Medici family recipes written in books, to when recipes were shared orally from one Tuscan generation to the next. Dario learned to cut by mentoring with a family friend of his own father the butcher after he passed away. When in Chianti a visit to Dario Cecchini's Macelleria and a meal in the restaurant is a must see in Tuscany.
Click to view WebVionItaly's video interview with Dario Cecchini - Butcher of Panzano.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Rome Christmas - St. Peter's Square Nativity Scene Presepi Vatican
Rome Christmas Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square. Click here for more Italy Christmas video. Vatican Presepi, traditional Christmas tree, and a message from the Pope makes 2008 the authentic Christmas.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Quake shakes Italy near Parma
An earthquake of 5.1 magnitude struck northern Italy on Tuesday near the city of Parma. No damage or injuries were reported. The quake shook the area for about 20 seconds.
The earthquake was unusually strong for northern Italy and was felt from the financial capital Milan to Florence to Trieste.
Startled Italians jammed telephone lines after the quake and train service was briefly interrupted on some lines, local media reported.
The US Geological Survey, which estimated the earthquake's magnitude at a slightly higher 5.3, said it struck at a depth of 28.9km. It ranks quakes in this range as moderate.
For more news and information about Italy visit WebVisionItaly.com
The earthquake was unusually strong for northern Italy and was felt from the financial capital Milan to Florence to Trieste.
Startled Italians jammed telephone lines after the quake and train service was briefly interrupted on some lines, local media reported.
The US Geological Survey, which estimated the earthquake's magnitude at a slightly higher 5.3, said it struck at a depth of 28.9km. It ranks quakes in this range as moderate.
For more news and information about Italy visit WebVisionItaly.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Galileo's library recreated - Volumes that formed his personal collection on show
December 23 (WebVisionItaly.com) - In celebration of Galileo Galilei's (Galileo) invention of the telescope in 1608, 400 years ago, Florence has an exhibit of the books from Galileo's personal library, the books that shaped Galileo's mind.
The National Library of Florence is showcasing 70 volumes that were once part of the personal collection of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). The exhibit runs at the National Library of Florence until February 28. ''The material on display was selected from the Galileo collection stored in our library,'' explained library director Antonia Idea Fontana. ''They were the source of his research and bear witness to his successes but also show the polemics, the legal arguments and the trials linked to his work''.
Galileo was born in Tuscany and was known as the first Renaissance Man because of his studies of the humanites and varous subjects including astronomy, science, and mathematics.
Galilieo's library of books not only included scientific treatises but also copies of Dante's Divine Comedy, the romantic epic poem Orlando Furioso and works by Petrarch.
In addition to Galileo's library of books, the show also features a number of Galileo's scientific sketches, as well as original ideas and notes he jotted down while reading the various volumes. ''While this is not the first time these books have been displayed, the idea of reconstructing Galileo's personal library is completely new,'' added Fontana.
Galileo's telescope led to much trouble for the Tuscan visionary. With his powerful lens, the only one on earth at the time, Galileo studied the heavens. His discovery of three of Jupiter's moons and his observation of Venus's phases helped him rationalize that the sun was at the centre of the universe, rather than the Earth, as was commonly believed at the time.
Church opposition to Galileo's sun-centred model flared up immediately in 1612 and would dog Galileo for the rest of his life. An exhibition at the Museum of the History of Science in Florence until the end of December explores this discovery, showing the only two surviving telescopes created by Galileo, as well as dozens of original documents and instruments.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Beckham Watch
David and his beautiful wife Victoria were at Da Giannino, L'angolo d'Abruzzo Saturday night. Seems the Beckhams are slipping right into Italian high quality low key lifestyle in Italy.
Click for pix and more
For more on Italy click WebVisionItaly.com
Click for pix and more
For more on Italy click WebVisionItaly.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Beckham "on Loan" from Galaxy in Italy for Medical
December 20, 2008
Beckham is due to be officially presented on Saturday while he watches Milan's clash with Udinese.
Beckham could begin playing with AC Milan January 11 for Milan at AS Roma, but he will only be available until March 8 when his loan period ends and he will return to Los Angeles Galaxy for the star
t of the new Major League Soccer season in the US.
"We've overcome problems that were infinitely bigger than when we buy a player," he said of the loan deal.
Beckhm and AC Milan will begin winter training December 29 in Dubai.
After the physical it was announced the former Manchester United player captain and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham will wear the number 32 jersey for his new club AC Milan.
Italy's poor to eat contraband caviar on Christmas
ROME (AP) — Some homeless people in Italy will be savoring beluga caviar this Christmas, thanks to officials who seized 88 pounds (40 kilograms) of the contraband delicacy from smugglers.
The caviar has been given to Italian charities to be served alongside the traditional foods they feed the poor on Christmas — like lentils, pasta and cake — officials said Saturday.
Italy and many other countries ban beluga caviar — often the most expensive variety — in hopes of saving the dwindling population of sturgeon who produce the salty eggs.....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Guide Books about Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches
2008 WebVisionItaly.com Editor's choice 2008 Top Guide Books about Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches:
The Green Guide Tuscany-Michelin
Tuscany & Umbria Best-Loved Driving Tours-Frommer's (2002)
Umbria-Blue Guide
Umbria-Touring Guide of Italy
The Marches-Touring Club of Italy
Tuscany, Umbria and The Marches- Cadogan guides
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Delta Airlines: Detroit - Rome
Delta Airlines Detroit Rome
Delta putting pressure to Colaninno's Alitalia CAI investor group - Toronto and Mid West Routes?
ATLANTA, Dec 16, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX)-- Delta Air Lines' customers can now book convenient nonstop flights between Detroit Metro Airport and Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport for service beginning on June 4, 2009*.
The flight will make travel to the Eternal City more accessible through Detroit's 115 easy connections and will complement Delta's existing nonstop daily service between Rome and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and twice daily nonstop from New York's John F. Kennedy-JFK International Airport.
"...Delta is pleased to add nonstop connections for customers in Detroit and across the United States to Rome -- Italy's leading destination," said Bob Cortelyou, Delta's senior vice president-Network Planning. "We have strategically scheduled flight times between our Detroit hub and Rome to ensure optimal connections."
Delta's subsidiary Northwest will operate the service in cooperation with Northwest's joint venture partner, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, using Airbus 330 aircraft with 298 seats -- 34 in business class and 264 in economy. The airline's A330s are equipped with World Business Class lie-flat seats featuring a privacy canopy, 60 inches of space between seats, and personal laptop computer power. Customers traveling in both the A330's business and economy cabins enjoy on-demand in-flight entertainment with a wide selection of movies, games and on-board shopping.For more about Italy visit www.WebVisionItaly.com.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Giro d'Italia 2009 Route Announced
Giro d'Italia route announced
The 2009 Giro d'Italia will start with a team time trial in Venice and finish with an individual time trial in Rome, organisers have said.
The route for the race, which celebrates its centenary this year, was unveiled on this weekend in Venice. The cycling event will take place from 9-31 May and include five mountain stages and a time trial on the Ligurian coast.
The race usually finishes in Milan, but for the centennial event it will reach its climax in the capital. Milan will host the finish of the ninth stage and Mount Vesuvius in Naples will be the site of a mountain stage two days before the finish in Rome. The route will also pass through several points connected with the Giro's history, and cover many of Italy's biggest cities - Venice, Milan, Florence, Bologna and Naples. It will also venture into the French Alps during the 10th stage, which will begin and finish in It
aly.
This year's winner Alberto Contador announced in October that he would not be taking part in next year's event but former winners Ivan Basso, Danilo Di Luca, Damiano Cunego and Gilberto Simoni are set to race again.
The only question remains is will Lance Armstrong bike race in 2009? Planning on travel to Italy, check the Giro out May and June 2009 on your 2009 spring holiday in Italy.
Parmigiano Reggiano Bailout
Parmigiano Reggiano, Italy's King of Cheese, is in trouble. Robust in flavor and crumbly, it is a classic of Italy's artisan food traditions, made by hand by 430 craft producers around the city of Parma. But , press reports almost a third of producers say they face bankruptcy. Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Luca Zaia is promising to buy 100,000 Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, and also 100,000 of its less costly competitor, Grana Padano.
Is this Italy's big cheese bailout?
The government will munch up 3 per cent of production at an estimated cost of €50m (£44.7m) and distributing it to the needy. Each 35kg wheel of Parmigiano costs between €8 and €8.50 to make, but the wholesale price has declined for the past four years even as the cost of milk and energy has soared.
"We just need a bit of time to reorganize ourselves," said Giorgio Apostoli of Coldiretti, Italy's agriculture lobby. "This is a historic product with an ancient tradition. There ought to be policies to safeguard those who produce it."
But Professor Giuliano Noci, of the Milan Polytechnic, said a better solution would be for the government to "launch a sustained marketing campaign in the emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia and India, to educate consumers to appreciate the quality" of the cheese.
Click for more video about Parma Italy.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Rome Christmas
Rome Christmas by WebVisionItaly.com brings viewers to Piazza Navona for the annual Rome Christmas tradition the Piazza Navona fair. Lights, families, cotton candy, good energy enjoy Christmas in Piazza Navona Rome Italy.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Venice Italy Books
Harry's Bar, The Life and Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark by Arrigo Cipriani (1996)
A Thousand Days in Venice, an Unexpected Romance by Marlena De Blasi (2002)
Venice Lion City,The Religion of Empire by Garry Wilis (2001)
The Perfect House, A Journey with the Renaissance Master Andrea Palladio by Witold Rybczynski (2003)
Palladian Days, Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country House by Sally Gable with Carl I. Gable (2005)
Venetian Dreaming by Paula Weideger (2002)
Vaporetto 13 by Robert Girardi (novel 1997)
Venetian Stories by Jane Turner Rylands (2003)
My Venice by Harold Brodkey (1998)
Venice Observed by Mary McCarthy (1963)
A Venetian Affair by Andrea di Robilant (2003)
Venetian Stories by Jane Turner Rylands (2003)
Guide Books Venice
Strolling Through Venice : The Definitive Walking Guidebook to “La Serenissima" by John Freely [various]
A Sentimental Guide to Venice by Diego Valero
Access Florence, Venice, Milan by Richard Saul Wurman
For Venice video click WebVisionItaly.com.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rome, Florence Venice all with high water - 'acqua alta'
(ANSA) - Rome, December 11 - Torrential rain throughout the night created havoc in the Italian capital and by Thursday morning city officials were telling residents to keep their movements ''to the minimum possible''...
The downpours were part of a vast storm front sweeping the country which has already dumped heavy snow in the northern mountains and isolated almost all the islands off the western coasts...
Venice this morning was flooded yet again with the 'acqua alta' (high water) 105cm above normal during the morning high tide. The phenomenon is expected to return with the evening high tide with waters possibly running as much as 130cm above normal.
The Tiber River and is tributaries were all close to overflowing north of Rome as were other rivers north of the capital, including the Arno in Florence....
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Italy Books: General Interest Books about Italy Book List
General Interest
Italy, A Love Story - Women write about Italian Experiences by Camille Cusumano (2005)
Spezzatura, 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D’Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish (2001)
Speaking the Language like a Native by Aubrey Menen (1962)
Italy Out of Hand, A Capricious Tour by Barbara Hodgson (2005)
Sophia Living and Loving: Her Own Story by AE Hotchner (1978)
Route 66 A.D.- On the Trail of Ancient Rome by Tony Perrottet (2002)
Una Storia Segreta, The Secret History of Italian American Evacuation and Interment during World War II by Lawerence Di Stasi (2001)
The Proud Italians, Our Great Civilizers by Carl Pescosolido and Pamela Gleason (1995)
An Italian Journey by Jean Giono (1953)
Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino (1956)
Baudolino (a novel) by Uberto Eco (2000)
The Last Italian, Portrait of a People by William Murray (1991)
The Giro d'Italia by Dino Buzzati (1981; 1999)
Italian Journey's by WD Howells (1867; 1999)
50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D'Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish (2001)
Dances With Luigi, A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots by Paul E. Paolicelli (2000)
Italian Pride 101 Reasons to be Proud You're Italian by Federico and Stephen Moramarco (2000)
Marcus Aurelius,The Emperor's Handbook by C Scot Hicks and David Hicks (2002)
Saint Augustine by Gary Wills (1999)
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (2003)
Infinite Variety, The Life & Legend of the Marchesa Casati by Scot Ryersson and Michael Orlando Yaccarino (1999)
The Italian American Reader by Bill Tonelli (2003)
Touring Italy-Touring Club Italy
Italy out of Hand-Barbara Hodgson(2005)
Mission Italy-Richard Gardner(2005)
Italy-Travelers’ Tales- various authors
(2001, 1998)
Straddling The Borders - The year I grew up in Italy by Martha E. Cummings (1999)
Italy, A Love Story - Women write about Italian Experiences by Camille Cusumano (2005)
Spezzatura, 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D’Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish (2001)
Speaking the Language like a Native by Aubrey Menen (1962)
Italy Out of Hand, A Capricious Tour by Barbara Hodgson (2005)
Sophia Living and Loving: Her Own Story by AE Hotchner (1978)
Route 66 A.D.- On the Trail of Ancient Rome by Tony Perrottet (2002)
Una Storia Segreta, The Secret History of Italian American Evacuation and Interment during World War II by Lawerence Di Stasi (2001)
The Proud Italians, Our Great Civilizers by Carl Pescosolido and Pamela Gleason (1995)
An Italian Journey by Jean Giono (1953)
Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino (1956)
Baudolino (a novel) by Uberto Eco (2000)
The Last Italian, Portrait of a People by William Murray (1991)
The Giro d'Italia by Dino Buzzati (1981; 1999)
Italian Journey's by WD Howells (1867; 1999)
50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D'Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish (2001)
Dances With Luigi, A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots by Paul E. Paolicelli (2000)
Italian Pride 101 Reasons to be Proud You're Italian by Federico and Stephen Moramarco (2000)
Marcus Aurelius,The Emperor's Handbook by C Scot Hicks and David Hicks (2002)
Saint Augustine by Gary Wills (1999)
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (2003)
Infinite Variety, The Life & Legend of the Marchesa Casati by Scot Ryersson and Michael Orlando Yaccarino (1999)
The Italian American Reader by Bill Tonelli (2003)
Touring Italy-Touring Club Italy
Italy out of Hand-Barbara Hodgson(2005)
Mission Italy-Richard Gardner(2005)
Italy-Travelers’ Tales- various authors
(2001, 1998)
Straddling The Borders - The year I grew up in Italy by Martha E. Cummings (1999)
Books about Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches
Books about Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches
Vanilla Beans & Brodo, Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany by Isabella Dusi (2001)
Bel Vino, a Year of Sundrenched Pleasure Among the Vines of Tuscany by Isabella Dusi (2004)
Francis of Assisi, A Revolutionary Life by Adrian House (2000)
A Tuscan Childhood by Kinta Beevor (1993)
After Hannibal by Barry Unsworth (novel 1997)
Valley in Italy, The Many Seasons of a Villa in Umbria by Lisa St Aubin De Teran (1994)
The Collected Traveler Central Italy Tuscan & Umbria Anthology by Barrie Kerper (2000)
The Umbrian Cities of Italy by JW &AM Cruickshank (1907)
Pietro's Book,The Story of a Tuscan Peasant by Pietro Pinti & Jenny Bawtree (2003)
Pasquale's Nose, Idle Days in an Italian Town by Michael Rips (2001)
A Vineyard in Tuscany, A Wine Lover’s Dream by Ferenc Mate (2007
The Hills Of Tuscany, A New Life in an Old Land by Ferenc Mate (1998)
A Thousand Days in Tuscany by Marlena De Blasi (2004)
Bella Tuscany,The Sweet Life in Italy by Frances Mayes (1999)
A Garden in Lucca, Finding Paradise in Tuscany by Paul Gervais (
A Companion to Lucca by Andreas Prindl (2000)
In Maremma, Life and the House in Southern Tuscany by David Leavitt and Mark Mitchell (2001)
Notes from an Italian Garden by Joan Marble (2000)
Living in a Foreign Language, A Memoir of Food, Wine, and Love in Italy by Michael Tucker (2007)
Mother Tongue, An American Life in Italy by Wallis Wilde Menozzi (1997)
Straddling the Borders, The Year I Grew Up in Italy by Martha T. Cummings (1999)
Vanilla Beans & Brodo, Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany by Isabella Dusi (2001)
Bel Vino, a Year of Sundrenched Pleasure Among the Vines of Tuscany by Isabella Dusi (2004)
Francis of Assisi, A Revolutionary Life by Adrian House (2000)
A Tuscan Childhood by Kinta Beevor (1993)
After Hannibal by Barry Unsworth (novel 1997)
Valley in Italy, The Many Seasons of a Villa in Umbria by Lisa St Aubin De Teran (1994)
The Collected Traveler Central Italy Tuscan & Umbria Anthology by Barrie Kerper (2000)
The Umbrian Cities of Italy by JW &AM Cruickshank (1907)
Pietro's Book,The Story of a Tuscan Peasant by Pietro Pinti & Jenny Bawtree (2003)
Pasquale's Nose, Idle Days in an Italian Town by Michael Rips (2001)
A Vineyard in Tuscany, A Wine Lover’s Dream by Ferenc Mate (2007
The Hills Of Tuscany, A New Life in an Old Land by Ferenc Mate (1998)
A Thousand Days in Tuscany by Marlena De Blasi (2004)
Bella Tuscany,The Sweet Life in Italy by Frances Mayes (1999)
A Garden in Lucca, Finding Paradise in Tuscany by Paul Gervais (
A Companion to Lucca by Andreas Prindl (2000)
In Maremma, Life and the House in Southern Tuscany by David Leavitt and Mark Mitchell (2001)
Notes from an Italian Garden by Joan Marble (2000)
Living in a Foreign Language, A Memoir of Food, Wine, and Love in Italy by Michael Tucker (2007)
Mother Tongue, An American Life in Italy by Wallis Wilde Menozzi (1997)
Straddling the Borders, The Year I Grew Up in Italy by Martha T. Cummings (1999)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Books about Italy: Contemporary Italian Politics
Contemporary Italian Politics
The World From Italy, Football, Food and Politics by George Negus (2002)
A History of Contemporary Italy, Society and Politics 1943-1988 by Paul Ginsborg (2003)
Italy and Its Discontents, Family, Civil Society, State: 1980-2001 by Paul Ginsborg (2003)
The View From Vesuvius, Italian Culture and the Southern Question by Nelson Moe (2002)
An Italian in America by Beppe Severgnini (1995)
The Italian Way, Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes and Customs of the Italians by Mario Costantino Lawrence Gambella (1996)
The Crisis of the Italian State: From the Origins of the Cold War to the Fall of Berlusconi and Beyond by Patrick McCarthy (1997)
The New Italians by Charles Richards (1994, 1995)
The Italians, A Full-Length Portrait Featuring their Manners and Morals by Luigi Barzini (1964)
The World From Italy, Football, Food and Politics by George Negus (2002)
A History of Contemporary Italy, Society and Politics 1943-1988 by Paul Ginsborg (2003)
Italy and Its Discontents, Family, Civil Society, State: 1980-2001 by Paul Ginsborg (2003)
The View From Vesuvius, Italian Culture and the Southern Question by Nelson Moe (2002)
An Italian in America by Beppe Severgnini (1995)
The Italian Way, Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes and Customs of the Italians by Mario Costantino Lawrence Gambella (1996)
The Crisis of the Italian State: From the Origins of the Cold War to the Fall of Berlusconi and Beyond by Patrick McCarthy (1997)
The New Italians by Charles Richards (1994, 1995)
The Italians, A Full-Length Portrait Featuring their Manners and Morals by Luigi Barzini (1964)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Book about Florence
Book about Florence
The Monster of Florence, a True Story by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi (2008)
Heat...apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany by Bill Buford (2006)
Cafe Life Florence: A Guidebook to The Cafes & Bars Of The Renaissance Treasure by Joe Wolff (2005)
The Food Lover's Guide to Florence: With Culinary Excursions in Tuscany by Emily Wise Miller (2007)
The Civilized Shopper's Guide to Florence by Louise Fili (2007)
The Renaissance by Paul Johnson (2000)
Florence, A Delicate Case by David Leavitt (2002)
Brunelleschi's Dome, How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King (2000)
Leon Battista Alberti, Master Builder of the Italian Renaissance by Anthony Grafton (2000)
Il Gigante, Michelangelo, Florence and the David by Anton Gill (2002)
Dante by RWB Lewis (2001)
Dante In Love, The World’s Greatest Poem and How It Made History by Harriet Rubin (2004)
Giovanni Boccaccio Famous Women edited and translated by Virginia Brown (2001)
Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel (1999)
Niccolo's Smile, A biography of Machiavelli by Maurizio Viroli (1998)
A Room With a View by EM Forster (1908)
Florence Guide Book:
Access Florence Venice Milan by Richard Saul Wurman
The Monster of Florence, a True Story by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi (2008)
Heat...apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany by Bill Buford (2006)
Cafe Life Florence: A Guidebook to The Cafes & Bars Of The Renaissance Treasure by Joe Wolff (2005)
The Food Lover's Guide to Florence: With Culinary Excursions in Tuscany by Emily Wise Miller (2007)
The Civilized Shopper's Guide to Florence by Louise Fili (2007)
The Renaissance by Paul Johnson (2000)
Florence, A Delicate Case by David Leavitt (2002)
Brunelleschi's Dome, How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King (2000)
Leon Battista Alberti, Master Builder of the Italian Renaissance by Anthony Grafton (2000)
Il Gigante, Michelangelo, Florence and the David by Anton Gill (2002)
Dante by RWB Lewis (2001)
Dante In Love, The World’s Greatest Poem and How It Made History by Harriet Rubin (2004)
Giovanni Boccaccio Famous Women edited and translated by Virginia Brown (2001)
Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel (1999)
Niccolo's Smile, A biography of Machiavelli by Maurizio Viroli (1998)
A Room With a View by EM Forster (1908)
Florence Guide Book:
Access Florence Venice Milan by Richard Saul Wurman
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Where do the Italians Live in Italy?
Italians are gravitating towards 14 urban areas in the country to make their homes, Censis observed in its study on lifestyle trends.
According to the report, six out of ten Italians, or 36.4 million people, now live in these areas, which make up 17% of the country's surface area. Censis identified the mosty popular areas:
According to the report, six out of ten Italians, or 36.4 million people, now live in these areas, which make up 17% of the country's surface area. Censis identified the mosty popular areas:
- Lombardy and Veneto,
- six cities (Turin, Rome, Verona, Naples, Palermo and Cagliari),
- four coastal strips (Liguria, the upper and lower Adriatic coasts and the eastern coast of Sicily) and
- two other 'territorial belts' in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
ELIGIBILITY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP
ELIGIBILITY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP
As you may have heard, some Americans of Italian descent qualify for Italian citizenship. The eligibility guidelines appear below.
Italian citizenship is based on the principle of ius sanguinis (blood right) by which a child born of an Italian father or mother is Italian. However, a descendant of a mother-citizen, previously unable to pass on Italian citizenship, can obtain citizenship if born in 1948 or later as a result of the election that year when Italians choose to convert from a monarchy to a republic.
Today, Italian citizenship is regulated a 1992 law. which, unlike the previous law, re-evaluates the importance of individual desire in the gain or loss of citizenship and acknowledges the right to hold citizenship in more than one country, except in the case of the various provisions of international agreements.
DETERMINATION OF QUALIFICATION FOR ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP
If you were born in the United States, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship if any of the following situations pertain to you:
A. Your father was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth and you have never renounced your Italian citizenship, provided your father was not naturalized before your birth.
B. Your father was born in the U.S. and your paternal grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your father’s birth, and neither you nor your father ever renounced Italian citizenship, provided your paternal grandfather was not naturalized before your father’s birth.
C. You were born after January 1, 1948, you have never renounced your Italian citizenship, and your mother was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth, provided that your mother was not naturalized before your birth.
D. Your were born after January 1, 1948, your mother was born in the U.S. and your maternal grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your mother’s birth and neither you nor your mother ever renounced Italian citizenship, provided your maternal grandfather was not naturalized before your mother’s birth.
-------------------
Click here to visit the website of the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC, for additional details www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington.
For more about Italy click here to visit the Italian Broadcasting Company television network about Italy, Web Vision Italy.
As you may have heard, some Americans of Italian descent qualify for Italian citizenship. The eligibility guidelines appear below.
Italian citizenship is based on the principle of ius sanguinis (blood right) by which a child born of an Italian father or mother is Italian. However, a descendant of a mother-citizen, previously unable to pass on Italian citizenship, can obtain citizenship if born in 1948 or later as a result of the election that year when Italians choose to convert from a monarchy to a republic.
Today, Italian citizenship is regulated a 1992 law. which, unlike the previous law, re-evaluates the importance of individual desire in the gain or loss of citizenship and acknowledges the right to hold citizenship in more than one country, except in the case of the various provisions of international agreements.
DETERMINATION OF QUALIFICATION FOR ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP
If you were born in the United States, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship if any of the following situations pertain to you:
A. Your father was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth and you have never renounced your Italian citizenship, provided your father was not naturalized before your birth.
B. Your father was born in the U.S. and your paternal grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your father’s birth, and neither you nor your father ever renounced Italian citizenship, provided your paternal grandfather was not naturalized before your father’s birth.
C. You were born after January 1, 1948, you have never renounced your Italian citizenship, and your mother was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth, provided that your mother was not naturalized before your birth.
D. Your were born after January 1, 1948, your mother was born in the U.S. and your maternal grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your mother’s birth and neither you nor your mother ever renounced Italian citizenship, provided your maternal grandfather was not naturalized before your mother’s birth.
-------------------
Click here to visit the website of the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC, for additional details www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington.
For more about Italy click here to visit the Italian Broadcasting Company television network about Italy, Web Vision Italy.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Naples nativity scene row solved
(ANSA) - Naples, December 3 - Barack Obama was once more on show in nativity scenes along Naples' 'presepe' street Wednesday night after a day-long row over unlicensed Christmas vendors.
Shoppers and tourists were aghast to find the medieval Via San Gregorio Armeno - a mecca for presepe-lovers - shut down after a heavy-handed police attempt to remove unauthorised open-air stalls.
All the presepe sellers pulled down their shutters in solidarity with the stall-keepers, who hold a Christmas market at one end of the street each year dressed in traditional shepherd garb......
Other new entries are Carla Bruni, Nicolas Sarkozy and two Italian cabinet members whose reforms have made waves, Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini and Civil Service chief Renato Brunetta.
Shoppers and tourists were aghast to find the medieval Via San Gregorio Armeno - a mecca for presepe-lovers - shut down after a heavy-handed police attempt to remove unauthorised open-air stalls.
All the presepe sellers pulled down their shutters in solidarity with the stall-keepers, who hold a Christmas market at one end of the street each year dressed in traditional shepherd garb......
Other new entries are Carla Bruni, Nicolas Sarkozy and two Italian cabinet members whose reforms have made waves, Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini and Civil Service chief Renato Brunetta.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Alitalia relaunch delayed to after Christmas
December 2 2008 ROME, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Italian airline Alitalia's relaunch by a group of Italian businessmen will be delayed until after Christmas to prevent travel disruptions during the peak holiday season, Italy's industry minister said on Tuesday.
He did not specify a date when Alitalia will officially operate under the CAI investor consortium's ownership, but the administrator overseeing the airline's bankruptcy said he would ensure Alitalia keeps flying until Jan. 12.
"The start of the new Alitalia will be after the Christmas vacations to avoid the most congested holiday period," Industry Minister Claudio Scajola told reporters in Brussels.
"I don't see any major problems if it becomes operational after 10 to 15 days. With all the problems we've had, this is definitely the least of them."
The deal with CAI was initially set to be wrapped up by Nov. 30, but the administrator, Augusto Fantozzi, delayed it until Dec. 12 citing technical reasons.
A source close to the matter had said CAI was unable to deliver the funds for its 427 million-euro ($539.9 million) purchase of Alitalia's best assets before then.
A new government decree allows the transfer of Alitalia's assets to CAI to be delayed beyond Dec. 12, but under the condition that all costs, risks and losses related to Alitalia are borne by CAI during the transition period.
The two sides have agreed CAI will pay 24 million euros to cover Alitalia's obligations between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12 and then pay 14 million euros weekly until it takes over. ($1=.7908 euros) (Reporting by Francesca Landini in Brussels and Deepa Babington in Rome; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
He did not specify a date when Alitalia will officially operate under the CAI investor consortium's ownership, but the administrator overseeing the airline's bankruptcy said he would ensure Alitalia keeps flying until Jan. 12.
"The start of the new Alitalia will be after the Christmas vacations to avoid the most congested holiday period," Industry Minister Claudio Scajola told reporters in Brussels.
"I don't see any major problems if it becomes operational after 10 to 15 days. With all the problems we've had, this is definitely the least of them."
The deal with CAI was initially set to be wrapped up by Nov. 30, but the administrator, Augusto Fantozzi, delayed it until Dec. 12 citing technical reasons.
A source close to the matter had said CAI was unable to deliver the funds for its 427 million-euro ($539.9 million) purchase of Alitalia's best assets before then.
A new government decree allows the transfer of Alitalia's assets to CAI to be delayed beyond Dec. 12, but under the condition that all costs, risks and losses related to Alitalia are borne by CAI during the transition period.
The two sides have agreed CAI will pay 24 million euros to cover Alitalia's obligations between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12 and then pay 14 million euros weekly until it takes over. ($1=.7908 euros) (Reporting by Francesca Landini in Brussels and Deepa Babington in Rome; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Parma, Emilia-Romagna: Head of Christ Excites Correggio in Parma Exhibition
PARMA, Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio after his birthplace, never enjoyed the fame of Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci. But art critics have placed him among the great masters of Italy's 16th century.
Antonio Allegri was born around 1490 in Correggio and then lived in nearby Parma, where he died in 1534.
Now an Italian exhibition in Parma, Mostra Corregio in Parma aims to increase awareness of Correggio's achievements.
Art fans and tourists to Parma until January 25, 2009 may stroll among the Galleria Nazionale, Camera di Sao Paolo, Chiesa di San Giovanni, and Cattedrale.
Inside Parma's Cathedral scaffolding allows visitors to climb into the dome to see Assumption of the Virgin, Correggio's masterpiece gleaming golden infinite sky.
Parma's elegant streets and sophisticated caffe's are buzzing with news that The Head of Christ inside the Parma's Galleria Nazionale fine art museum has turned typical polite discourse sour due to the controversy now surrounding the origins of the painting Head of Christ.
Is it a genuine Correggio, an old copy, or a forgery?
Go see the Mostra Correggio in Parma exhibition if you are traveling in Italy between now and January 25, 2009.
Report back your opinion on the Head of Christ by "Correggio-?" as it was recently labeled.
Click here for more video of Parma.
Click here to see video of the inventions and machines of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Web Vision Italy brought to you by the Italian Broadcasting Company brings you the best video of Italy in English, with over 500 video shows in English about Italy travel.
Antonio Allegri was born around 1490 in Correggio and then lived in nearby Parma, where he died in 1534.
Now an Italian exhibition in Parma, Mostra Corregio in Parma aims to increase awareness of Correggio's achievements.
Art fans and tourists to Parma until January 25, 2009 may stroll among the Galleria Nazionale, Camera di Sao Paolo, Chiesa di San Giovanni, and Cattedrale.
Inside Parma's Cathedral scaffolding allows visitors to climb into the dome to see Assumption of the Virgin, Correggio's masterpiece gleaming golden infinite sky.
Parma's elegant streets and sophisticated caffe's are buzzing with news that The Head of Christ inside the Parma's Galleria Nazionale fine art museum has turned typical polite discourse sour due to the controversy now surrounding the origins of the painting Head of Christ.
Is it a genuine Correggio, an old copy, or a forgery?
Go see the Mostra Correggio in Parma exhibition if you are traveling in Italy between now and January 25, 2009.
Report back your opinion on the Head of Christ by "Correggio-?" as it was recently labeled.
Click here for more video of Parma.
Click here to see video of the inventions and machines of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Web Vision Italy brought to you by the Italian Broadcasting Company brings you the best video of Italy in English, with over 500 video shows in English about Italy travel.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Alitalia and Lufthansa Merger?
The Guardian reports that Berlusconi is hopeful of Alitalia-Lufthansa deal to life the spirits of Europe's banks, travelers, and taxpayers this holiday season. Reuters reported Tuesday, November 18, 2008, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Tuesday both he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were in favor of an alliance between Alitalia and Lufthansa.
Speaking at a news conference at an Italo-German summit in Trieste, Berlusconi said: "The Chancellor and I are in agreement in looking upon the possibility of an alliance between Alitalia and Lufthansa very favourably. We hope that this can take place."
Italian media have reported that Air France-KLM will edge out Lufthansa to buy a stake in the Italian carrier.
Speaking at a news conference at an Italo-German summit in Trieste, Berlusconi said: "The Chancellor and I are in agreement in looking upon the possibility of an alliance between Alitalia and Lufthansa very favourably. We hope that this can take place."
Italian media have reported that Air France-KLM will edge out Lufthansa to buy a stake in the Italian carrier.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Rome Walking Tour Map: Centro Storico by Foot
Upon arrival in Rome we always like to get our bearings by taking a walking tour of Rome hitting the main points of interest in the centro storico. If you are looking for a Rome holiday be sure to contact Italian Tourism for the best Italy travel deals, Rome hotels, and Rome information so you may travel Rome with an authentic insider's view of Rome
WebVisionItaly's walking maps of Rome below. WebVisionItaly's Google walking maps of Rome may be toggled so that you may print one Rome walking map with Rome's restaurants and trattoria, shopping in Rome, and Bernini walking tour Rome map.
Of course, walking Rome is not new. The passeggiata, the evening stroll, is as old as Rome itself. An Italian social ritual like penguins on parade, la passeggiata is the art of taking a walk in the evening.
When going to Rome, bring band-aids and VERY comfortable shoes. Or rent a motorino!
Via Arenula to Campo De' Fiori
Starting at Largo Argentina, the bus stop in Rome's centro storico, on Vittorio Emanuele and Via Arenula, we walk south to the little park on the west side of the street. There we take right, going west down Via dei Giubbonari, to Campo de' Fiori.
Rome Map: Via Arenula and Via del Falegnami to Campo de' Fiori.
This walk takes about 7 minutes or all afternoon depending on the pace.
Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Farnese to Michelangelo Arch Via Giulia
From Campo de’Fiori to Piazza Farnese is one minute, with a walk down to Via Giulia and Michelangelo’s Arch about 5 minutes.
Rome Map: Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Farnese, Via Giulia and Michelangelo's Arch:
Via Giulia to Vatican
From this point walking on Via Giulia to the Vatican walking west, across Ponte Vittorio Emanuele takes about 25 minutes.
Rome Map: Via Giulia Michelangelo's Arch to Vatican City St Peter's Square:
Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona
Exit Campo de'Fiori walking west on Via dei Cappellari for the longer route to Via del Governo Vecchio and Piazza Navona, 10 minutes.
Rome Map: Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona:
or exit Campo de’ Fiori north west side to Via di Pasquino for quicker route to Piazza Navona and Via del Governo Vecchio, 4 minutes walking by foot.
Rome Map: Campo de' Fiori to Via di Pasquino and Piazza Navona:
On Via del Governo Vecchio you’ll find caffes etc For dinner I would eat like a Roman with Romans going off Governo Vecchio north on Via del Corallo to Piazza Fico for dinner at Da Francesco trattoria. Another good one off Governo Vecchio north on Via di Parione is Cucina Romana Virginiae.
Either way you go from Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona, cross Vittorio Emanuele II, which to the west brings you to Vatican in 25 minutes by foot.
Rome Map: Largo Argentina to Vatican City, St. Peter's Square and Basilica:
From Piazza Fico and Via Corallo we stroll toward Via della Pace and Via Parione for a drink with the hipsters at Caffe della Pace, or continuing straight into the Piazza Navona on Via de Tor Millina
Rome Map: Piazza Fico and Via della Pace to Piazza Navona to Pantheon:
Exit Piazza Navona opposite side on Corsia Agonale – cross the main street there Rinasciemento, take left, then first right – Via del Salvatore – walk straight and then you are in for the treat of your life when you see the greatest of Roman buildings, Brunelleschi’s inspiration for Il Dumo in Firenze, the Pantheon at night.
Rome Map: Piazza Navona to Pantheon:
Pantheon to Largo Argentina
If you stand in square, looking at Pantheon, the street to the right of Pantheon, running parallel – follow that straight, crossing Vittorio Emanuele, you will find the starting point due south. (5 minutes)
Rome Map: Pantheon to Vittorio Emanuele, Largo Argentina, and Ghetto neighborhood:
To the left of Pantheon is Santa Maria Minerva, in front is Bernini-designed elephant with an Egyptian obelisk on top - Pulcino della Monerva, an ancient and baroque mix. The Latin inscription on the base, chosen by the pope who commissioned the sculpture to support the obelisk found on the site, Alexander VII, says "...a strong mind is needed to support a solid knowledge".
Pantheon to Spanish Steps
If you still have legs, go opposite direction toward Campo Marzo, then on to Piazza San Lorenzo, and on to Via dei Condotti (15 minutes). There a few good gelato shops along the route, plenty of nice boutiques and a real pleasant walk.
Rome Map: Pantheon to Campo Marzo and Piazza San Lorenzo:
When you get to Via Condotti, take right to Spanish Steps. Walk down Rome’s high fashion runway to Piazza Spagna. (7 minutes)
Rome Map: Campo Marzo and Pantheon to Piazza Spagna (Spanish Steps):
From Spanish Steps to the left is Piazza Popolo, where among other sites is a wonderful Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit
Rome Map: Piazza Spagna to Piazza Popolo:
Via Margutta, well known for its art galleries, very high end fashion and from the film Roman Holiday, is a very pretty street for a stroll on the way to Piazza Popolo from Piazza Spagna (4 minutes). You'll find art studios above galleries, boutique fashion stores, and modern Roman restaurants.
Rome Map: Via Margutta:
Great spot for lunch opposite direction from Spanish Steps is Settimio all’Arancio on Via Arancio. After lunch cross Tiber on Ponte Cavour, where you are 10 minutes from Castel Sant'Angelo and 20 minutes from Vatican.
From Spanish steps we walk toward Trevi Fountain (Fontana Trevi) by winding our way through the streets.
Rome Map: Piazza Spagna (Spanish Steps) to Trevi Fountain. (10 minutes
Exit Trevi on Via de Crociferi, or Via della Muratte if you like street markets, to the Via del Corso, taking right then left into Piazza Colonna –The Column of Marcus Aurelius, a Doric column with a spiral relief, built in honor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and modeled on Trajan's Column. Built in 200, it still stands on its original site, the heart of Rome in front of Palazzo Chigi – one of our favorites. (5 minutes).
Click for Italy cruises, cruises from Rome, Rome pre cruise tours and Rome post cruise tours.
WebVisionItaly's walking maps of Rome below. WebVisionItaly's Google walking maps of Rome may be toggled so that you may print one Rome walking map with Rome's restaurants and trattoria, shopping in Rome, and Bernini walking tour Rome map.
- WebVisionItaly's Walking in Rome Map - Rome Restaurants and Trattoria
- WebVisionItaly's Walking in Rome Map - Rome Shopping
- WebVisionItaly's Walking in Rome Map - Bernini's Baroque Rome
- WebVisionItaly's Walking in Rome Map - Obelisks in Rome
Of course, walking Rome is not new. The passeggiata, the evening stroll, is as old as Rome itself. An Italian social ritual like penguins on parade, la passeggiata is the art of taking a walk in the evening.
When going to Rome, bring band-aids and VERY comfortable shoes. Or rent a motorino!
Via Arenula to Campo De' Fiori
Starting at Largo Argentina, the bus stop in Rome's centro storico, on Vittorio Emanuele and Via Arenula, we walk south to the little park on the west side of the street. There we take right, going west down Via dei Giubbonari, to Campo de' Fiori.
Rome Map: Via Arenula and Via del Falegnami to Campo de' Fiori.
This walk takes about 7 minutes or all afternoon depending on the pace.
Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Farnese to Michelangelo Arch Via Giulia
From Campo de’Fiori to Piazza Farnese is one minute, with a walk down to Via Giulia and Michelangelo’s Arch about 5 minutes.
Rome Map: Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Farnese, Via Giulia and Michelangelo's Arch:
Via Giulia to Vatican
From this point walking on Via Giulia to the Vatican walking west, across Ponte Vittorio Emanuele takes about 25 minutes.
Rome Map: Via Giulia Michelangelo's Arch to Vatican City St Peter's Square:
Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona
Exit Campo de'Fiori walking west on Via dei Cappellari for the longer route to Via del Governo Vecchio and Piazza Navona, 10 minutes.
Rome Map: Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona:
or exit Campo de’ Fiori north west side to Via di Pasquino for quicker route to Piazza Navona and Via del Governo Vecchio, 4 minutes walking by foot.
Rome Map: Campo de' Fiori to Via di Pasquino and Piazza Navona:
On Via del Governo Vecchio you’ll find caffes etc For dinner I would eat like a Roman with Romans going off Governo Vecchio north on Via del Corallo to Piazza Fico for dinner at Da Francesco trattoria. Another good one off Governo Vecchio north on Via di Parione is Cucina Romana Virginiae.
Either way you go from Campo de' Fiori to Piazza Navona, cross Vittorio Emanuele II, which to the west brings you to Vatican in 25 minutes by foot.
Rome Map: Largo Argentina to Vatican City, St. Peter's Square and Basilica:
From Piazza Fico and Via Corallo we stroll toward Via della Pace and Via Parione for a drink with the hipsters at Caffe della Pace, or continuing straight into the Piazza Navona on Via de Tor Millina
Rome Map: Piazza Fico and Via della Pace to Piazza Navona to Pantheon:
Exit Piazza Navona opposite side on Corsia Agonale – cross the main street there Rinasciemento, take left, then first right – Via del Salvatore – walk straight and then you are in for the treat of your life when you see the greatest of Roman buildings, Brunelleschi’s inspiration for Il Dumo in Firenze, the Pantheon at night.
Rome Map: Piazza Navona to Pantheon:
Pantheon to Largo Argentina
If you stand in square, looking at Pantheon, the street to the right of Pantheon, running parallel – follow that straight, crossing Vittorio Emanuele, you will find the starting point due south. (5 minutes)
Rome Map: Pantheon to Vittorio Emanuele, Largo Argentina, and Ghetto neighborhood:
To the left of Pantheon is Santa Maria Minerva, in front is Bernini-designed elephant with an Egyptian obelisk on top - Pulcino della Monerva, an ancient and baroque mix. The Latin inscription on the base, chosen by the pope who commissioned the sculpture to support the obelisk found on the site, Alexander VII, says "...a strong mind is needed to support a solid knowledge".
Pantheon to Spanish Steps
If you still have legs, go opposite direction toward Campo Marzo, then on to Piazza San Lorenzo, and on to Via dei Condotti (15 minutes). There a few good gelato shops along the route, plenty of nice boutiques and a real pleasant walk.
Rome Map: Pantheon to Campo Marzo and Piazza San Lorenzo:
When you get to Via Condotti, take right to Spanish Steps. Walk down Rome’s high fashion runway to Piazza Spagna. (7 minutes)
Rome Map: Campo Marzo and Pantheon to Piazza Spagna (Spanish Steps):
From Spanish Steps to the left is Piazza Popolo, where among other sites is a wonderful Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit
Rome Map: Piazza Spagna to Piazza Popolo:
Via Margutta, well known for its art galleries, very high end fashion and from the film Roman Holiday, is a very pretty street for a stroll on the way to Piazza Popolo from Piazza Spagna (4 minutes). You'll find art studios above galleries, boutique fashion stores, and modern Roman restaurants.
Rome Map: Via Margutta:
Great spot for lunch opposite direction from Spanish Steps is Settimio all’Arancio on Via Arancio. After lunch cross Tiber on Ponte Cavour, where you are 10 minutes from Castel Sant'Angelo and 20 minutes from Vatican.
From Spanish steps we walk toward Trevi Fountain (Fontana Trevi) by winding our way through the streets.
Rome Map: Piazza Spagna (Spanish Steps) to Trevi Fountain. (10 minutes
Exit Trevi on Via de Crociferi, or Via della Muratte if you like street markets, to the Via del Corso, taking right then left into Piazza Colonna –The Column of Marcus Aurelius, a Doric column with a spiral relief, built in honor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and modeled on Trajan's Column. Built in 200, it still stands on its original site, the heart of Rome in front of Palazzo Chigi – one of our favorites. (5 minutes).
Click for Italy cruises, cruises from Rome, Rome pre cruise tours and Rome post cruise tours.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
How to get to Malpensa from Milan
The Malpensa Shuttle Coach Bus connects every 20 minutes the Milan Central train station (Milano Centrale) with Malpensa Airport.
The Malpensa Shuttle also connects directly Linate.
At Linate and Malpensa the bus stops Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the latter.
In the occasion of fair events, all the Malpensa Shuttle stop, on request, at the Milan Fair, which therefore is reached, comfortably and cheaply, directly from Malpensa Airport.
Click here for information about storing luggage in Milan train station: Milano Centrale Stazione luggage storage.
Click here to see video of Milan on WebVisionItaly's Milan channel.
The Malpensa Shuttle also connects directly Linate.
At Linate and Malpensa the bus stops Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the latter.
In the occasion of fair events, all the Malpensa Shuttle stop, on request, at the Milan Fair, which therefore is reached, comfortably and cheaply, directly from Malpensa Airport.
Click here for information about storing luggage in Milan train station: Milano Centrale Stazione luggage storage.
Click here to see video of Milan on WebVisionItaly's Milan channel.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ancient Rome in 3D on Google Earth
Google Earth revives ancient Rome
The Colosseum is just one of many ancient buildings users can tour.
Google has added to its popular 3D map tool, Google Earth, offering millions of users the chance to visit a virtual ancient Rome.
Google Earth provides a reconstruction of the sprawling city - inhabited by more than one million people as long ago as AD320, the date given as the founding of Rome.
Users may zoom around the map to visit the Forum of Julius Caesar, stand in the centre of the Colosseum or swoop over the Basilica.
Researchers behind the project say it adds to five centuries of knowledge.
"This is another step in creating a virtual time machine," said Bernard Frischer of the University of Virginia, which worked with Google on the Roman reconstruction.
"The project is a continuation of five centuries of research by scholars, architects and artists since the Renaissance, who have attempted to restore the ruins of the ancient city with words, maps and images," he said.
Also involved was Past Perfect Productions, which reconstructs archaeological and historical sites through virtual reality.
Joel Myers, the firm's chief executive, said: "Cultural heritage, although based in the past, lives in the present, as it forms our identity.
"It is therefore our responsibility to ensure its conservation, to nourish it and make it accessible, with the objective of promoting global understanding. Ancient Rome in 3D is a major step towards this goal," he added.
Google's blog said that the Ancient Rome model contains more than 6,700 buildings, with more than 250 place marks linking to key sites in a variety of languages.
"Whether you are a student taking your first ancient history class, a historian who spends your life researching ancient civilisations, or just a history buff, access to this 3D model in Google Earth will help everyone learn more about ancient Rome," said Bruce Polderman, Google Earth 3D production manager.
Within ancient Rome there are some 200 buildings scholars know a lot about - classified as Class 1, which Google says have been rendered as faithfully as possible.
The 3D models are based on a physical model of the city called the Plastico di Roma Antica.
The model was created by archaeologists and model-makers between 1933 to 1974 and housed in a special gallery in Rome's Museum of Roman Civilization.
The new map was unveiled at an event in the Italian capital, and the modern day Mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, praised the project.
"It's an incredible opportunity to share the stunning greatness of ancient Rome, a perfect example of how the new technologies can be ideal allies of our history, archaeology and cultural identity," Mr Alemanno said.
To learn more about Italy, its culture, its people, the distinct regions, and modern day Italy visit WebVisionItaly.com, the only Internet television network about Italy.
The Colosseum is just one of many ancient buildings users can tour.
Google has added to its popular 3D map tool, Google Earth, offering millions of users the chance to visit a virtual ancient Rome.
Google Earth provides a reconstruction of the sprawling city - inhabited by more than one million people as long ago as AD320, the date given as the founding of Rome.
Users may zoom around the map to visit the Forum of Julius Caesar, stand in the centre of the Colosseum or swoop over the Basilica.
Researchers behind the project say it adds to five centuries of knowledge.
"This is another step in creating a virtual time machine," said Bernard Frischer of the University of Virginia, which worked with Google on the Roman reconstruction.
"The project is a continuation of five centuries of research by scholars, architects and artists since the Renaissance, who have attempted to restore the ruins of the ancient city with words, maps and images," he said.
Also involved was Past Perfect Productions, which reconstructs archaeological and historical sites through virtual reality.
Joel Myers, the firm's chief executive, said: "Cultural heritage, although based in the past, lives in the present, as it forms our identity.
"It is therefore our responsibility to ensure its conservation, to nourish it and make it accessible, with the objective of promoting global understanding. Ancient Rome in 3D is a major step towards this goal," he added.
Google's blog said that the Ancient Rome model contains more than 6,700 buildings, with more than 250 place marks linking to key sites in a variety of languages.
"Whether you are a student taking your first ancient history class, a historian who spends your life researching ancient civilisations, or just a history buff, access to this 3D model in Google Earth will help everyone learn more about ancient Rome," said Bruce Polderman, Google Earth 3D production manager.
Within ancient Rome there are some 200 buildings scholars know a lot about - classified as Class 1, which Google says have been rendered as faithfully as possible.
The 3D models are based on a physical model of the city called the Plastico di Roma Antica.
The model was created by archaeologists and model-makers between 1933 to 1974 and housed in a special gallery in Rome's Museum of Roman Civilization.
The new map was unveiled at an event in the Italian capital, and the modern day Mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, praised the project.
"It's an incredible opportunity to share the stunning greatness of ancient Rome, a perfect example of how the new technologies can be ideal allies of our history, archaeology and cultural identity," Mr Alemanno said.
To learn more about Italy, its culture, its people, the distinct regions, and modern day Italy visit WebVisionItaly.com, the only Internet television network about Italy.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Best Napoletana Pizza in America
Antonio Pace, in 1984, created the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), to create a standard protocol for the creation of authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Today the VPN is backed by the Italian government and certifies restaurants that produce authentic Neapolitan pizza around the world.
Ten of the best Pizzeria's that stick to VPN protocol from around the U.S., as voted by the Professional Travel Guide.
According to the VPN, pizza that meets the Napoletana protocol is composed of fresh dough, buffalo mozzarella, extra-virgin olive oil and San Marzano tomatoes.
1) Cavalli Pizza - Dallas, Texas.
2) Flatbread Community Oven - Boise, Idaho
3) Via Tribunali - Seattle, Washington
4) Tutta Bella - Seattle, Washington
5) 2 Amy's - Macomb Street storefront in northwest Washington D.C.
6) Punch Neapolitan Pizza - Highland Park, St. Paul, Minnesota. Second location just opened on Grand Avenue.
7) A16 - San Francisco, named for the autostrada that runs through southern Italy.
8) Antica Pizzeria - Marina del Rey, California.
9) La Pizza Fresca Ristorante - New York City
10) Fritti - Sister-restaurant to Sotto Sotto next door, Atlanta, Georgia.
Click Professional Travel Guide to read more about each location.
To visit the home of the first pizzza Margherita, named after King Umberto's wife, Margherita, click to visit Brandi Pizzeria, Naples, Italy. To learn more about today's new invention, vending machine pizza, which claims taking real hands off the dough still produces great pizza, click for the full story after the jump More >
Buon Appetito!
Today the VPN is backed by the Italian government and certifies restaurants that produce authentic Neapolitan pizza around the world.
Ten of the best Pizzeria's that stick to VPN protocol from around the U.S., as voted by the Professional Travel Guide.
According to the VPN, pizza that meets the Napoletana protocol is composed of fresh dough, buffalo mozzarella, extra-virgin olive oil and San Marzano tomatoes.
1) Cavalli Pizza - Dallas, Texas.
2) Flatbread Community Oven - Boise, Idaho
3) Via Tribunali - Seattle, Washington
4) Tutta Bella - Seattle, Washington
5) 2 Amy's - Macomb Street storefront in northwest Washington D.C.
6) Punch Neapolitan Pizza - Highland Park, St. Paul, Minnesota. Second location just opened on Grand Avenue.
7) A16 - San Francisco, named for the autostrada that runs through southern Italy.
8) Antica Pizzeria - Marina del Rey, California.
9) La Pizza Fresca Ristorante - New York City
10) Fritti - Sister-restaurant to Sotto Sotto next door, Atlanta, Georgia.
Click Professional Travel Guide to read more about each location.
To visit the home of the first pizzza Margherita, named after King Umberto's wife, Margherita, click to visit Brandi Pizzeria, Naples, Italy. To learn more about today's new invention, vending machine pizza, which claims taking real hands off the dough still produces great pizza, click for the full story after the jump More >
Buon Appetito!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
3 Days in Rome: How to Buy Vatican Museum Ticket Online
Vatican Museum tickets are available online for those of wondering how to buy a ticket to the Vatican Museum online.
Vatican Museum tickets online, announced by http://www.WebVisionItaly.com intern brigade, Motorino, on Vatican website Pay 4 Euro fee in addition to cost of entrance to reserve time to enter Vatican Museum and purchase online Vatican Museum entrance ticket. Guided tour not included, rather this is time reservation to enter Vatican Museum and to buy ticket online to Vatican Museum.
*note: Buy child ticket at time of entry.
Author: Motorino (Click here to Book Vatican Ticket )
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/tickets/do
If you decide to skip Vatican Museum you may want to go inside St. Peter's Basilica to see Bernini's sculptures, architecture, painting, and bas relief and Michelangelo's Pieta.
Be sure to go inside Pantheon. Enjoy Raphael. I know money is tight, but consider a drink atop the Raphael Hotel, just west of Piazza Navona. It's an authentic Roman view. And nice Raphael's inside the hotel. 2 drinks = 20 euro.
If you decide to see the forum get an audio guide otherwise it is tough to understand.
My favorite time for Trevi Fountain is late at night when there are less people. Throw a coin in - then you'll return to Rome.
To take night picture turn off flash and place camera on wall so it does not shake. You will find the fountain with its own light is perfect back light for picture - much better than with the flash.
You'll found nice Rome trattoria around Via del Governo Vecchio and Via della Pace, just west of Piazza Navona. Try to find something small and local, nice organic local food versus menus with lots of items. Eat fresh and seasonal.
Vatican Museum tickets online, announced by http://www.WebVisionItaly.com intern brigade, Motorino, on Vatican website Pay 4 Euro fee in addition to cost of entrance to reserve time to enter Vatican Museum and purchase online Vatican Museum entrance ticket. Guided tour not included, rather this is time reservation to enter Vatican Museum and to buy ticket online to Vatican Museum.
*note: Buy child ticket at time of entry.
Author: Motorino (Click here to Book Vatican Ticket )
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/tickets/do
If you decide to skip Vatican Museum you may want to go inside St. Peter's Basilica to see Bernini's sculptures, architecture, painting, and bas relief and Michelangelo's Pieta.
Be sure to go inside Pantheon. Enjoy Raphael. I know money is tight, but consider a drink atop the Raphael Hotel, just west of Piazza Navona. It's an authentic Roman view. And nice Raphael's inside the hotel. 2 drinks = 20 euro.
If you decide to see the forum get an audio guide otherwise it is tough to understand.
My favorite time for Trevi Fountain is late at night when there are less people. Throw a coin in - then you'll return to Rome.
To take night picture turn off flash and place camera on wall so it does not shake. You will find the fountain with its own light is perfect back light for picture - much better than with the flash.
You'll found nice Rome trattoria around Via del Governo Vecchio and Via della Pace, just west of Piazza Navona. Try to find something small and local, nice organic local food versus menus with lots of items. Eat fresh and seasonal.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Italy Travel: Best Deal to Rome
Good morning Web Vision Italy subscribers!
If you are dreaming of Italy then Web Vision Italy has very good travel news for you:
$699 Rome round trip airfare and that includes 6 nights hotel!
That is correct - Dooley Vacations is offering round trip airfare and 6 nights hotel in Rome for $699 total.
But offer expires November 14, 2008. Visit Dooley's website and book now. This offer expires November 14.
Want to stay in Italy for longer than 6 nights? Ciao Italy Travel, Web Vision Italy's sponsor for years, will be happy to help you. Guido D'Ugo and his team will arrange a wonderful Italy vacation for you, your favorite people, and groups.
If you haven't been to Web Vision Italy's website recently now is a great time to see some new shows.
Isabella Dusi, author of Vanilla Beans and Brodo and Montalcino resident, launched on Web Vision Italy her new Italy travel television series On Tour with Isabella Dusi.
Isabella brings Web Vision Italy's viewers to Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Veneto to meet the people, taste their food and enjoy the history of Italy.
For more information about Web Vision Italy's and Isabella's 2009 group tours in Italy send an email to:
Motorino@WebVisionItaly.com and type "Dusi 2009" in subject.
Buon Viaggio,
Web Vision Italy Editors
If you are dreaming of Italy then Web Vision Italy has very good travel news for you:
$699 Rome round trip airfare and that includes 6 nights hotel!
That is correct - Dooley Vacations is offering round trip airfare and 6 nights hotel in Rome for $699 total.
But offer expires November 14, 2008. Visit Dooley's website and book now. This offer expires November 14.
Want to stay in Italy for longer than 6 nights? Ciao Italy Travel, Web Vision Italy's sponsor for years, will be happy to help you. Guido D'Ugo and his team will arrange a wonderful Italy vacation for you, your favorite people, and groups.
If you haven't been to Web Vision Italy's website recently now is a great time to see some new shows.
Isabella Dusi, author of Vanilla Beans and Brodo and Montalcino resident, launched on Web Vision Italy her new Italy travel television series On Tour with Isabella Dusi.
Isabella brings Web Vision Italy's viewers to Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Veneto to meet the people, taste their food and enjoy the history of Italy.
For more information about Web Vision Italy's and Isabella's 2009 group tours in Italy send an email to:
Motorino@WebVisionItaly.com and type "Dusi 2009" in subject.
Buon Viaggio,
Web Vision Italy Editors
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Beckham going to AC Milan Spring 2009
Italy vacations to Milan Spring 2009 think about checking out AC Milan soccer match now that David Beckham's move from LA Galaxy to AC Milan is confirmed.
Click the link below for the full story:
Galaxy player is expected to return for the start of the MLS season in March.
By Grahame L. Jones
October 31, 2008
David Beckham's move from the Galaxy to AC Milan was finalized Thursday, with the England national team midfielder set to join the Italian club on loan for January and February.
The exact starting and ending dates of the loan were left unclear, however, as were most other pertinent details.
For example, neither club would reveal who would pay Beckham's $541,667-a-month salary during his absence from Los Angeles. Nor would they comment on the specifics of "a technical partnership" being formed between the Galaxy and AC Milan, or whether the Galaxy would financially benefit from lending its top player.
"Terms of the agreement will remain confidential," said a joint statement issued by the Major League Soccer and Serie A teams.
According to AC Milan's website: "The English player [David Beckham] will be a Rossonero (red and black) from Jan. 7, 2009."
Jones is a Times staff writer.
grahame.jones@latimes.com
Click the link below for the full story:
Galaxy player is expected to return for the start of the MLS season in March.
By Grahame L. Jones
October 31, 2008
David Beckham's move from the Galaxy to AC Milan was finalized Thursday, with the England national team midfielder set to join the Italian club on loan for January and February.
The exact starting and ending dates of the loan were left unclear, however, as were most other pertinent details.
For example, neither club would reveal who would pay Beckham's $541,667-a-month salary during his absence from Los Angeles. Nor would they comment on the specifics of "a technical partnership" being formed between the Galaxy and AC Milan, or whether the Galaxy would financially benefit from lending its top player.
"Terms of the agreement will remain confidential," said a joint statement issued by the Major League Soccer and Serie A teams.
According to AC Milan's website: "The English player [David Beckham] will be a Rossonero (red and black) from Jan. 7, 2009."
Jones is a Times staff writer.
grahame.jones@latimes.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Italy Vacations on a Budget: Monastery or Convent Lodging
From San Francisco by way of New York Times Jane Margolies reports about Monastery and Convent lodging for your next Italy vacation.
Travelers discover cloisters' blessings
Jane Margolies, New York Times
Sunday, October 26, 2008
For more Italy travel click here to visit Web Vision Italy, the only television network about Italy vacations.
Travelers discover cloisters' blessings
Jane Margolies, New York Times
Sunday, October 26, 2008
For more Italy travel click here to visit Web Vision Italy, the only television network about Italy vacations.
Montalcino - Brunello di Montalcino
Wine producers in Montalcino who produce the Brunello di Montalcino have voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping Sangiovese as the only grape variety allowed in their bottles.
Click here for video of Montalcino.
For more video about Italy travel and your Italy vacation click Web Vision Italy, the only Internet television network about Italy.
Click here for video of Montalcino.
For more video about Italy travel and your Italy vacation click Web Vision Italy, the only Internet television network about Italy.
why gelato?
Does Italy celebrate Halloween?
Happy Halloween everyone!!
Forget sugar this year folks - go for gelato.
WhyGelato.com? Because Cold Is Hot!
Great News for Gelato Lovers - A Web Site Just for You
Last update: 10:28 a.m. EDT Oct. 28, 2008
CONCORD, N.C., Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- WhyGelato.com? Because it made Mona Lisa smile. Maybe because Italy's too far away. No, it's definitely because it was love at first taste. Whatever your answer, the reasons for WhyGelato.com are endless. If gelato is your passion, or you've just heard about it but never had a taste, WhyGelato.com is the Web site for you.
Launching this week, WhyGelato.com is a gelato-inspired resource for anyone and everyone interested in gelato and looking to learn more about the delicious frozen treat - including where to find and enjoy it.
Sometimes referred to as Italian ice cream, gelato is known for its intense flavors, creaminess and artisanal qualities. Gelato means "frozen" in Italian and is something Italians consider a part of everyday life - partly because of its nutritional value and partly because enjoying gelato usually includes family and friends, and fun.
WhyGelato.com features the following and much, much more:
-- Find a Gelato Provider Near You: Whether you're in Charlotte, Tampa, St. Louis, Columbus or countless other cities across the country, you'll find the perfect place to indulge your passion for everything gelato - and the list continues to grow every day. In fact, gelato shops, pizza places, Italian restaurants, coffee shops, frozen yogurt shops and other spots that serve fresh gelato are invited to fill in their location information so no matter where you are, you can find gelato nearby.
-- Events & Extras: Want to wear or celebrate all things gelato? Look no further for gelato events nationwide and great WhyGelato.com merchandise. You can buy brightly colored T-shirts with the answers to WhyGelato.com? such as, "because cold is hot" and "because good taste never goes out of style."
-- Around the World: One gelato experience inspires another, so if you've found or are looking for the perfect place to enjoy gelato, this is where you can share your own or hear someone else's gelato story. You can even add a photo! Think of the smiles you'll bring when you give people the scoop on that special gelato shop you and your friends meet at on Saturday afternoons, and imagine how fun it would be to hear about someone else's gelato crawl.
-- Gelato 101: Did you know that gelato dates back to ancient times or that it's made from just a few natural ingredients? If not, check out Gelato 101 to learn about the history, ingredients, how it's made and why it's good for you.
-- Flavors: It's not just about chocolate, vanilla and strawberry anymore. Kiwi, coconut, hazelnut, tiramisu and even bubble gum have made their way into modern gelato. You can even discover what your favorite flavor says about you.
-- Gelato News: Want to read the latest gelato news and sign up for a WhyGelato.com e-Newsletter? Look no further.
WhyGelato.com is sponsored by PreGel AMERICA, a global specialty dessert company founded in 1967 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. PreGel AMERICA developed WhyGelato.com to educate consumers on all things gelato and further the gelato industry. PreGel develops, manufactures and distributes natural ingredients, toppings and fillings of the highest quality from Italy including flavors, powders and pastes used in gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbetto, semifreddos, pastries and much more. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Concord, N.C., just Northeast of Charlotte.
"Gelato has been part of my life, my culture and my family for over 100 years, and my goal in life is to bring the passion Italians have for gelato to America," said PreGel AMERICA President and CEO Marco Casol, who was born in Italy and is an accomplished gelato master. "We developed WhyGelato.com to start a vibrant gelato community online for gelato lovers, people who serve gelato and people who just want to know more. As I travel the country and the world, I know from experience that once people taste and experience gelato, they become passionate gelato lovers who will go to great lengths to find it. I almost feel as if it's my duty to make the gelato experience available to everyone."
For more on travel to Italy visit Web Vision Italy the best Italy video.
Happy Halloween everyone!!
Forget sugar this year folks - go for gelato.
WhyGelato.com? Because Cold Is Hot!
Great News for Gelato Lovers - A Web Site Just for You
Last update: 10:28 a.m. EDT Oct. 28, 2008
CONCORD, N.C., Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- WhyGelato.com? Because it made Mona Lisa smile. Maybe because Italy's too far away. No, it's definitely because it was love at first taste. Whatever your answer, the reasons for WhyGelato.com are endless. If gelato is your passion, or you've just heard about it but never had a taste, WhyGelato.com is the Web site for you.
Launching this week, WhyGelato.com is a gelato-inspired resource for anyone and everyone interested in gelato and looking to learn more about the delicious frozen treat - including where to find and enjoy it.
Sometimes referred to as Italian ice cream, gelato is known for its intense flavors, creaminess and artisanal qualities. Gelato means "frozen" in Italian and is something Italians consider a part of everyday life - partly because of its nutritional value and partly because enjoying gelato usually includes family and friends, and fun.
WhyGelato.com features the following and much, much more:
-- Find a Gelato Provider Near You: Whether you're in Charlotte, Tampa, St. Louis, Columbus or countless other cities across the country, you'll find the perfect place to indulge your passion for everything gelato - and the list continues to grow every day. In fact, gelato shops, pizza places, Italian restaurants, coffee shops, frozen yogurt shops and other spots that serve fresh gelato are invited to fill in their location information so no matter where you are, you can find gelato nearby.
-- Events & Extras: Want to wear or celebrate all things gelato? Look no further for gelato events nationwide and great WhyGelato.com merchandise. You can buy brightly colored T-shirts with the answers to WhyGelato.com? such as, "because cold is hot" and "because good taste never goes out of style."
-- Around the World: One gelato experience inspires another, so if you've found or are looking for the perfect place to enjoy gelato, this is where you can share your own or hear someone else's gelato story. You can even add a photo! Think of the smiles you'll bring when you give people the scoop on that special gelato shop you and your friends meet at on Saturday afternoons, and imagine how fun it would be to hear about someone else's gelato crawl.
-- Gelato 101: Did you know that gelato dates back to ancient times or that it's made from just a few natural ingredients? If not, check out Gelato 101 to learn about the history, ingredients, how it's made and why it's good for you.
-- Flavors: It's not just about chocolate, vanilla and strawberry anymore. Kiwi, coconut, hazelnut, tiramisu and even bubble gum have made their way into modern gelato. You can even discover what your favorite flavor says about you.
-- Gelato News: Want to read the latest gelato news and sign up for a WhyGelato.com e-Newsletter? Look no further.
WhyGelato.com is sponsored by PreGel AMERICA, a global specialty dessert company founded in 1967 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. PreGel AMERICA developed WhyGelato.com to educate consumers on all things gelato and further the gelato industry. PreGel develops, manufactures and distributes natural ingredients, toppings and fillings of the highest quality from Italy including flavors, powders and pastes used in gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbetto, semifreddos, pastries and much more. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Concord, N.C., just Northeast of Charlotte.
"Gelato has been part of my life, my culture and my family for over 100 years, and my goal in life is to bring the passion Italians have for gelato to America," said PreGel AMERICA President and CEO Marco Casol, who was born in Italy and is an accomplished gelato master. "We developed WhyGelato.com to start a vibrant gelato community online for gelato lovers, people who serve gelato and people who just want to know more. As I travel the country and the world, I know from experience that once people taste and experience gelato, they become passionate gelato lovers who will go to great lengths to find it. I almost feel as if it's my duty to make the gelato experience available to everyone."
For more on travel to Italy visit Web Vision Italy the best Italy video.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Italy Travel Fall 2008 - Arts Guide
Rome, October 24, 2008 - The following is a city-by-city guide to some of Italy's top art exhibitions:
BOLOGNA - Pinacoteca Nazionale: Amico Aspertini (1474-1552), A Bizarre Artist in the Age of Durer and Raphael; until January 11.
BRESCIA - Museo di Santa Giulia: Van Gogh, Masterpieces from the Kroeller-Mueller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands; until January 25.
CORTONA - Etruscan Academy Museum (MAEC): 30 masterpieces of Etruscan art from Russia's Hermitage museum including the only Etruscan bronze funerary urn ever found; until January 6.
FERMO - Palazzo dei Priori: leading Marche Renaissance painter Vincenzo Pagani and influences including Raphael, Carlo Crivelli; until November 9.
FLORENCE - Palazzo Strozzi: Caterina and Maria de' Medici, Women in Power; October 24-February 8.
- Galleria Palatina: Flemish Artists in Florence, 1430-1530; the likes of van Eyck, Memling and Leida compared to contemporaries Raphael, Botticelli, Castagno and Ghirlandaio; until October 26.
- Palazzo Pitti: The Medicis And Science; large collection of scientific writings and tools; until January 11.
Accademia di Belle Arti: Giovanni Fattori Past and Present, 130 works; until November 23.
- Archaeological Museum: retrospective on British sculptor Matthew Spender, who has lived in Tuscany for the last 40 years; until December 30.
GENOA - Palazzo Ducale: 'Lucio Fontana Light and Colour'; until February 15.
MAMIANO DI TRAVERSETOLO (PARMA) - Fondazione Magnani-Rocca: Giovanni Fattori, The Poetry of Truth; until November 30.
MANTUA - Ducal Palace; first major show on Jacopo Alari-Bonacorsi aka Antico, an acclaimed sculptor in Mantegna's time; bronzes of mythological figures and busts of Roman rulers loaned by the Louvre, the Met, the Victor & Albert, the Bargello and Viennese museums; from Modena's Galleria Estense, celebrated Vaso Gonzaga made for wedding of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga; until January 6.
MILAN - Palazzo Reale: Georges Seurat, Paul Seignac and the neo-Impressionists; over 100 works from major international museums; until January 25.
- same venue: Tiepolos and Canalettos from the Terruzzi Collection; until January 11.
- same venue: biggest-ever retrospective on Naive artist Antonio Ligabue; 250 works until October 26.
- Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation: 'Great Works 1972-2008'; until March 22.
- Brera Academy and Palazzo Stelline (Credito Valtellinese): Mario Schifano 1943-1998, Selected Works; major retrospective marking 10th anniversary of artist's death, previously at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome; until February 1.
MONTECATINI TERME - ex-Terme Tamerici: Boldini Mon Amour; 180 works by Parisian School portrait painter Giovanni Boldini (1842-1931), many unseen including three portraits of secret lover Countess Rastj; until December 30.
NAPLES - Archaeological Museum: Herculaneum: Three Centuries of Discoveries; until April 2009.
- Madre modern art gallery: Robert Rauschenberg, Travelling 1970-76; until January 19.
NUORO - MAN gallery: Man Ray, 300 pieces from his private collection; October 24-January 6.
PALERMO - Palazzo dei Normanni: The Fantastic World of Picasso, 66 works until March 8.
PARMA - National Gallery: 'Correggio', biggest exhibit on once-neglected artist in years; around 80 works flanked by 40 by contemporaries, plus chance to see three most important frescos up close in city churches; until January 25.
PERUGIA - Palazzo Baldeschi al Corso; From Corot to Picasso and Fattori to De Pisis, modern Italian and European art from two private collections including Monet, Van Gogh and Modigliani; until January 15.
REGGIO EMILIA - Palazzo Magnani and other venues; Matilda and the Treasure of Canossa, 200 works of Medieval art; until January 11.
ROME - Chiostro del Bramante: The Myth of Julius Caesar, first ever show focusing on him alone; 200 items from ancient times until the 20th century; until April 5.
- Vittoriano: Picasso 1917-1937, the Harlequin of Art; more than 180 works in first major Rome show on Spanish artist in 55 years; until February 8.
- Scuderie del Quirinale: Giovanni Bellini, biggest show in 50 years on artist Durer called 'the best of them all'; until January 11.
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni: Etruscans, The Ancient Metropoli of Latium; until January 9.
- Colosseum: Ruins and Rebirths, 80 works charting development of heritage protection; until February 15.
- Fondazione Memmo: Basquiat, 40 works until February 1.
- Castel Sant'Angelo: The Wolf And The Sphinx, Rome and Egypt From History To Myth; until November 9.
- Gagosian Gallery: Georg Baselitz, Remix series; until November 8.
- Museo dell'Ara Pacis: Bruno Munari, retrospective on artist and designer; until February 22.
SIENA - Piazza del Duomo and other city sites: Mario Ceroli, Forms In Movement; giant works by avant-garde sculptor; until November 7.
STRA - Villa Pisani: 70 paintings and monumental works by sculptor Mimmo Paladino, hand-picked and arranged by the artist in the historic villa's magnificent grounds; until November 2.
TIVOLI - Villa Adriana: Between Light and Darkness; Ancient Roman funerary beds including bone-decorated bed from Aquinum and one found on Rome's Esquiline Hill; until November 2.
TRENTO - Castello del Buonconsiglio; first major show on relatively unknown Renaissance sculptor Andrea Briosco aka Il Riccio; until November 2.
- same venue: Rembrandt and Masterpieces of European Graphics; until November 2.
TREVISO - Casa dei Carraresi: Canaletto, Venice and its Splendours; until April 5.
TURIN - San Paolo Foundation: Heavenly Empire, From Terracotta Army To Silk Road; imperial Chinese works from Qi, Han and Tang dynasties (3rd century BC to 11th century AD); until November 16.
VENICE - Biennale venues including Arsenale and Padiglione Italia: 11th International Architecture Exhibition from 56 countries entitled Out There: Architecture Beyond Building; 23 installations at Arsenale; experimental work of 55 international firms at the Padiglione as well as a survey of the Masters of the Experiment, five visionaries including Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid; also, Uneternal City, Thirty Years of Uninterrupted Rome, 12 designs for a possible 'new Rome'; plus 13 exhibitions around Venice by visiting countries and 24 collateral events; until November 23.
- Fondazione Cini: New Graphic Design Japan; until November 2.
- Palazzo Grassi: Italics, Italian contemporary art 1968-2008; until January 11.
VICENZA - Palazzo Barbaran: 'Palladio 500', 200 works including 30 models of Palladian architecture plus art by Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian celebrate Andrea Palladio on the 500th anniversary of his birth; until January 9, when exhibit moves to London (Royal Academy of Arts, 31 January - 13 April 2009) and on to Washington in autumn 2009.
VIGEVANO - Castello: Futurism and Modernity, mainly local artists; until December 14.
VITERBO - Rocca Albertoz Etruscan Museum: Celtic, Etruscan and other pre-Roman artefacts showing their interpretations of the night sky; show includes Celtic ceremonial brooch from Brno, Czech Republic; bronze Etruscan statuette of 'haruspex' (entrail-gazing priest); and famous 'Liver of Piacenza', a bronze model of the sheep's organ used by Etruscans to tell the future; until October 26.
BOLOGNA - Pinacoteca Nazionale: Amico Aspertini (1474-1552), A Bizarre Artist in the Age of Durer and Raphael; until January 11.
BRESCIA - Museo di Santa Giulia: Van Gogh, Masterpieces from the Kroeller-Mueller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands; until January 25.
CORTONA - Etruscan Academy Museum (MAEC): 30 masterpieces of Etruscan art from Russia's Hermitage museum including the only Etruscan bronze funerary urn ever found; until January 6.
FERMO - Palazzo dei Priori: leading Marche Renaissance painter Vincenzo Pagani and influences including Raphael, Carlo Crivelli; until November 9.
FLORENCE - Palazzo Strozzi: Caterina and Maria de' Medici, Women in Power; October 24-February 8.
- Galleria Palatina: Flemish Artists in Florence, 1430-1530; the likes of van Eyck, Memling and Leida compared to contemporaries Raphael, Botticelli, Castagno and Ghirlandaio; until October 26.
- Palazzo Pitti: The Medicis And Science; large collection of scientific writings and tools; until January 11.
Accademia di Belle Arti: Giovanni Fattori Past and Present, 130 works; until November 23.
- Archaeological Museum: retrospective on British sculptor Matthew Spender, who has lived in Tuscany for the last 40 years; until December 30.
GENOA - Palazzo Ducale: 'Lucio Fontana Light and Colour'; until February 15.
MAMIANO DI TRAVERSETOLO (PARMA) - Fondazione Magnani-Rocca: Giovanni Fattori, The Poetry of Truth; until November 30.
MANTUA - Ducal Palace; first major show on Jacopo Alari-Bonacorsi aka Antico, an acclaimed sculptor in Mantegna's time; bronzes of mythological figures and busts of Roman rulers loaned by the Louvre, the Met, the Victor & Albert, the Bargello and Viennese museums; from Modena's Galleria Estense, celebrated Vaso Gonzaga made for wedding of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga; until January 6.
MILAN - Palazzo Reale: Georges Seurat, Paul Seignac and the neo-Impressionists; over 100 works from major international museums; until January 25.
- same venue: Tiepolos and Canalettos from the Terruzzi Collection; until January 11.
- same venue: biggest-ever retrospective on Naive artist Antonio Ligabue; 250 works until October 26.
- Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation: 'Great Works 1972-2008'; until March 22.
- Brera Academy and Palazzo Stelline (Credito Valtellinese): Mario Schifano 1943-1998, Selected Works; major retrospective marking 10th anniversary of artist's death, previously at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome; until February 1.
MONTECATINI TERME - ex-Terme Tamerici: Boldini Mon Amour; 180 works by Parisian School portrait painter Giovanni Boldini (1842-1931), many unseen including three portraits of secret lover Countess Rastj; until December 30.
NAPLES - Archaeological Museum: Herculaneum: Three Centuries of Discoveries; until April 2009.
- Madre modern art gallery: Robert Rauschenberg, Travelling 1970-76; until January 19.
NUORO - MAN gallery: Man Ray, 300 pieces from his private collection; October 24-January 6.
PALERMO - Palazzo dei Normanni: The Fantastic World of Picasso, 66 works until March 8.
PARMA - National Gallery: 'Correggio', biggest exhibit on once-neglected artist in years; around 80 works flanked by 40 by contemporaries, plus chance to see three most important frescos up close in city churches; until January 25.
PERUGIA - Palazzo Baldeschi al Corso; From Corot to Picasso and Fattori to De Pisis, modern Italian and European art from two private collections including Monet, Van Gogh and Modigliani; until January 15.
REGGIO EMILIA - Palazzo Magnani and other venues; Matilda and the Treasure of Canossa, 200 works of Medieval art; until January 11.
ROME - Chiostro del Bramante: The Myth of Julius Caesar, first ever show focusing on him alone; 200 items from ancient times until the 20th century; until April 5.
- Vittoriano: Picasso 1917-1937, the Harlequin of Art; more than 180 works in first major Rome show on Spanish artist in 55 years; until February 8.
- Scuderie del Quirinale: Giovanni Bellini, biggest show in 50 years on artist Durer called 'the best of them all'; until January 11.
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni: Etruscans, The Ancient Metropoli of Latium; until January 9.
- Colosseum: Ruins and Rebirths, 80 works charting development of heritage protection; until February 15.
- Fondazione Memmo: Basquiat, 40 works until February 1.
- Castel Sant'Angelo: The Wolf And The Sphinx, Rome and Egypt From History To Myth; until November 9.
- Gagosian Gallery: Georg Baselitz, Remix series; until November 8.
- Museo dell'Ara Pacis: Bruno Munari, retrospective on artist and designer; until February 22.
SIENA - Piazza del Duomo and other city sites: Mario Ceroli, Forms In Movement; giant works by avant-garde sculptor; until November 7.
STRA - Villa Pisani: 70 paintings and monumental works by sculptor Mimmo Paladino, hand-picked and arranged by the artist in the historic villa's magnificent grounds; until November 2.
TIVOLI - Villa Adriana: Between Light and Darkness; Ancient Roman funerary beds including bone-decorated bed from Aquinum and one found on Rome's Esquiline Hill; until November 2.
TRENTO - Castello del Buonconsiglio; first major show on relatively unknown Renaissance sculptor Andrea Briosco aka Il Riccio; until November 2.
- same venue: Rembrandt and Masterpieces of European Graphics; until November 2.
TREVISO - Casa dei Carraresi: Canaletto, Venice and its Splendours; until April 5.
TURIN - San Paolo Foundation: Heavenly Empire, From Terracotta Army To Silk Road; imperial Chinese works from Qi, Han and Tang dynasties (3rd century BC to 11th century AD); until November 16.
VENICE - Biennale venues including Arsenale and Padiglione Italia: 11th International Architecture Exhibition from 56 countries entitled Out There: Architecture Beyond Building; 23 installations at Arsenale; experimental work of 55 international firms at the Padiglione as well as a survey of the Masters of the Experiment, five visionaries including Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid; also, Uneternal City, Thirty Years of Uninterrupted Rome, 12 designs for a possible 'new Rome'; plus 13 exhibitions around Venice by visiting countries and 24 collateral events; until November 23.
- Fondazione Cini: New Graphic Design Japan; until November 2.
- Palazzo Grassi: Italics, Italian contemporary art 1968-2008; until January 11.
VICENZA - Palazzo Barbaran: 'Palladio 500', 200 works including 30 models of Palladian architecture plus art by Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian celebrate Andrea Palladio on the 500th anniversary of his birth; until January 9, when exhibit moves to London (Royal Academy of Arts, 31 January - 13 April 2009) and on to Washington in autumn 2009.
VIGEVANO - Castello: Futurism and Modernity, mainly local artists; until December 14.
VITERBO - Rocca Albertoz Etruscan Museum: Celtic, Etruscan and other pre-Roman artefacts showing their interpretations of the night sky; show includes Celtic ceremonial brooch from Brno, Czech Republic; bronze Etruscan statuette of 'haruspex' (entrail-gazing priest); and famous 'Liver of Piacenza', a bronze model of the sheep's organ used by Etruscans to tell the future; until October 26.
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