heritage

Why the Olive Oil Here Deserves So Much More Credit

I walked up to the Abbey of Santa Maria dell’Olearia expecting a quiet ruin and a sea view. What I found instead was a medieval oil mill still sitting on the grounds, right where monks pressed olives more than a thousand years ago. The name should have tipped me off — Olearia means olive grove. Two-thirds of Italian olive oil is guaranteed by either a DOP or IGP denomination, both recognized by the EU. – italoamericano.org That moment changed how

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A Family Bakery in Amalfi Still Rises Bread the Way It Did in 1960

I stepped into Pasticceria Napoli in Maiori just before noon. The display case held sfogliatella still warm from the oven, and behind the counter, a woman who had to be Signora Pina herself was dusting powdered sugar over a tray of pasticciotto amalfitano. She nodded at me, never stopping. That kind of quiet confidence only comes from decades of doing one thing well. The Amalfi Coast draws over 5 million visitors each year, according to Statista. Most come for the

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Florence’s Heritage Shops: A Fight for Survival

Florence is a city I always thought of for its art and old buildings. While that’s true, I recently discovered so much more. I found a city that feels alive with old traditions, especially in its food and crafts. It’s a place where shops have been passed down for generations, and you can still feel that history. I’m excited to share some of these special places with you. Guardians of Florentine Heritage I learned that Florence has an association dedicated

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Getting To The Ravenna Cruise Port From Venice

Getting to Italy’s cruise ports can sometimes feel like part of the adventure itself, especially when your planned embarkation point has changed. That was certainly the case for us this past summer when we discovered our Royal Caribbean cruise would be departing from Ravenna, Italy, not Venice as we had initially booked. While the cruise line now refers to Ravenna as the “Venice” cruise port, it’s important to know that the historic city of Venice is about a 90-mile drive

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A Guide to Lake Como’s Seasonal Delights

From the moment we arrived, Italy felt like a breath of fresh air after a long winter in Boston. This trip, focused on Italy, was inspired by a desire for both stunning scenery and the chance to explore a region rich in history and natural beauty. We decided to spend our time around Lake Como, a destination that promised just that, and it certainly delivered. Springtime Awakening Around the Lake Visiting in early April, we were greeted by the gentle

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Turin: Italy’s First Capital and Its Savoys

There’s a common image of Italy many of us hold, a postcard-perfect vision of Renaissance cities, narrow cobbled streets, and iconic art. When I first thought of Italy, that’s exactly what came to mind. But on a recent trip, I discovered that to truly understand this multifaceted country, sometimes you need to venture away from the well-trodden paths and explore its less-hyped, yet equally compelling, regions. Our journey took us north, to a city that surprised me with its elegance

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Hike Italy’s Cinque Terre’s Colorful Villages

The Italian Riviera’s Cinque Terre offers an unforgettable hiking experience, weaving through five distinct villages perched precariously along the rugged coastline. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its colorful, terraced buildings that seem to tumble down towards the Ligurian Sea, creating a breathtaking panorama. Planning a visit involves understanding the unique transit options, trail conditions, and the best ways to soak in the essence of this special corner of Italy. From the moment you arrive, the sheer beauty

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Savor Parma’s Famous Prosciutto and Parmesan

Exploring Parma feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved slice of Italian history and culture, with a strong emphasis on the exquisite flavors that have made it world-famous. Most people, myself included, initially think of its culinary stars – the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the delicate Prosciutto di Parma. However, beyond these delicious delights, Parma unfurls a rich narrative of art, architecture, and even opera that’s truly a joy to discover. It’s a city that rewards slow exploration, allowing

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Capri: Beat the Crowds for an Authentic Experience

If you’re dreaming of that iconic Italian summer, the island of Capri absolutely delivers. It’s a place that draws visitors back year after year, and I finally understood why during a recent visit. After experiencing it during a quieter season before, this trip was our first taste of Capri in its full summer glory. It turned out that embracing the island’s renowned “Dolce Vita” is entirely possible, even with its popularity, especially if you know how to navigate the crowds.

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Explore Underrated Lazio Outside of Rome

As a frequent traveler from Boston, I’ve learned that sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin by exploring regions just outside the most famous cities. Italy, with its undeniable draw, is a perfect example. While Rome itself is a marvel, its central location offers a gateway to a diverse array of experiences, from ancient ruins and stunning coastlines to rolling vineyards and charming medieval towns. This past year, I discovered just how much there is to explore within easy reach of

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