10 Favorite Reads on Italy this week: July 18

Favorite Reads on Italy (FRI) is a weekly roundup published on Fridays featuring interesting articles, fascinating experiences, and handy resources that I’ve come across that week.

Postcard from Italy: Colosseum in Rome

This week’s roundup includes an up-close look at the restoration work on the Colosseum, fun quiz, fickle weather in Italy this summer, and more.

Culture and Travel

Visiting Venice, Italy very quietly by Ottawa Sun –  One comment in the article rang through for me after my 2nd visit “Venice is only busy between the Rialto and San Marco”. If you go beyond these two areas, that’s where you get to experience a more authentic Venice and see the city in a different light.

Quiz: could you become a citizen of ancient Rome? by History Extra – Just for fun to see if you could pass the quiz.

Italy remembers cycling champion who helped save Jews from the Nazis by Guardian – Interesting and lovely read.

Living History: Saving the Colosseum by Darius Arya via Huffington Post – Seeing first-hand and up close the restoration work on the Colosseum and with video.

Massa Marittima’s seductive artifact and charming streets by Tiana Kai – I love Maremma but have yet to step foot in Massa Marittima. It’s the first time I read about a fertility tree and hanging penises on the murals. Read on to find out more. 

5 Things to do in Ponza – After reading about Gillian’s experience in Ponza on Italy “Show and Tell, I’m planning to hop over to Ponza for a long weekend before summer ends. Taking notes!

Food and Drinks

Italy Traditions: Braiding Red Sulmona Garlic by Green Holiday Italy – Most have heard of red onions from Tropea but few have probably are aware of red Sulmona garlic. Interesting insights that braiding the garlic is more than just for aesthetics, it’s for a practical reason.

Surprising Gaeta, Italy; You Haven’t Heard of It But You Should by Timeless Italy – A seaside town south of Rome in the region of Lazio, Gaeta makes for a lovely day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City. And it boasts some fabulous food too!

Life in Italy

Those Weather Dependent Italians by Italian Chronicles – The weather has been fickle lately and while we are experiencing more showers than previous summers, I for one don’t mind the cooler temperatures we are experiencing.

Living in Florence Italy: top 6 ways to do it like a local this summer by ArtTrav – But when it gets hot in summer, it’s sizzling. While this post mentions Florence, some tips are also valid for any city or town in Italy.

Have you come across any great reads or resources on Italy this week? Share them with us in the comments below.