Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Feb 7

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: Stunning sunset in Rome

This week’s roundup includes a wealth of articles on Rome, lovely villages in Liguria, and as Carnival time is around the corner, some tips on the Venice Carnival and other cities known for their Carnival celebrations.

Culture and Travel

Secret Rome: lesser-known attractions, bars and restaurants by Telegraph Travel – I’ve been to many of these places and it offers a great list especially for the section “See and Do”. We’ve recently had Agnes Crawford, a licensed guide in Rome, share some insights on Ostia Antica, which surprisingly, is easier to reach from Rome than you think.

The Most Beautiful Villages in Liguria: Part 5 by A Path to Lunch – I’m fascinated by many of these villages which are often hidden gems. Many of them are steeped in history, and offer an authentic experience. While we have already visited quite a number of the most beautiful villages in Italy, I will be exploring more of them this year.

Food and frescoes in ancient Puglia by Vancover Sun – An incredible fulfilling experience in restoration work in a beautiful region, and then well-rewarded with some fabulous food.

Rome In All Its Black And White Glory by Huffington Post – Check out the stunning photos for yourself. Rome IS stunning, even in black and white. Truly a timeless beauty.

Venice Carnival 2014: details and guide by The Telegraph – It’s Carnival time and that means, parties, masks, parades and plenty of fun. It’s a unique occasion and certainly an unforgettable one too.

The Best Places to Celebrate Carnival in Italy (Beyond Venice!) by Walks of Italy – While the Venice Carnival is the most renowned, there are some pretty spectacular celebrations throughout Italy. And one not to miss is the Carnival of Viareggio.

Venice Carnival 2014 by Monica Cesarato – If you are planning to be part of the Venice Carnival, here’s the calendar of events.

Should I rent a car in Italy by Dream of Italy – Great tips! We have a car and personally, I think you have to be fearless to drive in Italy. A few more things to be careful of are the speed limits and knowing which areas in a town are closed of to only residents. My Spanish friend drove while in Italy and 6 months later, received a fine delivered to her home. Driver beware!

Rome guide: free attractions and things to do by Telegraph – There are plenty of attractions, major ones too like Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the amazing piazzas to name a few, are free. The article also lists some places which offer splendid views of Rome.

Food and Drinks

Gorging on the “Nun’s Breasts” in Abruzzo by Green Holiday in Italy – They sound delicious and read more to find out why they are called “nun’s breasts”.

Italian Table Talk: On Soups and Risi e Suca by Life, Love, Food – Rice with pumpkin served with grated Parmesan cheese. Yes please! And it looks simple to make. One for the recipe book.

How to cook artisan polenta (with sausages) by Madonna del Piatto – Besides soup, this is one of my favorite winter dishes. I have a thing for polenta with salsiccia and though this article was written end of January, I had to include it in this week’s round-up. Yums!

Life in Italy

Lunch in an olive grove by Gillian’s Lists – Just an hour from Rome, get pampered with a day spent at the hot springs followed by a fantastic lunch in an olive grove. What’s not to love?

Foto Friday: After the storm by Ciao Amalfi – It’s been raining a lot all over Italy but look at this beautiful sight captured by Laura who lives on the Amalfi Coast. Breathtaking!

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