10 Favorite Reads on Italy this week: June 27

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 – Italian flags in the streets for the World Cup

This week’s roundup includes more fascinating discoveries in the Colosseum, changes to state-run museums, another site in Italy added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, and more.

Culture and Travel

Colosseum was bustling medieval bazaar in Dark Ages, archaeologists find by The Telegraph – More fascinating discoveries in the Colosseum that revealed it was used as a housing area “from the late medieval period”.

Paciano, Umbria: Art, Flowers and Crazy Races by Green Holiday Italy – A charming village in Umbria, Paciano is beautifully well-kept and it’s no surprise that Paciano is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

How to get to Ponza by Gillian’s Lists – Ponza, the largest of the Pontine islands in the region of Lazio, is an unspoilt beauty! Very handy post and I’m already taking notes for a trip in September.

Opening Hours and Fees to Change at State-Run Museums by Italy Magazine – Great news! A few of the changes include extended hours on Fridays at major sites to free entry on the first Sunday of every month.

Barolo vineyards get UNESCO World Heritage status by Decanter – More great news! The Barolo vineyards is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

La Spezia Travel Guide: The Top Ten Attractions by A Path to Lunch – Often off-the-radar for most visitors to Italy, here is a list of things not to miss when in La Spezia.

Food and Drinks

Gluten-Free Dining in Italy by The New York Times – Great article that highlights how accommodating Italians are to those who are gluten-intolerant. It’s easier than you think and you will be served up delicious dishes too!

Capers in Pantelleria by David Lebovitz – Just last month, with a few family members, we were discussing the difference between capers and caper fruit. There’s one thing that’s for sure, we love both.

What’s in a label by The American – Yes, reading Italian wine labels can be complicated and here’s a guide to help you figure it all out. Need more insights? Here’s another helpful post on How to Read an Italian Wine Label.

Life in Italy

Italian Fans Furious After Early World Cup Exit by Wall Street Journal – There were high hopes after Italy won their first match against England. The agony of defeat and endless discussion as to what will happen next.

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