10 Favorite Reads on Italy this week: Oct 24, 2014

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

Postcard from Italy: Layers of history at Crypta Balbi, Rome

This week’s roundup features a guide for the Venice Carnival 2015, how to visit a stunning castle, going beyond Rome’s historic center, all about mortadella, and more.

Culture and Travel

Venice Carnival 2015: details and guide by Telegraph Travel – Taking place from January 31 to February 17, here are some things you should know if you are planning to attend the Venice Carnival.

Italian sun and a cerulean sea? That’s amore, and it’s all on the Egadis by Washington Post – Looking for a destination for next summer. This could be what you are looking for.

How to Visit Sammezzano Castle + Tuscany by Gillian’s Lists – This one’s on my bucket list and see how you can visit this castle that showcase some incredibly stunning colors.

So, you’ve seen Rome, but have you been under it? by The Globe and Mail – Some of these places are little known but all of them are worth a visit. Recently I had the chance to visit Crypta Balbi and though the entrance is unpretentious, you will be amazed at the layers of history once you’ve stepped inside.

Alex Polizzi’s homage to secret Italy by Telegraph Travel – Great read exploring Italy and family businesses in Italy. There’s also a mention of a Monica who happens to be the wonderful Monica Cesarato!

Rome Beyond the Historic Center by Context Travel – I couldn’t agree more with these places mentioned in the article and it goes to show there is so much in Rome to discover.

Food and Drinks

Truffle Boom Brings La Dolce Vita Amid Italy’s Economic Slump by Businessweek – It’s truffle season and with the wet summer, it has been a good year for truffles and making this delicacy more affordable.

MortadellaBo: Celebrating Mortadella in Bologna by Huffington Post – This festival, which took place earlier this month, was held to “protect, promote and enhance Mortadella di Bologna IGP.”

A Day Trip from Florence: Drink a Bellini in a Monastery, Forage for Truffles in the Woods by Fathom Away – I don’t know about you but this sounds like my kind of a day trip!

Life in Italy

Locals I Love: Linda Martinez by Girl in Florence – What an awesome interview with the amazing Linda Martinez who sure gives invaluable tips for making the most of living in Italy.

What favorite reads on Italy have you come across this week? Share them with us in the comments below.