Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Dec 20

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: Christmas tree at the Colosseum

This week’s roundup includes lots of Christmas cheer, a walk through Palatine in Rome, summer holiday ideas (it’s never too early to plan!) and more.

Culture and Travel

How many steps are there in Florence’s Duomo? by TuscanyArts – Read the article to find out but more importantly, every step to the top is worth it once you take in the breathtaking views!

Italy Summer Holidays Guide 2014 by Telegraph Travel – It’s only December but it’s never too early to start planning your next summer vacation in Italy. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

The Italian Alps resort town most skiers don’t know about by The Globe and Mail – Looking for a ski resort with a local laid-back feel? Check out this article and head to this region of Italy that is off-the-beaten-path.

The Scariest Tour in Rome by Tiana Kai – A different kind of tour and one that is bound to be unforgettable!  I’ve been on this tour before and thought I would be spooked out. It was spooky and scary but it’s also very cool – literally – especially in the catacombs. Read more about Tiana’s experience.

Rus in urbe – a bucolic stroll across the Palatine by Understanding Rome – The heart of the city of Rome and filled with legends and steep in history. This article shares some intriguing insights and why the Palatine is worth a visit!

Food and Drinks

Bonci’s Foccacia Pugliese by Emiko Davies – Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread in the house. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious rustic bread with a recipe by the renowned Gabriele Bonci.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve in 5 Bologna Foods by Taste Bologna – Get a “taste” of traditional Christmas and New Year’s Eve dishes from Bologna in this post.

Cavallucci and Ricciarelli: Tuscan Christmas biscuits by Tuscanycious – Christmas is just around the corner! Here are some sweet treats from Tuscany that are “perfect as a dessert served with a sweet wine such as Vin Santo”.

Spongata, the Christmas speciality from Lunigiana by Ciao Lunigiana – This is a Christmas sweet treat that you probably haven’t heard about and could make a good alternative to the usual sweets such as pandoro, panettone and panforte.

Hot chocolate Tuscan-style by The Florentine – Cioccolata calda? Yes, please! The hot chocolate in Italy is serious stuff – thick like a pudding and absolutely divine. Here are two recipes for you to try out and one is even with nutella! Enjoy.

Life in Italy

Christmas in Pisa with kids (or not) by At Home in Tuscany – Festive atmosphere in Pisa and the magic of Christmas!

Sorrento Christmas Lights by Figs & Lemons – More Christmas cheer and this time in Campania.

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