Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Dec 6

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: Street in Rome lit up for the holiday season

This week’s roundup includes plenty of articles on the festive season in Italy, a journey through 2000 years of art history, a simple and delicious recipe, signs that you’ve gone native, and more.

Culture and Travel

Travels on the Run: Heart of Rome by National Geographic Travel – Once upon a time, on the weekends, I would regularly head out for an early morning run from my house to Piazza Venezia going through Via dei Fori Imperiali. I’ve always said I run through an open-air museum – a route that won’t be short of incredible sights. Here’s an article that describes what it’s like to run through the historic center.

British ambassador backs ‘mob free’ guide to Italy by The Telegraph – A wonderful initiative “that lists and promotes 1,000 Italian shops and businesses which are mob free” has been translated to English. The article mentions that it is distributed for free at various locations including the airport. I haven’t seen the guide yet and would be interested to get a copy. If you know where to get one, please let me know so I can leave an update here.

A brief history of art for visitors to Tuscany by ArtTrav – While brief, this article provides a fascinating and insightful journey that takes you through 2000+ years of art history from the Etruscans to the 19th century. Get ready for a ride! For more about Alexandra (a.k.a. ArtTrav), check out her interview with BrowsingItaly on why she decided to launch the Uffizi Art History Guide, and her photos on Italy “Show and Tell” of Maremma, Tuscany.

The Original Santa Claus in the Italian Language by Becoming Italian Word by Word – Read this article to know where the original Santa Claus is from and you might be surprised. An interesting read, and you’re sure to learn a few Italian words along the way.

10 of the Best Christmas Markets in Italy by Walks of Italy – This past weekend I had the chance to visit the Christmas market in Siena and while it didn’t make this list, it still had a lively and festive atmosphere – a sense that the holidays are just right around the corner. Which is your favorite Christmas market in Italy?

Christmas in Italy: ‘Ndocciata Torch Parade by Dream of Italy – I was surprised to come across this article as a friend had mentioned about this event last month. He takes part it in annually and the description of the event and the photos he showed me had me hooked. This is definitely one that’s high on my bucket list.

Christmas Traditions in Rome by About.com Italy Travel – If you are visiting Rome during the holidays, here are some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss.

Best Day Trips from Rome by Train by Eating Italy Food Tours – While there is so much to see in Rome that you wouldn’t need to leave the city, sometimes you need a breather. To get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, here are 4 places in Lazio that you can easily reach by train.

Food and Drinks

Italy’s Greatest Gastronomic Treasure: Emilia-Romagna by Forbes – Just be warned that if you’re even somewhat hungry, do not read this post. There is a reason – and a compelling one – that one of Emilia-Romagna’s nickname is “La Grassa” (“The Fat One”).

Everyday impasto by Rachel Eats – What I love best about food in Italy is that it’s simple and delicious. Here’s a testament to how the combination of simple ingredients can make for a divine dish. It so simple you’ll be shocked!

Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2013/2104 Restaurants in Rome by Tavole Romane – The holidays are just around the corner and if you are planning a trip to Rome during this period, bring this handy guide with you. Not only won’t you be disappointed that a place is closed but with this guide from Tavole Romane, you are also sure to eat well.

Life in Italy

10 signs you’ve gone native in Italy by The Local Italy – I had fun looking through this slideshow and while I have to admit I’m “guilty” of a few, I haven’t fully crossed over. Which signs have you succumbed to, and have you gone native?

Thanksgiving in Positano by Figs and Lemons – Positano gets a flood of visitors in summer but by the time October comes around, it’s practically deserted. It’s always interesting to see what happens to this charming town during the off-season. As you can see from this article, life still goes on even with the celebration of Thanksgiving. Maybe I should celebrate Thanksgiving in Positano next year as our house will for sure not be rented during that period. Now that’s an idea!!

Demitasse Semantics by The American – Eleonora sheds light on “common espresso-based bar beverages” that you will find in Italy. A bar isn’t what you think it is and Eleonora “hits the nail right on the head” with her description of it. Basically, for me, the “bar” is a vital part of Italian culture.

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