Fav Reads on Italy this week: Nov 22

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: View of Villa Cerna in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany

This week’s roundup includes exploring some of Italy’s attractions from your desk, getting into the spirit of the holidays in South Tyrol with the Christmas markets, recipes for hearty Tuscan soup, and more.

Culture and Travel

Milan is Italy’s paean to the present by Seattle Times – I’ve read about the “Naviglio Grande” that is a canal that connects Milan to the “Mediterranean via the Ticino River”. A bustling venue at night, it goes to show that Milan is not only about fashion.

Vatican opens catacombs with virtual tour by The Local – Can’t make it to Rome to visit the fascinating catacombs? Now you can get a virtual tour of them thanks to Google Maps.

Google Maps Travel: See The World From Your Desk Chair by Huffington Post – Want to see more of Italy from your desk chair? Enjoy Venice and the Colosseum from anywhere in the world.

36 Hours in Chianti by The New York Times – Earlier this week I spent a day in Chianti thanks to Cecchi, and I’m longing to be back. If you are planning a trip to Chianti, this post gives you ideas as to what to see, do and eat while in the area.

South Tyrol’s Christmas markets by Suedtirol.info – After a trip to this region in summer, I vouched to be back again – to see it as a winter wonderland, and especially to experience the Christmas markets. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn’t allow me to do so but if you get the chance, this page provides handy info and there’s even an app covering the Christmas markets in the region. Have a magical time!

Italian Food and Drinks

Top Tuscan soups to beat the chill by Tuscanycious – With colder weather and clearly signs of winter around the corner, this is a timely post. It describes the various Tuscan soups and shares their recipes. As it’s going to be a long winter, I will likely be making them all.

Serious Coffee at Barberini in Testaccio by Eating Italy Food Tours – When in Rome, get off-the-beaten-path and head to this cafe and bakery in Testaccio. The post also reveals why Italian coffee is so good and the rules for making the perfect cup of espresso.

Seasonal Yum by Select Italy – This is an article published in October that I had missed but felt compelled to share it. A chef and a sommelier put together this “four-course fall menu, from antipasto to dolce, that is typical of part of the Langhe” in Piedmont. And of course, “each course is completed with suggested pairings of local wine”.

Life in Italy

Picking up the pieces after Cyclone Cleopatra – Sardinia, Italy by My Sardinian Life – As you may already know, a terrible storm ripped through Sardinia this week destroying communities, and livelihoods. Jennifer, a Canadian living in Sardinia, shares how you can help the community rebuild.

A charitable Thanksgiving lunch in Rome by The Rome Digest – In Rome for Thanksgiving? Not only will you enjoy a feast but it’s all for a good cause. As mentioned in the article, “all proceeds will benefit Cibo Libero, a working farm and kitchen owned and operated by women inside Rome’s Rebibbia prison”.

La Piazza è Mia! 5 Tips to Help you Enjoy an Italian Piazza by Italy Magazine – I have a love affair with Italian piazze (plural – singular it’s piazza). Living in Rome, I’m spoilt for choice and on a beautiful sunny day, I pack my lunch, head to a piazza, find a bench and soak up the sun and vibrant energy of the place. It’s also a great place to people-watch.

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