Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Jan 24

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 the Church of San Pietro Caveoso in Matera

This week’s roundup includes a wonderful read on Matera, theories on why Rome fell, attempts to save Italy’s rich cultural heritage, a hearty soup recipe from Tuscany, and more. Have a wonderful weekend!

Culture and Travel

Italy displays rich trove of stolen art recovered by police by Reuters – This exhibition which runs until March 2014 “comprises more than 100 works spanning 2,000 years of Italian history”. If you are planning a trip to Rome during this period, add it to your itinerary.

Facebook vote saves Madonna and child by Mail Online – It’s not the first time that Italy has struggled to find funds to preserve its cultural heritage but this surely is the first time they’ve let the public decide which piece of artwork to save. Certainly innovative and choosing between eight pieces of art, the public has chosen to save the Madonna and Child by Renaissance master Pietro Perugino.

Memories of Vernazza by Huffington Post – I agree with the author that Vernazza should be called “The Little Italian Village That Could!” It has had it share of challenges and always finds a way to get back on its feet. A wonderful testament to the amazing spirit of determination and strong sense of community in this lovely town.

How Matera Went From Ancient Civilization to Slum to a Hidden Gem by Smithsonian Magazine – This is a brilliant article on Matera which gives you fantastic insights into this town in the region of Basilicata. We were fortunate to visit this town a few years ago and it was one of my most memorable experiences.

Skiing, events, snowshoeing and fun at the 15 winter resorts in Emilia Romagna by Emilia Romagna Turismo – Love skiing? The Apennines is perfect for everyone, from kids to beginners to those who love extreme sports. Here are 15 resorts to check out.

8 Reasons Why Rome Fell by History.com – For history buffs, this is for you. While there is an ongoing debate on this subject, “certain theories have emerged as the most popular explanations for Western Rome’s decline and disintegration”. Read on to find out.

A chill winter weekend amid the timeless beauty of Venice by Mail Online – Even in winter, Venice is a “place of mist and mystery”. I love the idea of wandering purposelessly and have plans in the near future to visit La Serenissima and of doing just that.

Le Cinque Terre vs the Amalfi Coast by Bella Vita Italia – This is a great post as it does come down to what type of vacation you are looking for. While many people say there are very similar I found them very different. While we make our way to Positano every year, our first visit to Le Cinque Terre was last Easter. There, I noticed that there were many hikers and it was much easier to get around the towns thanks to the train and ferries. However, on the Amalfi Coast, there is a ferry and bus service between the towns. Which is your preference?

Viganella, Piedmont by Green Holiday in Italy – I’m all for places off the tourist radar and this town in Piedmont, sure fits the bill.

Food and Drinks

Ribollita soup, a family recipe by Tuscanycious – Ribollita and acquacotta are two of my favorite soups and they both happen to be Tuscan. As Tuscan kale is easy to find in the markets this period, there’s no reason not to make this hearty and delicious soup.

Regoli: Pastries and Rome by Elizabeth Minchilli – This is hands down my favorite pastry shop in Rome as well as my niece’s, my sister and recently my friend who lives in Hawaii who mentioned that she still dreams about the wild strawberry tart. From the outside it doesn’t look like much but it’s my idea of heaven once inside! As for myself, Baverese is my what I yearn for.

Artusi’s Potato Cake from a century old recipe by Jul’s Kitchen – I know that this cake is for me and I will heed Jul’s advice that since it’s so simple to make, I have the moral task to learn to make this. Hope you will too!

Life in Italy

So, Here I Am in Sicily… What Now? by Huffington Post – A great piece on adjusting to life in Sicily. One thing I love about Italy are the evening walks (passeggiata), aperitivo and how can you not love pizza. All wonderful remedies that will certainly cheer you up!

Big Waves in Positano by Figs and Lemons – When I saw these photos my reaction was “WOW”. Pretty amazing!

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