Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Nov 15

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.

This week’s roundup includes fascinating attractions in and near Rome, charming towns in Puglia, a video that you shouldn’t watch if you’re hungry, skiing in Sicily (yes, you read right), an inspiring story and more.

Culture and Travel

Tivoli’s Masterpiece by Time Travel Turtle – One of my favorite places that is an easy day trip from Rome. Michael shares some interesting historical insights on Villa d’Este and fabulous photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site. He also gives tips on how you can easily reach Villa d’Este with public transportation.

10 Surprising Things About Being An American In Italy by Huffington Post – My thoughts? Italians ARE crazy drivers! Especially in Rome. The article mentioned that “aperitivi are wonderful but kind of strange”…not for me! I love them and it’s a great time to just chill at the end of the day.

8 Towns Not to Miss in Puglia by Never Ending Voyage – I love Puglia. I have been to many of these towns and a couple are on my bucket list for next year. I’d add Trani to this list – a charming and tranquil town north of Bari with it’s imposing Cathedral by the sea.

Gardens of Venice by Italian Notes – I’ve visited my share of enchanting gardens in Italy and they are not only beautiful but steeped in history. When I came across this review on a new book called “The Gardens of Venice and the Veneto”, I certainly have more gardens to add to my bucket list.

The New Florence Biennale by Tuscany Arts – If you are in Florence between November 30th and December 8, and love art, don’t miss this event featuring contemporary art. With over 3 000 paintings, sculptures, prints and installations on exhibit, this year’s theme is “Ethics: DNA of Art – a reflection and critical thinking about the relationship between art and ethics”.

Shaking off the Middle Ages: the Castiglione Chapel at San Clemente by Agnes Crawford (Understanding Rome) – Visiting Rome? Drop by the church of San Clemente which is only a short walk from the Colosseum. Oh and bring along this detailed guide on the Castiglione Chapel. You’ll be glad you did.

Laocoon by Freya Middleton – Amazing insights into the Laocoon copy by Bandinelli in the Uffizi that was commissioned in 1520.

Archaeologists discover fate of ancient port serving Rome by UPI – Another fascinating discovery found at the end of a runway of Rome’s Fiumicino airport.

Mt. Etna: The Surprising Way to Ski Sicily – Now THIS is cool!  While we relate skiing to places in northern Italy in winter, you could also ski in Sicily on Mt. Etna. I would love to do this.

Free Travel Guides by Unanchor.com – Time Sensitive! This promotion ends today. I saw this on ArtTrav’s FB page where you can get a Kindle format itinerary of various places in the world including Florence, Puglia and Uffizi.

Italian Food and Drinks

[Video] Where to eat in Bologna by Ayngelina (Bacon is Magic) – You’ve been warned! Do not watch when hungry. Ayngelina obviously had a feast in Bologna.

Best Wine Bars in Venice by Gillian’s Lists – If you are going to Venice, check out these wine bars. It’s very much a part of the local experience!

Easy Italian Apple Cakes from Calabria by Green Holiday in Italy – With the cold, rainy, wet weather we are having, this is one recipe I will be baking really soon.

The True Meaning of Wine Tasting by Select Italy – If you are looking for wine experiences, here are two itineraries that might be interesting. One covers the Veneto area while the other heads south to Sicily.

Life in Italy

“The only way to see Italy is by foot” by The Local Italy – A truly inspiring story of how a man celebrating his 80th birthday decided to spend 42 days walking the length of Italy. Anyone willing to follow in his footsteps? I might be crazy enough to do that. The challenge though will be convincing my “more rationale” half to do it with me.

Vintage Fiat Tour in Florence with Sassy Paola by Tiana Kai – I was green with envy when I saw this. I admit I have a love affair with vintage Fiat 500 and would have loved to cruise around in one of them. Add a walk through an olive farm, freshly pressed olive oil and delicious food, I’m sure you can understand my envy!

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