Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Mar 28

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: Duomo of Siena

This week’s roundup includes baring it all for Venus, how to see the Palio in Siena, artisans in Venice, the lure of pizza and more.

Culture and Travel

Turin Seizes Its Moment by The New York Times – In the shadows on Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and  Teatro La Fenice in Venice, the Teatro Regio Torino in Turin is flourishing and making a name for itself  thanks to its music director and support from private sponsors.

Tuscany’s Michelangelo quarries facing uncertain future by The Telegraph – Great read and a controversial issue concerning quarries that have existed since Roman times.

An Italy unseen: Gourmet food, glorious skiing and ghosts of war in idyllic Alta Badia by MailOnline – What a beautiful and touching read. This is one of one favorite regions in Italy and we were here last month.

How to visit the Pope’s private gardens at Castel Gandolfo by Telegraph Travel – We’re making plans to visit this garden just outside of Rome. Another lovely place to visit that’s off-the-beaten path.

Beyond glass animals: handicrafts in Venice by Context Travel Blog  – We’re all for artisans and when in Venice, here are three to visit.

A passion for Venus by The Florentine – A Spanish man bares it all as a poetic act of declaration of his passion for Venus in the Uffizi in Florence.

The Siena Palio: how to see the race by Telegraph Travel – An event held twice a year, you are guaranteed an exhilarating experience. Here are handy tips to see the race.

Food and Drinks

Italian gangster breaks house arrest for a slice of pizza by Telegraph – The irresistible lure of pizza can get you in trouble!

Puglia: The true taste of Italy by The Independent – Here’ a sentence from the article which sums up why Puglia is a haven for food-lovers: “Puglia is one of Italy’s most fertile regions and produces more than 40 per cent of the country’s olive oil as well as much of its grain and vast quantities of wine”. Convinced?  Not quite? Here is our post on why you should visit Puglia.

Trattoria al gatto nero in Burano by Elizabeth Minchilli – When in Venice, head to the charming town of Burano and enjoy a hearty meal in this trattoria along the canal.

Life in Italy

Spring Blossoms in Tuscany by Green Holiday in Italy – Although it was chilly this week, spring has sprung in Italy. It’s a beautiful time to visit.

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