Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Mar 7

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: Piazza Pretoria in Palermo, Sicily

This week’s roundup includes the opening of Castel Gandolfo Barberini Gardens, the crumbling situation in Pompeii, artisans in Naples, Lent pilgrimage and more.

Culture and Travel

Rome attractions: what to see and do in spring by Telegraph Travel – There will be plenty to see and do in Rome this spring. And especially as there’ll be the canonization for two Popes on April 27, it will be packed and busy.

Made in Italy: Naples by National Geographic Travel – Love artisans and their amazing creations. This article covers a family that “is reimagining the presepio, the Christmas Nativity scene, long an art form in Italy” and provides a list places to buy authentic gifts in Naples.

An Italian Conductor Looks to U.S. Models by The Wall Street Journal – With austerity cuts taking a toll on Italy’s arts, the Teatro Regio turned to private philanthropy and have successfully increased the number of performances.

Pope Francis Opens Castel Gandolfo Barberini Gardens To The Public by Huffington Post – Fantastic news! From March 1st the public will be able to visit the gardens from Monday to Saturday.

As Pompeii crumbles, Italy OKs urgent repairs by Washington Post – Always heartbreaking to hear news of the deteriorating situation in Pompeii and good to see that some initiatives are now being taken. Hopefully it’s not too late.

Could this be Michelangelo’s first sketch of Sistine Chapel? by William and Mary – Great read and fascinating to learn that this “may have served as a reminder and jotting for the artist when he was studying the surfaces to be painted and how to arrange the scaffolding”.

In Praise of the Sicilian Tease by Erica Firpo on Fathom Way To Go – Palermo is intoxicating and while it is chaotic, the city with its varied character will have you coming back for more. If you are headed to Palermo, don’t miss out on the street food experience.

Oscars 2014: Italy’s ‘The Great Beauty’ wins foreign language film by LA Times – You’ve all probably have heard but it would be wrong not to add this to the list. Bravo!

Venice Carnival with Kids by National Geographic Travel – It doesn’t have to be wild and rowdy! Kids would love the celebrations in Venice and will have fun checking out the masks, costumes and festivities that are all kid-appropriate.

Food and Drinks

20 Steps to Becoming an Italian Foodie: Valle d’Aosta by Select Italy – This smallest and least populous region located on the border of France and Switzerland is an alpine treasure boasting stellar food.

Venetian Carnival Fritters with Pastry Cream by Food Lover’s Odyssey – I haven’t tried this recipe yet but I know it is worth every calorie. This Carnival, I’ve had my share of fritelle from the bakery next to the house (and now paying the price).

Life in Italy

In Rome, the Revival of a Lent Pilgrimage by The Wall Street Journal – Great read. I didn’t know about this tradition and it sure is a “pilgrimage has a unique character, combining history, art, architecture and the human quest for truth”.

Dog Sledding is no walk in the park by Tiana Kai – It sure sounds like a workout but I would love to try this out. I’ll have to keep my ears out for any howling next week as we’ll be in Alto Adige. We might get lucky and find a dog sledding adventure there too.

Trip to Piancastagnaio: flavours and stories from Monte Amiata by Tuscanycious – Lovely interview with Serena Angelini who shares more about one of the most charming towns in Tuscany and her passion for cooking.

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