Art & Culture in Italy

Lazise, a municipality on the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda, has been ranked among the top 20 destinations in Italy for years. The extensive hilly agricultural landscape, a thermal spring, several famous amusement parks, buildings and stately villas testify to the long history of Lazise and the two hamlets that are part of it: Colà and Pacengo.

Named after Our Lady of the Visitation, the city's patron saint, the Cathedral stands on a rocky relief at the top of a spectacular staircase, the imposing façade looking down onto the square below. Built in the early 1300s by an Aragonese queen, after the building was destroyed in a devastating fire, it was reconstructed a century and a half later. Only the apse retains evidence of the original structure, including a beautiful walled Gothic portal: this is the Jubilee Gate requested from the Pope in order to support the reconstruction. The sombre and imposing aspect is mainly due to the portal, also 16th-century. The marble relief with its vibrant decoration of St Martin on horseback and the pauper, with whom the saint shares his mantle, was once housed in the castle chapel. The twin sculpted lions at the base of the portal are from the Aragonese era, but the truly amazing feature of the interior is the 16th-century panelled ceiling above the central nave, divided from the side aisles by a double row of lava stone columns. The elaborately-decorated marble pulpit dates from the 17th century. Among the large paintings on display, the five of the Virgin Mary in the apse particularly stand out: they are the work of an early 17th-century Tuscan painter. The Treasure of the cathedral is open to the public at the Alessi Museum, just a short distance away towards the castle. The largest and most stunning piece is the Baroque-style crown of the patron saint.

It is always a stroll along the axis of Via Roma through the entire historic centre of Enna that leads one to find, after the cathedral and the airy Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the charming and historic square named after Francesco Paolo Neglia: the municipal theatre is also named after this nineteenth–twentieth-century composer and conductor. The mermaids on the fountain in the centre are a recent local work, but they seem to have settled well between the imposing bell tower of the church of San Tommaso and the baroque doorway of the Anime Sante del Purgatorio (Church of the Holy Souls) between which they have come to rest. Until a few decades ago, the square was itself called San Tommaso, with the church's bell tower having originally been one of the city's defensive towers and its fifteenth-century portico in the Gothic-Catalan style not uncommon in Enna: inside the church, the high altar is adorned with an early 16th-century marble altarpiece. The Anime Sante, on the other hand, is a somewhat more recent building, dating from the late 17th century: upon entering, one discovers remarkable 18th-century stuccoes and frescoes by Flemish craftsmen in the vault.

Perhaps even before stopping to consider the beautiful façade of the church, we were drawn to the statue in the middle of the square on the side of Via Roma that celebrates the long militancy, first Garibaldi and then Republican, of Napoleone Colajanni, a politician, a long-time parliamentarian and finally also a professor of statistics born in the city in the mid-19th century. The church of St Clare that stands out from the top of its staircase, a 17th-century building that had belonged to the Jesuits of Enna until shortly after the mid-1800s, with their College next door. The initials of the religious order still stand above the entrance portal, while a frieze inside recalls that it was the nobleman Francesco Rotundo who funded the original construction. After the suppression of the Society of Jesus, the church took its present name when it was assigned to the Clarist nuns of the city. After World War II it was converted into a sacrarium for the fallen soldiers in the war, turning the side chapels into lapidaries but preserving the remarkable tiled floor of the mid-19th century. This depicts in colour the "Advent of Steamship" and the Triumph of Christianity over Islam, and is indeed an unusual work. The former Jesuit college is still a school and secondary school today.

Passionate about Impressionism, contemporary art, photography, 17th century painting? We recommend ten must-see exhibitions throughout Italy, from Aosta to Palermo. These are small and large exhibitions, which can be the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway to discover magnificent Italian cities

In Bremen, red reigns, impossible not to think so. Red manifests itself in different but equally typical ways. There is the characteristic red brick red of the Town Hall and the important Benedictine order abbey that stands out among the houses of the small village, a short distance from the confluence of the River Sesia into the waters of the Po. The powerful monastic order of the Bremetensi built this convent in its present form between the 16th and 17th centuries, naming it after St. Peter: a beautiful cloister and a high bell tower welcome the traveller in a context of quietness and beauty For gourmets, red is identified in a particular local gastronomic speciality: the red onion of Breme. Tradition has it that its cultivation began among the gardens of the Bremen monks. This vegetable is recognised as De.Co. (municipal denomination of origin) and is better known as sigulla in the local dialect. The red onion of Breme is large and very tasty: at the turn of May and June, a large (and not-to-be-missed) food festival brings this indigenous product to the table along with many other Lomellina specialities.

From Venice to Chioggia, from Abano and Montegrotto Terme to Vicenza, from Bassano del Grappa to Treviso, to then close the loop and return to the Serenissima Republic of Venice: a circular route through the most beautiful cities in Veneto. Enjoy all this while riding a bike on easy-to-follow dirt bike paths alongside rivers, between sea and lagoon, villages and castles, spa waters and hills.

The atmosphere, the enchanting streets, the San Domenico and Lombardo canals, all this makes Chioggia a little Venice. Walking through the centre we can lose ourselves in the beauty of the colourful houses, the many bridges, the water that reaches everywhere and tells ancient stories. The soul of Chioggia is a seafaring soul. The Clock Tower was once a lighthouse and watchtower, protection for sailors and inhabitants, while today the sea is still the protagonist of the fish market that from Tuesday to Sunday takes place in the Pescheria, stocked every day with fresh fish and the chatter of fishermen, who weave words like nets. In the port you can still admire the 'bragozzi', typical brightly coloured boats; and not to be missed is the Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival) celebrating the flavours of the lagoon.

When the last inhabitants of the Roman Saepinum moved to the modern city, Castellum Saepinii, together with the name of the ancient city, left a large stone mask, probably detached from a monumental fountain: this is what visitors see today at the entrance to the town, walled in a more modest fountain, next to the provincial road. Apart from this ornament of classical origin, Sepino's charm is delightfully mediaeval, starting with the gates and the remains of the walls that defended the town, with rare Renaissance accents. This is the case of the sixteenth-century Attilio Palace, which was built by a local family so rich and influential that it appointed its own bishop of Termoli. The heart of the town is the large Piazza Nerazio Prisco, overlooked by the Town Hall and, more secluded, the Church of San Cristina, dominated by a bell tower with an elegant wrought iron dome, the work of local artisans. The church is probably of 13th-century origin, but has been altered and rebuilt several times due to earthquakes: in the Tesoro chapel (1609), it houses silver-plated copper busts of saints and precious Baroque altars. A short distance from the village are bicarbonate-sulphate-calcic oligomineral waters, utilised by the thermal baths of the Three Fountains. In summer, local agencies and associations organise guided visits from the country to the Sepino Archaeological Park and trekking to the Samnite archaeological area of Terravecchia-Saipins, in the locality of Terravecchia at an altitude of about 950 metres, on a hill overlooking the Tammaro valley.

Vietri sul Mare, a sparkling ceramic town on the Amalfi coast. Whether you are a ceramics enthusiast or not, the minute you set foot in Vietri sul Mare, you cannot help but be dazzled by the colours of its majolica tiles that draw a shimmering mosaic and light up the entire village, from the historical monuments to the squares and courtyards. Yet it is not because of its famous ceramics that Vietri sul Mare is called the 'first pearl of the Amalfi Coast', but because of its strategic position in the area, i.e., the one furthest to the east, the very first stop on this magical stretch of the Campania coastline coming from Salerno. A colourful country Blue and yellow will be the colours that will be immediately imprinted on your eyes, even from a distant point. These are the colours of the majolica tiles adorning the dome of Vietri sul Mare Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and located at the highest point of the historic centre along a panoramic terrace. Ceramics is a theme that you’ll constantly find at every corner. You will find them in another religious building, right next to the cathedral: the 17th-century Arciconfraternita dell'Annunziata e del Rosario. Cladded in majolica are the three façade panels, as well as ceilings and flooring. It is again the polychrome majolica tiles that stand out at the Villa Comunale, a surprising place often compared to Gaudí's Parc Güell in Barcelona. Walls, avenues, fountains and the sinuous handrails of the paths are a riot of majolica mosaics, red, yellow, blue and dove-grey tiles. You are right inside a joyous explosion of colours, while below the blue expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the coastline of the Gulf of Salerno. Here you will find nothing but unique pieces Stroll through the alleys of Vietri sul Mare, admire the hundreds of compositions that adorn the village of Etruscan-Samnite origin and visit any of the countless shops. Whether you shop or not, you will still come away enchanted because the masters will welcome you with a great sense of hospitality, eager to tell you the centuries-old history of the art of Vietri ceramics, a tradition that began in the Renaissance. You will amazed by the clay cooking process and the hand-painting of what are always and only unique pieces: vases and tableware, decorative paintings depicting landscapes, in an infinity of artefacts in contrasting colours. Pantone “Vietri yellow” If you do go shopping, don't forget to favour yellow, in a unique shade that they know how to reproduce only here, so well that it is known worldwide as “Vietri yellow”. The bright light of the Mediterranean makes it stand out in all its beauty. Among the subjects, the typical Vietri one is the donkey, mainly in emerald green, a theme that goes back to the 19th century. A statuette reproducing the animal will be a nice souvenir, a symbol of the entire Amalfi Coast, which once was a means of locomotion along the mule tracks for transporting men and goods. If curiosity drives you to learn more about this art, Vietri boasts three exhibition spaces dedicated solely to ceramics: the Provincial Ceramics Museum in Villa Guariglia, the Cargaleiro Museum and the Solimene Ceramics Palace. Fine sand and shallow waters The Marina di Vietri offers a stretch of coastline characterised by fine golden sand and a shallow and gently sloping seabed, an ideal setting for families with children and the elderly. You can opt for the free beach or the beach equipped with every comfort of the resorts. Nearby you will also find the La Crestarella beach dominated by the so-called tower, the Schiarata and the Cancelluzzo Beach: the latter is free, with pebbles mixed with sand, and can only be reached by sea, which you can do by hiring a pedalo from Marina di Vietri. Two out-of-town trips There are two recommended visits if you travel a little further from Vietri sul Mare. Go to Albori which has two quiet little beaches in its inlet, not very popular since you have to walk down 200 steps. The water is crystal clear and a small stream flows into the sea at this very spot. Two beach clubs and a refreshment stand will be useful for equipment and refreshment. When the sun sets behind the rock, climb up towards the fishing village, delightful with its whitewashed houses and the scent of lemons as you walk. Raito is famous for its stairways, the only way to get around this scenic village. Visit the Villa Guariglia with its Museo Provinciale della Ceramica (Provincial Museum of Ceramics) and surrounded by a marvellous terraced park, as is typical on the Amalfi Coast, where vegetation is wrested from the sea and rock with a skilful technique.

A holiday in Positano, enjoying the enchantment of the Amalfi Coast Positano stands to the west of the fascinating natural terrace on the Tyrrhenian Sea that is the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the typical Mediterranean landscape of southern Italy reigns supreme, with white houses sloping down towards the sea and splendid beaches, alleys offering all the simple pleasures of life: the leisurely pace, refined boutiques, cafés and restaurants, and places that are custodians of history. Discovering the beaches The Marina Grande beach is Positano's most famous beach. It is 400 metres of sandy shore set in the inlet, where you may find yourself face to face with passing VIPs. The view and the facilities available encourage lounging, but once you have left your sunbed, it is worth heading to the pier to sail to the Li Galli Archipelago: three small islands in a marine reserve surrounded by crystal-clear waters, that legend has it are populated by mermaids. You can get there by dinghy or small boat. An intimate cove embraces Fornillo Beach, made of pebbles and gravel; it's reachable on foot and a snorkelling paradise because of its magnificent seabed. Continuing on foot, you can spend some quiet time on the Spiaggia di Laurito (Laurito Beach), where the cliffs are sheer, and nature is untouched. The jagged coastline of the Gulf of Positano is full of ravines on the turquoise sea. Climb aboard a gozzo, the traditional boats, and ask to be taken to discover little beaches in secret coves, including La Porta, San Pietro Laurito and Arienzo. Many hotels also offer stretches of private beaches. A divine trek A hike in the Monti Lattari, immersed in nature. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), was for many years the only link between the towns on the Amalfi Coast, before the main road was built. As you walk along, the Coast opens up to you from above and the view sweeps as far as Capri on clear days. You pass through forests of holm oaks and quench your thirst at the numerous springs; you will find vertiginous caves and precipices, the remains of cave villages, and the limestone spire Il Pistillo.   You arrive at the village of Nocelle, where you can freshen up before resuming your trek. For the more experienced and adventurous, a branch of the Sentiero degli Dei leads via an almost endless flight of steps to Cala Arienzo, usually reached by sea with little effort. A holiday resort dear to the Romans Roman aristocrats came to Positano and built extraordinary holiday residences here. There is much evidence of their fondness for this place, blessed with an enchanting landscape and a mild climate all year round, with the sea breeze alleviating the summer heat. Find artefacts of the ancient holidaymakers at the Roman Archaeological Museum - MAR, which houses a part of a 1st century AD villa, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius and brought to the surface after years of archaeological excavations. Positano Style Positano is a vertical village, perched on a rock overlooking the sea. Wander through the village's many stairways and alleyways, and don't miss a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a stone's throw from Marina Grande Beach. Once a Benedictine monastery, later abandoned and renovated over the centuries, today it offers the architectural spectacle of a pale stone façade and a yellow, green and blue majolica dome. Inside, look out for the precious Byzantine icon. Majolica has a long tradition in Positano, and in the village ateliers you can shop for ceramic objects, from plates to trinkets. There are many boutiques selling elegant clothes if you want to follow the “Positano style”: soft, fluttering dresses, kaftans, light colours, shirts and trousers in linen and lightweight fabrics, and the ubiquitous swimwear for him and for her. Over the centuries, Positano has seen a flourishing tradition of weaving, now reinterpreted in a contemporary, holiday mood. The style is completed with flip-flop shoes, also customised by the craftsmen. After the sea, the delights of the village Positano is also luxury and high society, and the whole area offers plenty of clubs, restaurants and bars. For evening entertainment, you can choose whether to stay up high in the venues clinging to the rock, in favour of the view, or in the beach clubs, where an aperitif at sunset is also a pleasant experience. Take a seat on the terrace of a restaurant. Some good choices are mussel soup or a lemon-scented seafood salad, linguine with scampi and fried fish. Among the cheeses of the Monti Lattari, fior di latte, the same cheese that you will find on pizza, is the most popular. And if your gastronomic interests do not end there, find out how to join a themed tour: olive oil tours among the olive groves, and wine cellars amidst the vineyards.

A village overlooking the sea, among churches and lemon groves More compact than its neighbour Maiori, Minori is a picturesque little village. Immersed in the aroma of lemons and the blue sky and sea, the promenade takes you to the Basilica di S. Trofimena, the most iconic of the thirty or so churches in the village. In the westernmost part of the town, you can view the most significant ancient ruins along the coast. We recommend organising a guided tour of the 1st-century-AD Roman Villa, an example of contemporary patrician architecture. It was constructed from particularly valuable material that arrived exclusively by sea. Inside, you can admire remarkable paintings and frescoes. To delight your palate as well as your eyes and nose, you can stop at one of the many pastry shops to sample local delicacies of the Amalfi Coast. It is no coincidence that Minori is also known as the City of Taste. Don’t miss at least part of the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path), a pleasant walk through fragrant lemon groves with stunning views. This 9-kilometre route takes you to Maiori, between ascents and descents interspersed with 400 steps.

Basilica of Saint Peter Universal seat of the Catholic Church in Rome, Pontifical Chapel and destination of every pilgrimage to the holy city, St. Peter's Basilica houses famous works of art celebrating the Christian faith. Preceded by the spectacular colonnade in St. Peter's Square, it has a majestic façade and is surmounted by the large dome designed by Michelangelo. Regarded as one of the absolute masterpieces of architecture, it is the product of the work of dozens of designers who have created it over 160 years. At St. Peter's tomb The construction of St. Peter's Basilica was started in 1506 on the initiative of Pope Julius II, who is also considered the “father” of the Vatican Museums, and was only finally completed in 1667 with all the final arrangements of the square. On the site of today's basilica stood an early Christian one built by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, right where St Peter was supposedly buried. The history of its construction is very complex, with a long list of architects and artists who helped make it possible: Bramante, Giuliano da Sangallo, Raphael, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Michelangelo, Vignola, Giacomo Della Porta, Domenico Fontana, Carlo Maderno and, in the last 40 years, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The colonnade and façade of St Peter's Basilica A piece of advice: enter the square from one of the side entrances to guarantee the surprise effect of Bernini's elliptical colonnade, which suddenly opens and seems to move. Coming from the wide, frontal Via della Conciliazione, built in the 20th century, this effect is lost. There are 284 columns and they are topped with 140 statues over three metres high and six coats of arms of Alexander VII. In the centre of the colonnade is an obelisk from ancient Egypt transported to Rome in 37 AD and two fountains, one by Maderno, the other by Fontana. If you stand on the porphyry discs on either side of the obelisk, which are the foci of the ellipse, the rows of columns line up perfectly and you will only see the first one, the others seem to vanish! In order to walk into the Basilica, you have to climb a flight of steps and cross the portico built into the façade: from the central balcony, known as the Loggia delle Benedizioni, the pope appears for the Angelus and when the election of the new pontiff is announced. The interior of the Basilica: an array of masterpieces The interior of the basilica is stunning in its majesty and the richness of Baroque-style decorations. Don't miss the bronze statue of St. Peter, attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio; the monumental canopy with twisted altar columns, made of bronze taken from the Pantheon, 30 metres high, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini; Michelangelo's Pietà, which the sculptor made when he was 23 years old; the funeral monument of Clement XIII, considered to be one of Antonio Canova's best works; the statues of Urban VII, the tomb of Alexander VII and the gilded bronze Chair of St. Peter in the apse, other Bernini masterpieces. After the Sacristy, a late 18th-century room with eight columns from the Villa Adriana in Tivoli, one has access to the Treasury of St. Peter's, where sacred furnishings, statues and various art objects, mostly gifts given to the popes, are on display. Don't miss a ciborium by Donatello, the monument to Sixtus IV by Pollaiolo, some precious works from the Byzantine era and the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus from the 4th century. The majestic dome of St Peter's The symbol of the city of Rome, the “Cupolone” for the Romans, the Dome of St. Peter's was designed by Michelangelo, but he did not see it completed: it was Domenico Fontana and Giacomo Della Porta who completed the building. On the Dome you can take the lift up to the terrace overlooking the square. A staircase of 330 steps in a corridor between the outer and inner dome, about halfway down which you can look out into the first gallery, 53 metres above the ground, and admire the dome mosaics up close. You can also climb to the top of the lantern and from there all of Rome will truly be at your feet. The Vatican Grottoes The so-called Vatican Grottoes are located under the floor of the nave of the basilica, in the gap between the current floor and the floor of the Constantinian basilica on which the church was built. It houses the Tomb of Peter, at the altar and Michelangelo's dome, and numerous other pontiffs and rulers. The Grottoes are a very atmospheric environment with various altars and niches, filled with the artwork adorning the various papal tombs and other works from the early Christian period from the ancient basilica, such as sacred vessels, statues and column fragments. One of the most valuable works is the tomb of Boniface VIII, partly created by the sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio in 1300. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Pius VI by Antonio Canova (19th century).

The Castellaro hill, in Vendone, less than 15 kilometres from Albenga, is the place where in the second half of the 20th century, the German painter and sculptor Reiner Kriester crafted a series of large works in limestone and marble, and had them placed outdoors. Some thirty impressive features, like stelae stretched towards the sky, form the Rainer Kriester's Sculpture Park and bears witness to the dry inspiration of the artist, who had previously, in his reclusive Berlin during the years of the Wall, had matured through more dramatic works and seems to have found a greater sense of peace in Liguria. In fact, the sculptor had stayed here often and for a long time since 1982, until he was welcomed by the small community of Vendone as an honorary citizen.

The Fort stands out in the middle of the steep slopes of the Bard Gorge on an impervious rocky hill and consists of four main bodies (called Opere, to use the terminology of military architecture), placed at different levels between 400 and 467 metres above sea level. The fortress was most likely used for defensive purposes since antiquity. The first evidence of a fortified structure dates back to the 11th century, but the actual fortress only saw the light of day in the 12th century. From 1242, when the lords of Bard were driven out, it passed to the Counts of Savoy. In 1800, the Fort of Bard acted as an obstacle to the onslaught of Napoleon Bonaparte and his 40,000 men who had come down from the Great St. Bernard Pass to sweep across the Po Valley. Napoleon, on his way back to France from Marengo, had the fortress razed to the ground. It was rebuilt between 1830 and 1838 by the military engineer Francesco Antonio Olivero. The Carlo Alberto Opera is the tallest and most impressive of the structures and houses the Museum of the Alps, a multimedia and scientific exhibition illustrating the Alpine territory, with its morphological, naturalistic, geological and climatic characteristics and the changes it has undergone over time. Also in the Carlo Alberto Opera, you can visit the prisons, 24 narrow isolation cells, home to a multimedia exhibition that deals with the famous prisoners who passed through the fort, including Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. In the Opera di Gola concerts and events take place, the Opera Vittorio, located at the middle level of the fortress, hosts Le Alpi dei ragazzi, a favourite spot for youngsters, who can discover the mountains of the Aosta Valley here while having fun. Opera Ferdinando, at the foot of the fort, houses the Museo delle Frontiere, which tells the story of the western Alps and the relationships between the peoples who inhabited them, and the Fort and Fortifications Museum, dedicated to the evolution of defence works over the centuries, especially in mountain areas.

Decidedly more compact and austere than the nearby castle of Saint-Pierre, the castle of Sarriod de la Tour occupies a small area of plain a few steps from the waters of the Dora Baltea river, about 10 kilometres away from Aosta. The aristocratic Aosta Valley family of the Sarriods ordered the construction of this complex in the Middle Ages, with a decidedly defensive character. The massive central body of the castle (known by the French term donjon), as well as the chapel and the city walls, date back to a period between the 10th and 12th centuries. In the following centuries, the Sarriod descendants added and extensively modified the appearance of the manor: open to the public since the 1970s, the castle is today one of the oldest examples of a medieval fortress in the Aosta Valley.

Piacenza, welcoming and sumptuous; Emilian, but not to excess The end of the ancient Via Emilia and geographical epicentre of the Po Valley, the city of Piacenza stands on the right-hand bank of the river Po and is - due to its position on the north-western border of the region - the least Emilian of the provincial capitals of Emilia Romagna. A compulsory stop for travellers Halfway between the Apennines and the plains, nestled between valleys and waterways, Piacenza built its fortunes on its vocation as a place of passage: Leonardo da Vinci, who made an unsuccessful bid to design the bronze doors of its cathedral, was among the first to appreciate its crucial territorial role, describing it in the Codex Atlanticus as “Terra di Passo” (land of passage), a compulsory stop for anyone on their way to Milan. An innate nature that still explains the city's irreducible vocation for welcome and hospitality. Amid arcades and secret gardens, by bicycle The etymology of the Latin name, placentia, which alludes to the capacity to please, is a successful compendium of the city's soul: pleasant, elegant and full of discreetly guarded treasures. Because of its relaxed pace and compact size, it is an ideal place to visit on foot or by bicycle, roaming through arcades and churches, capturing the beauty of the hidden courtyards of stately palaces. The horses of the Farnese family So, are you ready to begin? The ideal tour of Piacenza, amidst art and history, has to start at the popular Piazza Cavalli, the city's epicentre. It is so called because of the presence of the infamous pair of equestrian monuments honouring Ranuccio and Alessandro Farnese, father and son, once Dukes and Lords of Parma and Piacenza. Carved in the 17th century in the Baroque style by the Tuscan sculptor Francesco Mochi, they stand directly in front of the beautiful Town Hall in terracotta and white marble, known as “il Gotico”, which is said to have hosted Petrarch: they are the emblem of the town. If you hear people say “i noss cavaj”, our horses, this is what they are referring to. The ducal tour The “Farnese” tour leads to the historic Palazzo Farnese, now home to the Civic Museums, in whose picture gallery one can admire, among other works, a Tondo of the Virgin and Child by Botticelli. The archaeological wing, meanwhile, preserves the famous Fegato di Piacenza, or Piacenza Liver, a bronze model of a sheep's liver with Etruscan inscriptions, used by haruspices as a guide for prophecies. The tour is wrapped up with a visit to the Farnese Walls that encircled the historical centre in the 16th century. The Duomo, combining Romanesque and Gothic The real attraction of the city, however, is its Duomo, or Cathedral: dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Justina, it brings together the original architecture, an admirable example of Emilian Romanesque, with Gothic elements of a later restructuring, and houses a dome frescoed by Guercino. But there are several other medieval churches in Piacenza worth discovering, starting from St Anthony, the city's patron saint, a compulsory stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, to St Savino, of early Christian origin, with mosaic floors, passing through St Mary of Campagna, with its dome frescoed by Pordenone. Here, it is said, Pope Urban II announced his intention to order the First Crusade to the Holy Land. A walk around the muntä di rat A visit to Piacenza's museums, meanwhile, has to include the Alberoni Gallery, which houses Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, and the Ricci Oddi Modern Art Gallery, with its works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Iconic places in the city to visit, before leaving, include the Municipal Theatre, whose façade was redesigned by Alessandro Sanquirico based on inspiration from La Scala in Milan, and the steps that connect Via Mazzini to Via San Bartolomeo, which everyone here calls the muntä di rat. This is because during the flooding of the Po, legend has it that rats used it to escape the water. Amidst hills and medieval villages: in search of food & wine delights and Bellocchio's film sets Other wonders are in store for you in the surrounding countryside, among the renowned valleys of the Piacenza hills: Val Trebbia, Val Nure, Val Tidone and Val d'Arda, to name the best known, with their scenic itineraries and food and wine delights. Not forgetting the medieval villages and castles: Castell'Arquato, Grazzano Visconti, Gropparello, Rivalta, to name but a few. For film buffs we recommend a trip to Bobbio, a delightful village in the Trebbia Valley and the setting for many films by Marco Bellocchio, who founded his Film School and a Festival dedicated to the Seventh Art here. For those who love outdoor sports, we suggest trying their hand, on foot or by bicycle, at a few stops along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that led from northern Europe to Rome and from there to the Holy Land.

Falling in love with Pavia: the rice capital of Italy and home to Einstein A rich historical and artistic heritage, an enviable food and wine tradition, and countless fascinating sites make Pavia surprisingly unique and perfect for a tailor-made holiday. The Charterhouse, a jewel of the Renaissance The best place to start is the Charterhouse of Pavia, a monumental complex eight kilometres away from the city centre. Commissioned as a family chapel and mausoleum by Gian Galeazzo Visconti in the 15th century, it was entrusted to the Carthusian monks, before passing to the Cistercians and the Benedictines of Pavia. But, though his ashes were taken there, its patron never saw the end of its construction, which was continued by Francesco Sforza and Ludovico il Moro. Housing works by Perugino, Pinturicchio and Guercino, the interior flaunts a Gothic style, modelled on the Milan Cathedral, while the façade is overtly Renaissance. The Visconti Castle, a symbol of power More than a castle, this building is a symbol of wealth and power dating back to 1360. It is surrounded by a beautiful park, which you can only see part of today, connecting it to the Charterhouse of Pavia. Significant historical events it bore witness to include the marriage of Ludovico il Moro to Beatrice d'Este. Although today part of the castle has been destroyed, the interior still hosts the Civic Museums and the Malaspina civic art gallery, with masterpieces such as Antonello da Messina's Portrait of a Man. The Church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro and the Ponte Coperto The Church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro is definitely worth a visit. It is the resting place of two Church Fathers: St Augustine, who lies in a magnificent tomb, and Severinus Boethius, philosopher and martyr. The Longobard-style church was rebuilt in the Romanesque style and is considered one of the most important religious building in the city together with the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore. Also well worth a visit is the Ponte Coperto, the iconic covered bridge of Pavia that crosses the Ticino river. This bridge connects the historic centre with Borgo Ticino, originally located outside the city walls, and the Palazzo Broletto, a 12th-century building with a striking porticoed inner courtyard, the heart of institutional life in times gone by. Keen eyes can also spot a plaque dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the death of Albert Einstein, who lived here for some time. Albert Einstein It’s true! Einstein's parents moved to Pavia in 1894, to Palazzo Cornazzani to be precise, the former home of Ugo Foscolo, and Albert himself also lived here for a while. The theatre that hosted Gassman and Fo The 18th-century Teatro Fraschini theatre is a true masterpiece that has seen renowned actors such as Vittorio Gassman and Dario Fo grace its stage. It has a typical horseshoe shape, with a series of box seats and an entirely painted wooden ceiling. Pavia and its passion for heels In nearby Vigevano is the International Footwear Museum, which exhibits all kinds of shoes from the historical to the super fashionable and even recent models. You can even find the historic slipper “la pianella di Beatrice d'Este” strutting side by side with the best of Manolo Blahnik! Rice: an icon Pavia has around 80 thousand hectares of paddy fields. We are talking about the largest area of rice cultivation in Italy, and you can enjoy a walk or cycle on paths alongside the paddies.

On the hill above Campobasso, the name of the massive Monforte Castle – the top of the list of places to visit to get a feel for the city – recalls the 15th-century mercenary captain Nicola Monforte, who ruled the city with the title of Count at the time of a disastrous earthquake in the middle of the century. It was under his government that reconstruction began, not unlike others did much later. Three and a half centuries later, another military man turned ruler, the King of Naples Gioacchino Murat, initiated the creation of a new Campobasso under the castle: the quarters of what is now known as the Murattiana City. This is not to put history above tourism, but to explain why visiting the capital of Molise today means getting to know two different realities. Below the castle, one strolls down sloping, narrow, rustic streets or stairways, while in the valley, where public buildings and shops are concentrated, one appreciates the scale of 19th-century blocks and airy green squares. Yet, they also attract signs of much older civilisations to Campobasso. Just below the castle is the Sannitico Museum – another tourist attraction – which, without being boring, neatly exhibits ambers, ceramics, bronzes, ivories and marbles from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages of the Longobards, passing through the Samnites and Romanisation. Wandering through the museum's halls makes you want to go and see for yourself the other Molise where these wonders come from, starting with Bojano or the frankly extraordinary Sepino.

Pompei è rappresentata da uno spazio equivalente a 66 ettari, di cui 50 sono stati esplorati (tenendo conto anche delle zone suburbane). La città campana, è costituita da edifici (sia privati che civici), oltre che pitture, sculture, monumenti e mosaici.In memoria della vita abituale delle città romane di un tempo, vennero conservati i lapilli e le ceneri ritrovate dopo l’eruzione del vulcano Vesuvio, risalente al 79 d.C. Pompei è sita in un altopiano, da cui è possibile accedere da una delle porte ubicate nei dintorni. Dal pianoro è possibile ammirare la valle del fiume Sarno, oltre che percorrere le vecchie strade in cui si possono vedere le abitazioni che appartenevano alle famiglie ricche e modeste, oltre che le strutture termali e gli immobili adibiti per gli spettacoli teatrali di un tempo.Nonostante le origini della città di Pompei oggigiorno sono dubbie, il forte credo è che essa derivi con alta probabilità dagli etruschi. Dando un occhio alle testimonianze più vecchie, si sale alla fine del VII, combaciante con la prima metà del VI secolo (Avanti Cristo), periodo in cui venne realizzata la prima pappamonte, una cinta muraria di color grigio.Verso la fine del IV secolo a.C, Pompei è entrata nell’organizzazione della Repubblica Romana. La popolazione essendo in disaccordo, decise di ribellarsi. Da quel momento in poi, cominciò la colonizzazione romana, facendo crollare Pompei e assegnandole il nuovo nome “Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum (risalente all’80 a.C.).Pompei – colonizzazione a parte – venne distrutta a causa del Vesuvio, per poi esser riscoperta nel XVI secolo, mentre si stava costruendo il Canale del Conte di Sarno. Soltanto qualche anno dopo, quando passarono i francesi e il Borbone, vennero riscoperte le iscrizioni pubbliche, il quartiere dei teatri e il tempio di Iside.Con l’avvento del dominio borbonico, si riscoprì con sorprese la casa del Fauno, notevole per il suo mosaico che rappresentava la battaglia d’Alessandro. Dopo che venne nominato Giuseppe Fiorelli e dopo che avvenne l’Unità di Italia, venne risvoltato l’organizzazione lavorativa.La prima innovazione riguardò l’introduzione del metodo dei calchi in gesso, che ha permesso il recupero delle impronte risalenti ai corpi dei cittadini deceduti a causa dell’eruzione del vulcano. Da allora, proseguirono i profondi scavi nelle regiones orientali, a parte aver scoperto edifici di enorme prestigio.La fase più antica di scavo, risale alla scoperta della necropoli di Porta Nocera, oggi, ricordato come un sito storico di grande importanza. Successivamente, alla metà del XX secolo, piuttosto che proseguire con i lavori di esplorazione, si è preferito attuare un metodo più conservativo, mirare a preservare il valore storico del luogo.

Ospitati nel Palazzo dei Conservatori e nel Palazzo Nuovo, i Musei Capitolini costituiscono una delle più antiche istituzioni museali al mondo, grazie alla donazione effettuata da Sisto IV nel 1471 di alcune opere precedentemente custodite nel Laterano. Nel XVI secolo, Leone X e Pio V hanno contribuito all’ampliamento della raccolta, ma l’incremento più significativo si è avuto nel 1734 con l’acquisizione della collezione di marmi antichi della collezione Albani. Con la proclamazione di Roma come capitale, si è arrivati a occupare anche il Palazzo dei Conservatori, creando il Museo Nuovo (1925) e il Braccio Nuovo (1952). I Musei Capitolini sono composti da una collezione di marmi e bronzi classici, da una pinacoteca e da un medagliere.

The Castellaro hill, in Vendone, less than 15 kilometres from Albenga, is the place where in the second half of the 20th century, the German painter and sculptor Reiner Kriester crafted a series of large works in limestone and marble, and had them placed outdoors. Some thirty impressive features, like stelae stretched towards the sky, form the Rainer Kriester's Sculpture Park and bears witness to the dry inspiration of the artist, who had previously, in his reclusive Berlin during the years of the Wall, had matured through more dramatic works and seems to have found a greater sense of peace in Liguria. In fact, the sculptor had stayed here often and for a long time since 1982, until he was welcomed by the small community of Vendone as an honorary citizen.

Before and after Albenga, the railway between Genoa and France runs alongside the coast. Not so here. In Albenga, the tracks pass between the historic centre and the sea across a broad, essentially flat strip, because the Centa river has accumulated its deposits over the centuries, forming new land that is now built up almost to the beaches. In short, the course of the river separated the mediaeval Albenga from the Ligurian Sea, gradually diminishing the city's original port and commercial importance. The history of Albenga is well illustrated by the famous towers, including those of the Municipality and the Cathedral. In Piazza Europa, the Multimedia Centre tells of an island, that of Gallinara, which emerges from the sea right in front of Albenga and is rightly protected as a Nature Reserve off the stretch of coast towards Alassio. The centre is set up in a former 16th-century fort, where panels and interactive floors introduce the extraordinary environmental heritage of Gallinara.

The museum on the history of Florence Palazzo della Signoria, or Palazzo Vecchio, with its 94-meter-high medieval tower, is the symbol of the political, cultural and artistic life of Florence. Resting over an ancient Roman theater still visible underground, it has always been the city’s center of power, first hosting Cosimo I De' Medici who expanded the Palace with the help of artists such as Vasari and Buontalenti. When Florence was the Capital of Italy, the Palace became the seat of the Government, and still holds this function as the location of the city hall. On the first floor, you can find the “Salone del Cinquecento”, the largest hall of the Palace. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti were commissioned to paint two glorious episodes of the military history of Florence, respectively, the Battle of Anghiari (1440) and the Battle of Cascina (1364), but neither of the two artists completed the work. The current appearance of the room is by Giorgio Vasari. The coffered ceiling, decorated with 42 cassettes, depicts important episodes in the history of Florence, including the foundation of the city in Roman times and the expansion of the walls in medieval times. At the center, Cosimo I stands as the lord of the city and lands annexed to the duchy, surrounded by the insignia of the twenty-one Arts, or guilds, and by cherubs bearing the emblems of his house. In the Salone, there are extraordinary masterpieces such as Michelangelo's Genius of Victory. In the Mezzanine, you can admire typical furnishings of ancient stately homes and works of art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. On the second floor, there are additional monumental rooms such as Sala delle Carte Geografiche [Geographical maps] and globe, Sala dei Gigli where the original of Donatello's Judith is located and paintings by Bronzino, in the Chapel of Duchess Eleonora. In the basement of the palace, it is possible to follow an archaeological route through the excavations of the Roman Theater.

Between medieval tradition and natural spas A charming town in the heart of Tuscany, Siena preserves its medieval historical centre intact. In Piazza del Campo, one breathes an atmosphere of times gone by. This is where the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia face, and every year, between 2 July and 16 August, the traditional Palio, an equestrian competition between the city's neighbourhoods, held every year, between 2 July and 16 August. Don't miss the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption, with its black and white polychrome façade and its floor full of esoteric symbols. Inside you can admire statues by Michelangelo and frescoes by Pinturicchio. The sinuous hills surrounding Siena contain countless natural and architectural treasures, all waiting to be discovered. Starting with San Gimignano, known for its towers soaring into the sky. For a break in traditional food and wine, stop in San Quirico d'Orcia, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Take a moment to relax in the waters of Rapolano Terme, Bagno Vignoni and Bagni di San Filippo. Their natural thermal baths are the ideal destination for those in search of relaxation. Did you know that the legendary sword in the stone really exists and is located right near Siena? You will find it at the Abbey of San Galgano, a basilica without its roof but which preserves its outer walls intact.

Vietri sul Mare, a sparkling ceramic town on the Amalfi coast. Whether you are a ceramics enthusiast or not, the minute you set foot in Vietri sul Mare, you cannot help but be dazzled by the colours of its majolica tiles that draw a shimmering mosaic and light up the entire village, from the historical monuments to the squares and courtyards. Yet it is not because of its famous ceramics that Vietri sul Mare is called the 'first pearl of the Amalfi Coast', but because of its strategic position in the area, i.e., the one furthest to the east, the very first stop on this magical stretch of the Campania coastline coming from Salerno. A colourful country Blue and yellow will be the colours that will be immediately imprinted on your eyes, even from a distant point. These are the colours of the majolica tiles adorning the dome of Vietri sul Mare Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and located at the highest point of the historic centre along a panoramic terrace. Ceramics is a theme that you’ll constantly find at every corner. You will find them in another religious building, right next to the cathedral: the 17th-century Arciconfraternita dell'Annunziata e del Rosario. Cladded in majolica are the three façade panels, as well as ceilings and flooring. It is again the polychrome majolica tiles that stand out at the Villa Comunale, a surprising place often compared to Gaudí's Parc Güell in Barcelona. Walls, avenues, fountains and the sinuous handrails of the paths are a riot of majolica mosaics, red, yellow, blue and dove-grey tiles. You are right inside a joyous explosion of colours, while below the blue expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the coastline of the Gulf of Salerno. Here you will find nothing but unique pieces Stroll through the alleys of Vietri sul Mare, admire the hundreds of compositions that adorn the village of Etruscan-Samnite origin and visit any of the countless shops. Whether you shop or not, you will still come away enchanted because the masters will welcome you with a great sense of hospitality, eager to tell you the centuries-old history of the art of Vietri ceramics, a tradition that began in the Renaissance. You will amazed by the clay cooking process and the hand-painting of what are always and only unique pieces: vases and tableware, decorative paintings depicting landscapes, in an infinity of artefacts in contrasting colours. Pantone “Vietri yellow” If you do go shopping, don't forget to favour yellow, in a unique shade that they know how to reproduce only here, so well that it is known worldwide as “Vietri yellow”. The bright light of the Mediterranean makes it stand out in all its beauty. Among the subjects, the typical Vietri one is the donkey, mainly in emerald green, a theme that goes back to the 19th century. A statuette reproducing the animal will be a nice souvenir, a symbol of the entire Amalfi Coast, which once was a means of locomotion along the mule tracks for transporting men and goods. If curiosity drives you to learn more about this art, Vietri boasts three exhibition spaces dedicated solely to ceramics: the Provincial Ceramics Museum in Villa Guariglia, the Cargaleiro Museum and the Solimene Ceramics Palace. Fine sand and shallow waters The Marina di Vietri offers a stretch of coastline characterised by fine golden sand and a shallow and gently sloping seabed, an ideal setting for families with children and the elderly. You can opt for the free beach or the beach equipped with every comfort of the resorts. Nearby you will also find the La Crestarella beach dominated by the so-called tower, the Schiarata and the Cancelluzzo Beach: the latter is free, with pebbles mixed with sand, and can only be reached by sea, which you can do by hiring a pedalo from Marina di Vietri. Two out-of-town trips There are two recommended visits if you travel a little further from Vietri sul Mare. Go to Albori which has two quiet little beaches in its inlet, not very popular since you have to walk down 200 steps. The water is crystal clear and a small stream flows into the sea at this very spot. Two beach clubs and a refreshment stand will be useful for equipment and refreshment. When the sun sets behind the rock, climb up towards the fishing village, delightful with its whitewashed houses and the scent of lemons as you walk. Raito is famous for its stairways, the only way to get around this scenic village. Visit the Villa Guariglia with its Museo Provinciale della Ceramica (Provincial Museum of Ceramics) and surrounded by a marvellous terraced park, as is typical on the Amalfi Coast, where vegetation is wrested from the sea and rock with a skilful technique.

A holiday in Positano, enjoying the enchantment of the Amalfi Coast Positano stands to the west of the fascinating natural terrace on the Tyrrhenian Sea that is the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the typical Mediterranean landscape of southern Italy reigns supreme, with white houses sloping down towards the sea and splendid beaches, alleys offering all the simple pleasures of life: the leisurely pace, refined boutiques, cafés and restaurants, and places that are custodians of history. Discovering the beaches The Marina Grande beach is Positano's most famous beach. It is 400 metres of sandy shore set in the inlet, where you may find yourself face to face with passing VIPs. The view and the facilities available encourage lounging, but once you have left your sunbed, it is worth heading to the pier to sail to the Li Galli Archipelago: three small islands in a marine reserve surrounded by crystal-clear waters, that legend has it are populated by mermaids. You can get there by dinghy or small boat. An intimate cove embraces Fornillo Beach, made of pebbles and gravel; it's reachable on foot and a snorkelling paradise because of its magnificent seabed. Continuing on foot, you can spend some quiet time on the Spiaggia di Laurito (Laurito Beach), where the cliffs are sheer, and nature is untouched. The jagged coastline of the Gulf of Positano is full of ravines on the turquoise sea. Climb aboard a gozzo, the traditional boats, and ask to be taken to discover little beaches in secret coves, including La Porta, San Pietro Laurito and Arienzo. Many hotels also offer stretches of private beaches. A divine trek A hike in the Monti Lattari, immersed in nature. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), was for many years the only link between the towns on the Amalfi Coast, before the main road was built. As you walk along, the Coast opens up to you from above and the view sweeps as far as Capri on clear days. You pass through forests of holm oaks and quench your thirst at the numerous springs; you will find vertiginous caves and precipices, the remains of cave villages, and the limestone spire Il Pistillo.   You arrive at the village of Nocelle, where you can freshen up before resuming your trek. For the more experienced and adventurous, a branch of the Sentiero degli Dei leads via an almost endless flight of steps to Cala Arienzo, usually reached by sea with little effort. A holiday resort dear to the Romans Roman aristocrats came to Positano and built extraordinary holiday residences here. There is much evidence of their fondness for this place, blessed with an enchanting landscape and a mild climate all year round, with the sea breeze alleviating the summer heat. Find artefacts of the ancient holidaymakers at the Roman Archaeological Museum - MAR, which houses a part of a 1st century AD villa, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius and brought to the surface after years of archaeological excavations. Positano Style Positano is a vertical village, perched on a rock overlooking the sea. Wander through the village's many stairways and alleyways, and don't miss a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a stone's throw from Marina Grande Beach. Once a Benedictine monastery, later abandoned and renovated over the centuries, today it offers the architectural spectacle of a pale stone façade and a yellow, green and blue majolica dome. Inside, look out for the precious Byzantine icon. Majolica has a long tradition in Positano, and in the village ateliers you can shop for ceramic objects, from plates to trinkets. There are many boutiques selling elegant clothes if you want to follow the “Positano style”: soft, fluttering dresses, kaftans, light colours, shirts and trousers in linen and lightweight fabrics, and the ubiquitous swimwear for him and for her. Over the centuries, Positano has seen a flourishing tradition of weaving, now reinterpreted in a contemporary, holiday mood. The style is completed with flip-flop shoes, also customised by the craftsmen. After the sea, the delights of the village Positano is also luxury and high society, and the whole area offers plenty of clubs, restaurants and bars. For evening entertainment, you can choose whether to stay up high in the venues clinging to the rock, in favour of the view, or in the beach clubs, where an aperitif at sunset is also a pleasant experience. Take a seat on the terrace of a restaurant. Some good choices are mussel soup or a lemon-scented seafood salad, linguine with scampi and fried fish. Among the cheeses of the Monti Lattari, fior di latte, the same cheese that you will find on pizza, is the most popular. And if your gastronomic interests do not end there, find out how to join a themed tour: olive oil tours among the olive groves, and wine cellars amidst the vineyards.

A village overlooking the sea, among churches and lemon groves More compact than its neighbour Maiori, Minori is a picturesque little village. Immersed in the aroma of lemons and the blue sky and sea, the promenade takes you to the Basilica di S. Trofimena, the most iconic of the thirty or so churches in the village. In the westernmost part of the town, you can view the most significant ancient ruins along the coast. We recommend organising a guided tour of the 1st-century-AD Roman Villa, an example of contemporary patrician architecture. It was constructed from particularly valuable material that arrived exclusively by sea. Inside, you can admire remarkable paintings and frescoes. To delight your palate as well as your eyes and nose, you can stop at one of the many pastry shops to sample local delicacies of the Amalfi Coast. It is no coincidence that Minori is also known as the City of Taste. Don’t miss at least part of the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path), a pleasant walk through fragrant lemon groves with stunning views. This 9-kilometre route takes you to Maiori, between ascents and descents interspersed with 400 steps.

Cetara: experience the evocative atmosphere of a seafront village The spectacle of the Marina with the lampara boats leaving in the late evening, a quiet beach bordered by the old defence tower, pastel-coloured houses and churches clinging to the hillside. On the Amalfi Coast, Cetara preserves intact the most authentic dimension of a fishing village. The perfect destination for beach lovers, who will also find it on their palate: the local speciality is in fact the Colatura di Alici (translated as Anchovy Syrup) the result of a long tradition. Beaches in a row right in the village The Spiaggia della Marina beach is right here in the village, protected by the Vicereale Tower, an Angevin bastion of defence. It has a sandy and a pebbly part and is surrounded by small pink and yellow houses, as well as small café and restaurant for a pleasant stopover. Facing south-east, the beach is always sun-drenched, perfect for an off-season dive on mild autumn and spring days. At the pebble beach Spiaggia del Porto, special currents make the water crystal clear. Climb aboard a gozzo (local boat type) to visit the Spiaggia della Collata, with access only by sea, a small sheltered bay shrouded in the scents of Mediterranean vegetation; then continue, still by boat, to the tiny Spiaggia degli Innamorati, reserved to a few chosen ones. Still sailing, but this time towards the east coast, you can reach the Spiaggia della Campana (Bell Beach) with a view of two stacks. For those looking for comfort, on the Lannio Beach and the Old Tuoro Beach you can sit on soft sand. Corso Garibaldi: the central street of the village After a long day on the beach it is worth heading towards Corso Garibaldi, the central street of Cetara where the main historical monuments parade, including the Church of San Pietro Apostolo with its dome decorated with a polychromatic majolica covering. The promenade is all the more enchanting at sunset, when the sun dips into the water on the horizon: it is the right time for an aperitif in one of the many bars with outdoor tables from which to admire the spectacle of colours at dusk. Or simply rest on one of the terraces overlooking the sea, because even the dozens of benches are works of fine craftsmanship: they are made by master ceramists, with compositions depicting scenes of life and fishing. Corso Garibaldi is also the ideal place for shopping from boutiques to ceramics ateliers to gastronomic specialities. The famous Colatura di Alici di Cetara The sea is rich in fish in Cetara and the name of town itself derives from Cetaria, meaning 'tuna fishery'. Today, boats go out to the deep waters of the Mediterranean for bluefin tuna, while the tradition of fishing for anchovies is still flourishing. The procedure for a good Colatura di Alici has very ancient roots, traceable back to the time of the Romans who made a similar product called Garum. The Cistercian monks from Amalfi then enhanced the technique: the fish are salted and after curing, the liquid is filtered, a craft method that is still used today. Colatura di Alici has an intense flavour, which you can enjoy by ordering a spaghetti or linguine in the village restaurants. Divine in their simplicity, with no need for seasoning other than a sprinkling of parsley and a good extra virgin olive oil. Trekking among the lemon groves Cetara is a strategic hub for treks of various difficulties in the hills. A one-hour walk along a beautiful path through olive groves, vineyards and lemon orchards on terraces leads to Punta Fuenti. On the contrary, for the braver ones, it takes almost 7 hours to walk the paths from Abbazia di Cava to Iaconti: you will find yourself on a ridge of Mount Falerio before heading into lush forests. If you are looking for an excursion out of town, move to nearby Maiori: this is where the Via dei Limoni (Lemon Path) starts, the ancient road that in 9 kilometres connects Maiori to Minori, both delightful villages. Farmers used to pass through here and even today, during the harvesting period between spring and summer, you can see them at work and intent on transporting citrus fruits by mule. The cultivation of lemons on the Amalfi Coast is a true art.

Bologna, the delightful capital of Emilia-Romagna, is a lively city, with its blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food. Nestled among vast plains, gentle, winding valleys and rolling hills with unique and unparalleled panoramas, Bologna may be a young city, but it has an enchantingly rich history. Treat yourself to a relaxing trip, immersed in art, music and good food.

A defensive fortress in the heart of Ravenna Just a few minutes on foot from Ravenna train station, the Rocca Brancaleone is a mighty fortification dating back to 1457, when Venice took control of the city. The building, with its evident military and defensive purpose, was intended to protect the city on the northeast side and stem any internal rebellion. Having passed to civilian use with the unification of Italy, in the 1970s it was adapted into an open-air theatre for concerts, operas, film screenings and festivals, such as the Ravenna Jazz Festival. The fortress is divided into two parts: the fortress proper, where the castle warden resided, and the citadel, which housed the troops stationed there and is now equipped as a children's play area. Above the entrance to the fortress, in the Chapel Tower, you can see two bas-reliefs, one depicting the Lion of San Marco and the other a Madonna and Child. The building consists of eight towers. More specifically, these are: the Torrione della Scala, the Torrione dell'Olio, the Torrione della Munizione, the Torrione della Cittadella, the Torrione di Mezzo, the Torrione dell 'Orto, the Torrione Rotto and the Torre Fiorentina or Torre della Ghiacciaia. Entry to the fortress and garden is free all year round, from 8 am to midnight. You can get there either on foot or via bus lines 2, 3 and 5. If you prefer to travel by car, the area has free and paid parking.

Cagliari’s opera and symphonic theater Inaugurated in 1993, the Teatro Lirico was created as an alternative to the Teatro Civico and the Politeama Regina Margherita. Now, it is Cagliari’s main theater. Home to the foundation by the same name that organizes the concert season for opera and ballet, the Teatro Lirico has a capacity of 1680 seats, a contemporary architectural style built in concrete and glass, and an extension of 5000 square meters. In addition to traditional entertainment, it offers school activities and training workshops, and it also makes its large spaces available for events, conferences and exhibitions.

It is an artificial cave of unique appeal, due to its human ear-like shape. It is 65 metres in length, between 5 and 11 metres wide, and 23 metres in height, narrowing towards the top, almost into a pointed arch. The name was given it by Caravaggio, in 1608, during a visit to the latomia. Legend has it that Dionysus used the cave as a prison, so that he could listen from above to what the prisoners were saying, even when speaking quietly. In fact, the cave is famous for its extraordinary acoustic properties, capable of amplifying any sound. Simply tear a sheet of paper to appreciate this amazing echo effect.

It is the city's opera house, the preferred venue for opera, ballet and classical concerts since 1827. The theatre was damaged during the Second World War and was only rebuilt in 1987. The new building was designed by Ignazio Gardella, Aldo Rossi and Fabio Reinhart. The restoration project has restructured the vestibule of the old theatre, and the western arcade with its embossed ceiling, the work of Carlo Barabino (1826-31). Behind it is the 1990 building, surmounted by a glass cusp, which is illuminated during performances and is now one of the characteristic features of the Genoa skyline. The stage apparatus includes four mobile platforms, activated by sophisticated technology.

Opera, symphonic music and theatrical performances in Cosenza The Alfonso Rendano Theatre can be found in the historic centre of Cosenza in Piazza XV Marzo and takes its name from the well-known pianist and composer Alfonso Rendano. With its 19th-century Neoclassical style and its pictorial and stucco decorations surrounded by red velvet, the theatre is the only one of its kind in Calabria, with a seating capacity of around 800 and three tiers of boxes. Venue of the opera, symphonic and theatre seasons, it also hosts a variety of cultural events and performances each year.

The biggest opera house in Italy It is the largest opera house in Italy, third in size after the Paris Opera and Staatsoper in Vienna. The architectural complex is massive and the halls, galleries and elegant grand staircases make it a real attraction to visit. From the golden ornaments to the red brocade armchairs, antique mirrors, and Murano chandeliers, the theater stands out not only for its grandeur but also for its charm and elegance. The Great Hall of the theater, known for its perfect acoustics and for the Symbolic Wheel, an artistic and engineering masterpiece frescoed by Luigi di Giovanni, deserve special attention. The wheel features eleven trapezoidal panels boasting paintings on canvas, arranged in a wheel around a central round piece depicting the Triumph of Music. Through a system of ropes, the panels can be opened upwards allowing for ventilation of the room. Teatro Massimo is a theater of excellence for the opera, ballet and classical music concert seasons, combined with educational activities for schools and the possibility of guided tours.