In the looming shadow of progress, the people of Sicily and Calabria face a heart-wrenching reality: their homes, their havens, are under threat of being obliterated to make way for the ambitious bridge project connecting the two regions. The bridge will require over 3.7 million square meters of land, targeting approximately 300 homes in Sicily and 150 in Calabria for expropriation. As the government accelerates its efforts to push forward with the bridge construction, families are left reeling from the shock of impending displacement. Imagine the anguish of 400 households torn from their foun ..read more

In a whirlwind of activity, the Colosseum in Rome witnessed an astonishing influx of 12 million visitors in the bustling year of 2023. This staggering number represented a remarkable surge of about 24% compared to the previous year's count of 9.3 million tourists in 2022. The ancient amphitheater, nestled within the Colosseum Archaeological Park, stood as a beacon, drawing in throngs of tourists and history buffs alike. But beneath the surface of gladiatorial combat and ancient spectacles lies a deeper narrative of Rome's illustrious past and architectural genius. The Colosseum, alongside attr ..read more

1. Italy is home to the world's oldest university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. 2. The Fiat car brand, one of Italy's most famous, was established in 1899 in Turin. 3. Italy is the world's largest producer of wine, producing over 50 million hectoliters annually. 4. The country has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, with 58 sites. 5. Italy is home to Europe's only three active volcanoes: Mount Etna, Stromboli, and Mount Vesuvius. 6. The oldest known cookbook in existence, "Apicius," dates back to ancient Rome and contains recipes from Italy. 7. The world's f ..read more

The Rio Tera in Via Garibaldi, nestled in the charming city of Venice, holds a rich history that speaks volumes about the city's evolution over the centuries. Once a bustling canal coursing through the heart of Venice, this waterway witnessed the ebb and flow of daily life in one of Italy's most iconic cities. However, its fate took a transformative turn when Napoleon Bonaparte, the renowned French military leader and emperor, made his mark on Venice during the early 19th century. In his quest to reshape the city to better suit military and administrative needs, Napoleon ordered the filling ..read more

1) Venice Introduces a 1000 Euro Entrance Fee to Curb Overcrowding In a foolproof move to tackle overtourism, Venice unveils plans for a hefty 1000 Euro per day entrance fee for visitors. The initiative aims to regulate the tourist influx and preserve the city's delicate infrastructure.The scheme, code-named Pesce d'aprile has led to accusations that tourist are being taken for fools. 2) Venice Unveils Plans for a 35-Story Skyscraper Behind Santa Maria della Salute To address the housing crisis, Venice announces the construction of a towering skyscraper behind the iconic Santa Maria della Salu ..read more

Coffee Prices on the Rise in Italy: A Comparison to the UK and USA The cost of a coffee break is becoming increasingly expensive for Italians, according to the consumer association Assoutenti. Compared to two years ago, the average price of coffee consumed at bars has increased by 11.5%, with espresso now averaging at 1.16 euros nationwide. Surprisingly, only three Italian cities—Catanzaro, Reggio Calabria, and Messina—still offer espresso for less than 1 euro per cup, while prices exceed 1.20 euros in 22 provinces. Despite the price hike, Italy maintains its reputation for quality coffee, ens ..read more

On this momentous day, Venice celebrates its 1603rd birthday, marking yet another chapter in its illustrious history. Join me in a toast to this great city as I sit sipping a spritz and share the joy of Venetians on this great day. As I sit at a pavement restaurant in this ancient city, sipping my celebratory aperitivo, I am reminded of the countless generations that have come before me, each leaving their indelible mark on Venice's storied past. Founded on March 25, 421 AD, Venice emerged from the marshy lagoons of the Adriatic Sea, destined to become one of the most magnificent cities the wo ..read more

Experience the thrill of Italy's new Frecciarossa direct link between Naples and Bari, slashing travel time to just 2 hours and 40 minutes by mid/late 2024! But wait, it gets even better! By 2027, imagine zipping from Bari to Naples in a mere 2 hours and Rome in an astonishing 3 hours! Picture yourself exploring the enchanting beauty of Puglia's stunning coastline, basking in the sun-kissed beaches of Salento, and savoring the rich flavors of Apulian cuisine—all within easy reach. Attention, travelers! This groundbreaking connection isn't just about saving time; it's about unlocking a world of ..read more

The oldest tree of all is known as the "L'ulivo millenario di Luras," this tree is well over 1,000 years old, experts have even estimated it as being 4000 years old, making it one of the oldest living olive trees in the world. It is classified as a wild olive tree, or "olivastro," and its impressive dimensions speak to its age and significance. Standing at 8 meters in height with a circumference of 12 meters, the tree commands attention and reverence from all who encounter it. Legend has it that the olive tree was once considered a refuge for malevolent spirits, according to ancient tales pas ..read more

We bought our first home in Italy after 5 years of living there. You definitely don't need to wait that long. Our guide to buying property in Italy is ..read more