Italy
Recent Articles
-
Trulli Alberobello
The trulli in Puglia could be the earliest recorded tax evasion scheme. The use of drystone walling was imposed on the builders of new settlements in the area from the fourteenth century as they could easily be dismantled and then re-built later after the tax inspector had gone.
-
Matera - a tale of two cities
It was an astonishing introduction to Matera the town that was built in the rocks tumbling down the side of the ravine "La Gravina"through which the river of the same name flows. I stepped through a small archway and was immediately chased away by a local with his dog shouting "privato". In the…
-
The Sea Side of Salerno
I will remember Salerno as the place with one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen and where I ate one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted...
-
Capri Captivates
The boat was full and the only space we could find was a row of seats outside and right at the front. Soon after we set off the wind started to seriously batter us and everyone moved inside ...
-
A Carnival in Venice
As I emerged from the confinement of the Arrivals Hall into the fresh air a frisson of excitement rolled through me - ahead of me the vast expanse of the Lido glistened under the rays of a bright winter sun and beside me the water slapped against the wooden jetty. The engine of our water taxi…
-
Oh Little Town of Dimaro
I was on my way to the bus stop in Dimaro to catch the ski bus when I felt someone was watching me. I stopped and turned round to see a life-size Mary with Josef standing by the village water trough ...
-
A Bird’s Eye View of Some Treasures of Tuscany
Montecatini Alto is two hundred and seventy nine metres above Montecatini Terme – I know as I have ascended every one of them to look down on this spa town.
-
The Road to Trento
Our first historical signpost on the road to Trento is Castello Toblino. Resplendent on its own peninsular surrounded by a lake of the same name this was once the summer residence of the Prince Bishops who wielded both temporal and religious power over the region of Trentino between 1027 and 1796.
-
MUSE in Trento
Trento, the regional capital of Trentino in Northern Italy and famous as the host for the Council of Trent nearly 500 hundred years ago is now achieving fame as the home of a unique museum MUSE.
-
Traditions of Pinzolo
I was doubled up with laughter as the stars of the show had finally arrived at full gallop and their audience had scattered. Once we had reached a safe place we watched the celebrities, a few hardy heifers, disappear in a cloud of dust and hooves. When order was restored the parade, only half way…
