Italian Style Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And although you may be far from home, make the most of the season with our tips on how to celebrate an Italian Style Christmas. Your beginner’s kit should include first and foremost a Nativity Scene or presepe. These are essential during the holiday season and in […] Read More
Milan: Mixing Old with the New
As an American, one thing that strikes on your first trip to Europe is the history. The relative age of North America is nothing compared to that of the European continent. Buildings of historical significance here can easily be two or three times as old as the historical sites in the United States. The same […] Read More
Who was Mr. Marino?
Where did the name Palazzo Marino came from? Here is the story… Right in front of the Teatro alla Scala you can see an important building – now hosting the headquarters of Milan’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor… and obviously all the other people who work with them. This is Palazzo Marino; named after its old owner, […] Read More
Did you know… the Devil lived in Corso di Porta Romana 3?
Among the numerous myths and legends about Milan there is a curious one that says that the devil lived in Corso di Porta Romana n. 3. Why? From 1629 through 1631, in northern Italy, there were a series of outbreaks of Bubonic Plague. This epidemic, often referred to as Great Plague of Milan, claimed the lives of approximately […] Read More
Outlawed gentleman – Stories and Legends of Milan
Ezio Barbieri and “La Banda della Aprilia Nera” A long time ago Milan’s neighborhood “Isola” (island) was isolated from the rest of the city – due to the railway crossing it – and it was inhabited by very poor people, “la classe operaia” (blue collars). When the situation got worse, after the Second World War, […] Read More
Carlina – Stories and Legends of Milan
Carlina was a young girl from the Lake of Como, more precisely from Schignano. At the time and in those areas, according to custom, young brides dressed in black – and not in white as you are used to seeing today – this was to go unnoticed and avoid brutes taking advantage of them in […] Read More
The Secret Price of History
Most of us would agree that you can consider yourself well integrated into a new country when you stop translating back and forth from your native language and culture. Yet for a handful of assimilated expats, the translating not only continues but becomes a life passion. This is definitely the case for Gayle Ridinger, an […] Read More
Italian Names and their Onomastico
Have you ever noticed that many Italians have the same name and most of them are named after a Saint? It is not lack of imagination, but a strong influence of their tradition. As we all know, Italy is one of the country with Catholic customs, one of these is the celebration of the Onomastico or […] Read More
48 Hours in Verona
What better way is there, than to spend Valentine’s Day in Verona, Italy’s city of love? Begin the tour at Castelvecchio (corso Castelvecchio 2). This medieval castle with its brick exterior and turrets is a wonderful architectural gem which houses an incredible collection of Medieval and Renaissance art. During your visit, take some time for […] Read More
The Venice Carnival
When thinking of the Carnival, two cities stand out from the rest of the world, Venice and Rio. Given the cold temperatures in Italy since the start of 2016, my pick would definitely be Rio, but as I live in Milan with my wife and two small children, let’s talk about a more realistic travel option, […] Read More
Tracy Roberts talks about new international crowdfunding project
With over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 48 million visitors per year, who doesn’t love Italy? It is this passion for Italy that has prompted Tracy Roberts fellow expat living in Italy for 33 years and partners to launch LoveItaly! But what exactly is LoveItaly!? “We are a non-profit organization. We want to […] Read More
How much do you know about St Andrew?
St Andrew’s Day (or more usually Night) is very important to all Scots around the world as it is when we celebrate Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint. But how much do you know about him? Here’s a potted history: Andrew was a Galilean fisherman before he and his brother Simon Peter became disciples of Jesus […] Read More
Introduction to Italian Customs
Italy as we know it today is a very young country, just over 150 years old. It was ultimately unified in 1861 following a campaign lead by Garibaldi. Before then, it was a peninsula with dozens of independent city-states, ruled by lords, kings and popes, with their own laws, dialects and customs. Yet, the stable […] Read More
Independence Day message from Ambassador Philip T. Reeker Consul General in Milan
Dear Friends, Happy Independence Day! Although Americans will celebrate our national day across the globe, Milan is THE place to be this year. The New York Times named Milan as its top travel destination for 2015, so I am in not alone in my admiration for this magnificent city. On July 4, 2015 we will […] Read More