A Personal Guide to Travel and Life in Italy

Aren’t towers supposed to be tall? Not in the countryside of Modica, where a “torre” – tower – is something else indeed.

Silvio Berlusconi resigned on Nov 12, 2011, and a government of technocrats is being headed by the newly appointed prime minister, Mario Monti. But Italy’s current situation is still shaky as Monti works to gain a confidence vote in parliament, and hopefully head off early elections.

Art galleries, sculpture studios, and great restaurants make the Tuscan town of Pietrasanta a highlight of our Cinque Terre walking tour in Italy.

After long negotiations with the Getty museum, the stolen Goddess of Morgantina has finally returned to Sicily. Off we go to Aidone to welcome her back.

The ancient Greek silver of Morgantina – once looted, sold, and investigated – has finally been returned to Italy. View the extraordinary collection in Sicily.

Celebrate Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage with FAI, the National Trust of Italy, and unique attractions not normally open to the public the weekend of March 26 & 27, 2011.

In honor of the 150th Anniversary of Italy on March 17, 2011, celebrate with free entrance to state museums and archeological sites

‘Mpanatigghi are a sweet biscuit from the town of Modica, Sicily with a long history dating back to the 16th century, and contain a surprise ingredient, most unusual for sweets in Italy.

In 2010 the Festa Della Repubblica celebrations in Italy on June 2 take place in a climate of political instability.

Southern Tuscany is home to an area known as La Maremma, and includes wild, untamed countryside and beautiful walking in a protected park on Tuscany’s coast. Anita reports from a walking tour in La Maremma.