The sagra is an Italian festival, organized in some towns, or regions, and is always linked to a local tradition or food celebrated in the course of the event.
The term sagra derives from Latin. It is the evolution of the adjective sacrum, meaning holy, which explains the original purpose and boost that gave birth to this type of event: the religious factor. In fact, in the past the sagre were mainly moments of union between man and a spiritual and holy life.
When most people think of Italy they think of art and culture, history and great food, even beaches and gorgeous vistas, but many often forget that it is also a country of some of the world's most breathtaking mountains. If you want stunning panoramas and glamorous ski resorts then Italy is definitely for you. In this new series we'll be listing the Top 10 Italian Mountains, and a few of their characteristics, so you can get to know each a little better.
Just about 100 miles northeast of Rome, in the heart of Abruzzi, is one of the most interesting mountains in Italy, the Gran Sasso. It is great to climb, and also a marvelous place to simply trek. The Gran Sasso is actually made of three peaks and this great mountain features snow almost all year long and a perennial glacier. Unfortunately, the glacier has been melting and could disappear in the next decade or so.
Italy boasts worldwide fame for its shores along the Mediterranean Sea and there are many beautiful and famous beaches tourists can visit. However, in order to be sure of top quality services and lodging, people should make sure to go to one of the several Italian beaches that have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award, bandiera blu, in the summer 2011.
Tips for Saving Money in Italy (Photo from drpinna.com)
When traveling in Italy things are beautiful, but with the Euro/Dollar conversion things can get very expensive, so let's look at some great ways to save some money when travelling in Italy.
This is perhaps the most famous cave in Italy for its location, accessibility, and the volume of tourists visiting every year. It is located on the coast of the island of Capri, and must be entered by boat. What is most amazing about this cave is the color of the water against the light, making it a magical environment that only Mother Nature is capable of delivering.
Italy is a gorgeous country and a perfect place to travel to. Not only is the country full of art, history and culture, it also has gorgeous scenic beauty and a variety of different climates that visitors can enjoy. If you're visiting Italy it's important to think about where and when you'll be going and what activities you have planned. This will help you decide just what you need to pack for your vacation.
Tuscany is a beautiful region rich in art and humanity. Here we find Vallombrosa, a Benedictine abbey, 30 km south-east of Florence. Its origins are dated around 1038 after which it underwent some restyling and remodeling in 1450. This monastery has historically always been a strong geographic and business center as well as a religious site. Most of its economy was based on livestock and timber. This led Vallombrosa to become very strong economically and politically, to the point that Napoleon made sure to take the monastery under his control and essentially shut it down.
Globalization, the Internet, and worldwide traveling have shrunk the cultural gap between countries and created avenues for similarities in some cultural arenas, especially among youngsters enjoying free time. Italy, like any Western modern economy, exports as well as imports cultural elements.
This is list is not a hit parade and the order is merely narrative, and the intention is to select 10 attractions that would represent art, history, culture, and entertainment. There are of course plenty more wonderful attractions in Italy than these 10, but regardless of personal preferences and tastes, the key here is to learn about a magnificent country and enjoy every moment spent on the Italian soil.
We would like to offer you a general guideline on what to seek when searching for an hotel in Italy. Most of the rules are common to other countries, so feel free to apply them to your needs.
There are certain cultural customs or norms that don't always translate in a foreign country. What you're used to at home isn't always accepted in the place you are visiting. In Italy, you can be sure that most people are very serious about their food and, by extension, the places they eat it.
When people ask, "What should I see that will make my trip to Italy special?" my answer is always the same: Calcata. While there are many charming, forgotten places in Italy, Calcata stands out from the rest. Perched high atop a 150 meter hill of volcanic tuff rock, this fortified castle surrounded by dense forest immediately gives you the impression of having accidentally launched a time machine. What makes Calcata extra special, however, are its unique residents - an international community of painters, sculptors, writers, artisans, craftsmen, performers, and artists of all sorts.
Would you like to visit Italy, but don’t want to leave your beloved pet behind? No problem! Here are some requirements when it comes to bringing your furry friend along for the ride, as well as some tips to make it as easy as possible. In general Italians aren’t a nation of pet lovers, although the joys of pet ownership seem to be catching on. The country tolerates pets, but there are rules to follow if you are a tourist in Italy with a pet and especially if you are staying on for a longer period of time.
In the world today few things are free. Even water, the definitive gift from nature, comes at a cost and many multinational corporations rake in billions by bottling the stuff. Except in Rome, a city whose history has always been linked to its water supply, and where free, clean water is a way of life. Many are familiar with Rome’s famous fountains, but few seem to realize that the water coming from the fountains is not only free, but clean and drinkable. So when you’re in Rome next, be sure to take a sip from the waters of the Eternal City!
Offered by Pasquale Comegna, (photographer) & Paolo Nascimbeni (coordinator - Life in Italy LLC ) Pasquale is offering often workshops so Call for additional dates and availability From the US call Paolo 301 738-6827 EST to ask details or use the contact usform
I just had a 2 days workshop with Pasquale and I enjoyed so much that I decided to offer the workshop to Life in Italy readers. (Paolo). See the list of workshops in Italian
Beaches along the Mediterranean Sea are among the most beautiful in the world and many of the best ones can be found on the shores of Italy. Many of these beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award, which is given to the most eco-friendly beaches and marinas in the world. One hundred and thirteen of Italy's beaches have been given this award in recognition of their clean waters and safe bathing areas.
August is the month when the Italians take their holidays. During the month, the temperature in most parts of the country is quite hot, even more so in the cities due to the level of pollution and the number of people residing there. Because of this reason, most locals take their vacations in August and head to the beaches or to the cooler mountain towns. Although the crowd in most of these places would be Italian, they are crowded nonetheless. However, visitors who plan to visit the larger tourist attraction cities like Florence, Venice or Milan will find most of the locals have left for the hill and beach resorts.
People who have travelled to Italy during the off season months of January, February or March would be absolutely stunned by the number of tourists that they would find in the month of June. The tourist season kicks off in Italy in April, with May and June the two of the busiest months in the country. The main reason for these many people travelling to the country in June is because of the excellent weather. It is a good time to visit, but for those who don't mind the crowds or the high prices of hotel rooms and airfares.
