Italian culture

Fittingly, the birthplace of the Renaissance rewards slow wanderers. Head out on non‑touristy neighbourhood walks in Florence through Santo Spirito, Sant’Ambrogio and the quieter river lanes.

Slip beyond the blockbuster sights and you’ll find Rome’s unusual attractions tucked into cloisters, courtyards and catacombs. Think keyholes framing domes, layered churches and private palazzi with quietly dazzling art.

Hunting down the best gelato in Italy is one of those essential things you have to do when you're here, but it's good to know that gelato is so much more than just ice cream. It's a proper daily ritual, a treat that's taken very seriously and is seen as a true art form.

Strolling through a sunny Italian piazza, it’s easy to think that gelato is just the local word for ice cream. The debate of gelato vs ice cream, however, goes far beyond a simple translation.

While mainly known worldwide for its Grand Prix, the list of things to do in Monza goes far beyond the racetrack. Step away from the circuit and you’ll find one of Europe's largest parks, home to a grand neoclassical palace that gives a real sense of the region's aristocratic past.

Italy’s not exactly shy when it comes to UNESCO World Heritage sites – there are 60 of them dotted from top to toe.

Italy currently boasts an incredible 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which is more than any other country on the planet. They aren't all ancient ruins, either. The sites fall into a few categories. Most are 'cultural' sites, which makes sense for Italy, given its incredible history.

Italy isn’t just renowned for its exceptional food and great fashion sense—it's also a living museum, home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country on the planet.

Imagine swapping your usual four walls for a whitewashed roundhouse with a quirky pointy hat, right in the heel of Italy’s boot.

Italy and pasta go hand in hand—it's not a cliché, it's just the simple truth.

Central Italy is where rustic countryside flavours collide with city flair, and the region’s pasta dishes are all about bold simplicity and proudly local ingredients.

Northern Italy’s pasta scene is all about comfort, richness and an eye for proper detail. The region’s love affair with creamy sauces, eggy fresh pastas, and plenty of cheese shines through in each dish, with local ingredients giving classics their unmistakable northern twist.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of northern Tuscany, Barga is one of those small Italian towns that quietly wins you over.

Southern Italy doesn’t make a big fuss—food’s woven into the day almost without thinking.

Italy provides an ideal setting for students to immerse themselves in both the Italian language and lifestyle. Each region offers a unique dialect and cultural flavour, making the experience of learning Italian richly diverse.

With the death of Pope Francis, the world turns its eyes once again to the Vatican: the conclave is about to begin. But how exactly is a new Pope chosen?

Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano has identified the next Capital of Culture 2025: Agrigento. This is an important title that will allow the beautiful Sicilian city to invest 1 million euros in the valorisation of the territory's riches, and gain international and national attention.

If you're planning a holiday in Italy, there are a few faux pas you should be aware of if you want to fit in like a local.

Procida, a tiny but beautiful island in the Gulf of Naples, has been crowned Italian Capital of Culture 2022. With its winning presentation titled La Cultura non Isola, Procida fought off the 9 other Italian finalists battling for the crown: Ancona, Bari, Cerveteri, L'Aquila, Pieve di

The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism in Italy (MiBACT) has announced in a press release that 30 million euros have been made available for the redevelopment and restoration of villages and historic districts in the country, more precisely in the regions of Basilicata, Calabria,

The coffee bar or simply 'bar' in Italy is a real institution.