Blog: Discover Italy

The results are in! Valdimontone won the August 16th, 2025 Il Palio di Siena horse race. The 9-year-old gelding Anda E Bola and 43-year-old jockey Giuseppe Zedde (also known as Gingillo) brought their contrada to victory Saturday the first time 2016. Pantera came in second. This is Valdimontone’s 45th official victory. Gingillo, who last won in 2018 for Lupa, wins his fourth. First held in 1656, The Palio di Siena, otherwise known as "Il Palio", is one of the oldest and most famous …

In Sicily, there is a well-known pastry known as Cassatella di Sant'Agata, translated as, Saint Agatha's Breasts. Named after Saint Agatha, an early Christian martyr who was tortured by having her breasts cut off, these round shaped sweets are made of sponge cake, soaked in Rosolio (a traditional Italian liquor), and filled with ricotta cheese, chocolate drops, and candied fruit - such as oranges or citrons and then coated with a white icing and topped with a candied cherry. Saint Agatha is …

What is it about Carrara marble that makes it so special? Carrara marble is quarried in Tuscany, in the Apuan Alps region. It is known for its distinctive white or blue-grey background with soft, feathery grey veining. This natural stone has been used for centuries in art and architecture due to its beauty and durability.  Carrara's marble quarries have a history spanning over two millennia, with large-scale exploitation beginning in the 1st century AD under the Romans.  …

Does anyone else out there have a child who has a favorite Roman Emperor? I am assuming probably not. My daughter became obsessed with the Roman Emperor Commodus after watching Ridley Scott’s Gladiator starring Russell Crowe. On a recent trip to Rome, while visiting the Vatican Museum we wandered into a gallery of Roman sculpture. All of the sudden, my daughter went running down the room, yelling, “There’s Commodus”. In a room full of hundreds of Roman busts and statues, …

A short drive (15 miles) from Padre Pio's Shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo lies a cave where the Archangel Michael was said to appear. Located in the town of Monte Sant'Angelo, The Cave of Saint Michael, also known as the Grotto Church of Saint Michael or Santuario Grotta di San Michele, is one of the holiest places in Italy and perhaps throughout the world. This important Christian pilgrimage site has been visited by countless saints and popes including: St. Bernard of Clarvaux, Bl …

Visiting Amalfi, Sorrento or Positano and enjoying limoncello is a must-do experience on the Amalfi Coast. Limoncello is a lemon liquor special to this area of Italy. You will find it in every restaurant on the Amalfi Coast. Many shops sell bottles for you to take home. And local factories offer tours showcasing how limoncello is made. Limoncello produced on the Amalfi Coast is the quintessential limoncello for here this lemon flavored liquor is made from the large, fragrant, locally grown …

The Results are in Oca has won the July 3rd, 2025 Il Palio di Siena. Jockey Giovanni Atzeni who goes by the professional name Tittia wins for the 11th time. This is the 68th win for the Oca (Goose) Contrada. The Palio is by far the world’s wildest horse race and Atzeni has become the jockey who has been able to dominate this 392 year event. First held in 1656, The Palio di Siena, otherwise known as "Il Palio", is one of the oldest and most famous horse races in the world. Held twice a …

In the Middle Ages, Siena was partitioned into districts called contrade. Each Contrada formed a military company which was responsible for defending Siena. Originally there were 59 contrade, but today only 17 remain. Today the only battle these contrade fight is the Palio – a competitive bareback horse race that takes place on July 2 and August 16 every year in the city's main piazza - Piazza del Campo. Every person who was born or lives in Siena belongs to a Contrada. Each Contrada has …

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons) Siena is by far one of my favorite Italian towns, a captivating medieval city in Tuscany, renowned for its well-preserved Gothic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and the thrilling Palio. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern excitement, making it a must-visit destination. If you happen to be traveling to Italy during the summer, do try and plan your trip around the Palio di Sie …

I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely in love with Lemons. I love anything with lemons on it – dresses, blouses, t-shirts, towels, rugs, wall décor, hand soap, tablecloths, dishes, Italian pottery. I even have a Lemon phone case for my iPhone. My children roll their eyes every time I spot something at the store with lemons on it. So, you can only imagine how I am on cloud nine every time I go to the Amalfi Coast. If you have never been to the Amalfi Coast, I strongly s …