Blog: Discover Italy

History of Deruta Ceramics Ceramics have been made in Italy for thousands of years, with artifacts dating back to the Etruscan, Greek, and Roman periods. Upon discovery of high quality, local clay, the residents of Deruta began making ceramics towards the end of the 13th century. At first, the potters of Deruta produced everyday objects such as plates, pots, vases and urns. These items were simply painted using brown and green glazes and simple geometric designs. Orange, yellow and red decoratio …

WINNERS – Palio di Siena Horserace 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 year on July 2 and August 16. Each race is a battle between ten of Siena’s 17 contrade (neighborhoods) who battle it out on the town circle “Piazza del Campo”. Lasting only 90 seconds, Il Palio is famous for its intense rivalry to see who will reign supreme and bring home the prize, the co …

The Results are in – L’Aquila has won the July 3rd, 2026 Il Palio di Siena. The Nobile Contrada dell'Aquila (Aquila) won the Palio of July 2, 2026, which took place today, Friday, July 3, after being postponed due to inclement weather. The Contrada’s horse Diodora was rode by Jockey Giovanni Atzeni, known as Tittia, who also won the July Palio last year for Contrada Oca.  There was no stopping Aquila in this race as they immediately took the lead and led the race unti …

The Palio di Siena – An Inescapable Summertime Event in Italy This summer, if you are in Italy during June 28-July 2nd or August 12-16th, a trip to Siena to witness The Palio di Siena is a must-do experience.  The Palio di Siena is a historic horse race that takes place twice a year in the town square (Piazzo del Campo) in the gorgeous hilltop town of Siena. Yes, horses race smack dab in the middle of this medieval town! For over 400 years, the Palio di Siena has been running to comme …

Italian Carrara Marble: The Preferred Stone of Michelangelo What is it about Italian 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 exploitati …

Italian Lemon Lovers - Limoni! Limoni! 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 b …

How To Identify Authentic Hand-Crafted Italian Pottery I don’t know about you, but I love shopping at HomeGoods. You never know what treasures you will come upon. Quite often I find Italian ceramic tableware and the prices appear too good to be true. However, buyers beware!! These Italian ceramic plates, bowls and other items for sale at HomeGoods are NOT handcrafted, artisan pottery, but mass-produced industrial pottery. What is the difference between artisan pottery and mass-produced ind …

What Does the "Made in Italy" Mark Signify Handcrafted pottery has been a hallmark of the Italian peninsula for a very long time – The Greeks, The Etruscans and the Romans – but it was during the Renaissance in the 15th-16th century, that Italy gained fame for her exception pottery known as majolica – a tin-glazed earthenware decorated with colorful designs. As trade developed and expanded, towns such as Deruta and Castelli began inscribing their pottery with distinctive symbol …

GNOCCHi – Making Gnocchi with your Kids I wanted to make homemade pasta with my kids, but I didn’t have a pasta machine. What’s a mom to do? I will make GNOCCHI!!! Making gnocchi is extremely easy and it was so delicious. This was a really fun activity to do with my children. They had a blast and little did they know that they were taking the task of making dinner off my hands. GNOCCHI RECIPE: (6 servings) 4 – Russet Potatoes (the large ones you would use for baked potat …

Church of San Donato (Chiesa di San Donato) in Castelli, Italy - "The Sistine Chapel of Majolica" The Church of San Donato, located near the Italian town of Castelli, is renowned for its ancient and precious tradition of ceramic art. The Church of San Donato (Chiesa di San Donato) in Castelli, Italy owes its fame to the beautiful majolica ceiling which earned her the nickname "The Sistine Chapel of Majolica". The approximately 800 bricks that make up the ceiling, bearing the dates 1615, 161 …