Blog: Discover Italy

For centuries, the small Umbrian hill town of Deruta, Italy, has been celebrated for producing some of the world's most beautiful hand-painted ceramics. Walk through Deruta today and you will still find ceramic workshops where artisans transform simple pieces of earthenware into brilliantly colored plates, bowls, platters, vases and decorative objects. Many of the techniques—and even some of the designs—have roots stretching back hundreds of years. Known particularly for its maiolica …

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 coveted Drappellone. Winning Contrada for I …

The Nobile Contrada dell'Aquila (Aquila) won the Palio di Siena Horse Race July 2, 2026, which took place on, 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 until the finish. Behind the pair of Tittia and Diodoro,  Civetta tried to clo …

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 commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary. The race features 10 horses and ride …

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 exploitation beginning in the 1st century AD under the Roman …

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 sug …

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 symbols to differentiate their authentic Italian …

I don't know about you, but I love discovering Italian ceramics—whether I'm wandering through a pottery workshop in Italy, shopping at an antique store, or even browsing the shelves at HomeGoods. But when a colorful Italian ceramic plate or bowl is marked "Made in Italy," how can you tell whether you've found a piece of authentic, handcrafted Italian pottery or something that was mass-produced? After importing handcrafted Italian ceramics for Merchant of Prato since 2007, I have learned th …

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 potatoes) 2 cups of flour 2 eggs Microwave the pota …

The Italian town of Castelli, is renowned for its ancient and precious tradition of ceramic art. Residing in this small town is The Church of San Donato (Chiesa di San Donato), nicknamed the "The Sistine Chapel of Majolica".  The Church of San Donato in Castelli is rather plain with an anonymous exterior, typical of Italian country parish churches. It contains a single nave, preceded by a low portico. But don't let this simple interior disappoint you. Look up to the heavens and be amaz …