August is the month to vacation in Italy, and the perfect time for Italians & their visitors to enjoy the classic southern Italian dessert Spumoni. Spumoni is traditionally a triple layered semifreddo (partially frozen) gelato dessert with fruits and nuts, … Continue reading
The Basilica of St. Mary Major, is one of the four papal major basilicas, and the largest, and perhaps oldest church dedicated to the Blessed Mother in the western world. It is also known as “Our Lady of the Snows” … Continue reading
Toscanini, Verdi, Puccini – just some of the great names of conductors and composers associated with Milan’s famous Opera House, Teatro alla Scala. Most of the greatest singers in the past 200 years, such as Enrico Caruso and Maria Callas, … Continue reading
The Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy, was originally built by the Romans in 996 AD, rebuilt after a flood in 1117, and constructed again in 1345 after a second massive flood. This third bridge, known as the “Old Bridge” … Continue reading
The Sistine Chapel & Michelangelo The Sistine Chapel was built in the Vatican between 1473 and 1481, on order of Pope Sixtus IV, and dedicated on August 15th, 1483, the Feast of the Assumption. It is the Pope’s private chapel. … Continue reading