A high school writing instructor once told me that good writers, even great ones, write what they know. It’s not as if I even come close to considering myself in the category of great writers such as Ernest Hemingway or John Steinbeck, both of whom, by the way, were greatly inspired by their time spent in bella Italia. However, after decades in journalism, and with several books under my belt, I have found the words of that instructor to be very wise. And I have also tried to, in some small way, emulate authors who also did their best to write what they know as I sat down to pen my forthcoming book, Italy’s Shrines and Wonders; Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations off the Beaten Path.
Over the past nearly 25 years, I have had the blessing through my work as a Catholic journalist and talk show host, pilgrimage and Italy tour leader, along with my efforts as a travel coach, to visit this amazing country almost 70 times. In addition to hosting countless trips, my husband and I have made Italy our top vacation spot as often as our bank account and busy schedules would allow. There were many times since our first trip at the turn of the 21st century, that we had to scrimp, save, and squeeze time and money wise in order to get back to our beloved Italy. But eventually we ended up spending so much time in the boot each year that in early 2023 we decided to take the plunge and become part time residents in central Italy. It was just so hard for us to leave it behind, even for a few months.
As I sat down to write this 400+ page publication, I could hear the words of that writing instructor in my head. I like to think he would be a bit pleased to see me again taking his stellar advice for writers seriously. I am “writing what I know”. I have, after all, come to know Italy quite well, and love it so much that I wanted to share my insights, insider tips, favorite recipes, and personal stories with more than my coaching clients and Catholic audiences. While Italy, of course, is a Catholic country, its endless beauty along with its colossal contributions to history, art, and culture is meant for all the world to see. In addition to the millions of Catholics that visit each year, Italy remains at the top of the list for the most popular travel destinations. In 2025 between 35 and 40 million people are expected to visit Rome alone. The staggering numbers are in part due to the Jubilee Year, a special Catholic event occurring only every 25 years. But those figures also include others outside the Church longing to embrace a bit of la dolce vita, the sweet life, Italian style.
That’s why I wrote it with all sorts of folks in mind, including the faith-filled pilgrim longing to walk through St. Peter’s and take in the Pieta, the first-time Italy visitor longing to soak up the countless monuments and sites, the foodies and wine aficionados who want a taste of the Italy, and most importantly for those looking for the experience of doing more than just rush from one church or city to the next. Italy has so much more to offer than what Hollywood, Netflix, and Madison Avenue would have us believe. Italy is more than the Amalfi Coast to the south and Tuscany to the north. As lovely as those two areas may be, it’s also the rolling hills of Umbria. It’s a peaceful medieval village in the middle of nowhere and quaint agriturismo run by a local family ready to welcome you to their table. Italy, as I say in my book, is meant to be savored, not seen as merely backdrops for more selfies.
And that’s why Italy’s Shrines and Wonders is more than just a guidebook. It is my hope and dream that readers will see this as the ultimate Italy travel resource which includes:
- A comprehensive collection of Italy’s most important places of religious and historical significance, along with jaw dropping photos of these incredible locations.
- Regional highlights to help you plan the perfect Italy visit.
- My “must sees” and “must do’s”. These are my exclusive insider tips collected over the years that point you toward the best of the best, and away from the tourist traps.
- Signature dishes and celebrations from across Italy, including my own time-tested Italian family recipes, and highlights from my favorite festivals across Italy.
- Personal testimonies of Italy travelers whose lives were altered by the beauty they experienced.
- An up close and personal story of the journey to buying a little slice of Italy heaven.
And that’s just for starters. This book is large enough to address all your questions about Italy, but small enough to throw in that backpack or carry-on luggage. Even if a trip to this unbelievable land is not in the near future, it is perfect for the armchair traveler who loves to read and learn about fascinating and faraway places.
And finally, what you’re getting in Italy’s Shrines and Wonders, is a big piece of my full blooded Italian American heart. As I explain in the Introduction, when it comes to Italy, for me it was pretty much love at first sight. The first time my husband and I set foot on Italian soil we never looked back, and that is how, more than two decades later, this book and my work related to all things Italy came to be.
Even though it is 400+ pages, I could have easily written 400 more, and then some. My heart and my head are so filled with love and awe for this place and especially its Creator, that it was truly difficult to stop typing. I like to say, God was just showing off when He made Italy. “Lookie what I can do”, He seems to be saying at every turn.
It wouldn’t be difficult for me to write more about what I know when it comes to this place of sheer magnificence. But for now, I hope you will think about grabbing a copy of Italy’s Shrines and Wonders and hopefully let Italy become a place that you too will come to know well.
Andiamo and Buon Viaggio!
