Scary Monsters: Horror Films, Festivals and Eerie Destinations

Aug 22, 2019

GHOSTS AND BEYOND
Whether it’s the release of dopamine and endorphins or something else, people like to be scared. The rising popularity of escape rooms and horror films receiving mainstream recognition indicates people enjoy fear in controlled dosages. Birthplace to famous horror directors like Dario Argento and Mario Bava, Italy has a dark underbelly with destinations and events for the fearful and fearless alike. If ghostly tours, ghastly sites or scary festivals tickle the ‘scary’ bone, give Cultural Italy a ‘scream’.

Kissing in Milan: be the Lovers in Your Own Story

Feb 14, 2019

CELEBRATE LOVE!

An Italian song of over 50 years ago recounted of how strange it felt to be in love in Milan, a city “with no flowers or sky, where you go on a date in a shopping mall”. But Milan, as we know, is now so much more; not just the most livable city in Italy, but the epicenter of fashion, finance, design, nightlife. And yes, it can be full of romance too. So, on this February 14th, and throuout the year, let it be the scenario for you and your Valentine.

Hidden in a rock: Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso

Sep 22, 2017

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Sometimes I wonder if Italy became such an artistically illuminated country thanks to its devotion to religion, or if it was Catholicism to be lucky enough to be found and developed in this country constantly and densely populated by artistic geniuses.

The 1000 year old Castle of Dolceaqua

Sep 3, 2017

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Have you ever dreamed of being a princess living in a castle? Well, I actually never had but visiting magic Dolceacqua changes my mind.Everything looks charming in this town: thousand years old Doria Castle (named after the family that owned the fortress for centuries), cobble stone ramps, breathtaking views on the picturesque Nervia river and the valley.

Theatre under the Stars: the Nine Moons of Apricale in Liguria

Jun 22, 2017

CULTURAL EVENT
This year Teatro Della Tosse events in Apricale will take place from August 5 to August 15. It will be the 21st edition of the “E le stelle stanno a guardare” (And the stars are watching) entitled “Le 9 Lune” (The 9 Moons): the 11 fascinating nights bringing hundreds of guests from all over the world to assist the happening.

The Very Green of the Italian Flag

Jun 18, 2016

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Do you know the colors of the Italian flag and their meaning? Many maintain that Italian “fern green”, “bright white” and “flame scarlet” take their origins back in the Napoleon age and the French blue-white-red tricolor. And yet, why would the French blue be ever replaced by the Italian green?

A Fairy Tale Castle in the Aosta Valley

May 4, 2016

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Italy is a country of fairy tales, magic landscapes and fabulous architecture. Though perhaps it would not be that easy to meet a real princess or a white unicorn here, it is more than easy to encounter a real castle that looks exactly like the one of your last daydream.

The Number One Destination of 2016: “The Floating Piers” at Iseo Lake

Mar 1, 2016

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Walking on the water with Christo? Sure, and it’s not a joke. This summer Iseo Lake will host a unique installation designed by the Bulgarian-born and New-York-based artist Christo Vladimirov Javacheff. Three kilometers of his striking yellow piers will link Sulzano, Montisola and San Paolo Island. It is better you come barefoot. The Italian summer is hot. The path is soft and smooth.

Cultural Italy Blog: Art, Coffee & Love