Art & Culture in Italy

Lazise, a municipality on the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda, has been ranked among the top 20 destinations in Italy for years. The extensive hilly agricultural landscape, a thermal spring, several famous amusement parks, buildings and stately villas testify to the long history of Lazise and the two hamlets that are part of it: Colà and Pacengo.

Named after Our Lady of the Visitation, the city's patron saint, the Cathedral stands on a rocky relief at the top of a spectacular staircase, the imposing façade looking down onto the square below. Built in the early 1300s by an Aragonese queen, after the building was destroyed in a devastating fire, it was reconstructed a century and a half later. Only the apse retains evidence of the original structure, including a beautiful walled Gothic portal: this is the Jubilee Gate requested from the Pope in order to support the reconstruction. The sombre and imposing aspect is mainly due to the portal, also 16th-century. The marble relief with its vibrant decoration of St Martin on horseback and the pauper, with whom the saint shares his mantle, was once housed in the castle chapel. The twin sculpted lions at the base of the portal are from the Aragonese era, but the truly amazing feature of the interior is the 16th-century panelled ceiling above the central nave, divided from the side aisles by a double row of lava stone columns. The elaborately-decorated marble pulpit dates from the 17th century. Among the large paintings on display, the five of the Virgin Mary in the apse particularly stand out: they are the work of an early 17th-century Tuscan painter. The Treasure of the cathedral is open to the public at the Alessi Museum, just a short distance away towards the castle. The largest and most stunning piece is the Baroque-style crown of the patron saint.

It is always a stroll along the axis of Via Roma through the entire historic centre of Enna that leads one to find, after the cathedral and the airy Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the charming and historic square named after Francesco Paolo Neglia: the municipal theatre is also named after this nineteenth–twentieth-century composer and conductor. The mermaids on the fountain in the centre are a recent local work, but they seem to have settled well between the imposing bell tower of the church of San Tommaso and the baroque doorway of the Anime Sante del Purgatorio (Church of the Holy Souls) between which they have come to rest. Until a few decades ago, the square was itself called San Tommaso, with the church's bell tower having originally been one of the city's defensive towers and its fifteenth-century portico in the Gothic-Catalan style not uncommon in Enna: inside the church, the high altar is adorned with an early 16th-century marble altarpiece. The Anime Sante, on the other hand, is a somewhat more recent building, dating from the late 17th century: upon entering, one discovers remarkable 18th-century stuccoes and frescoes by Flemish craftsmen in the vault.

Perhaps even before stopping to consider the beautiful façade of the church, we were drawn to the statue in the middle of the square on the side of Via Roma that celebrates the long militancy, first Garibaldi and then Republican, of Napoleone Colajanni, a politician, a long-time parliamentarian and finally also a professor of statistics born in the city in the mid-19th century. The church of St Clare that stands out from the top of its staircase, a 17th-century building that had belonged to the Jesuits of Enna until shortly after the mid-1800s, with their College next door. The initials of the religious order still stand above the entrance portal, while a frieze inside recalls that it was the nobleman Francesco Rotundo who funded the original construction. After the suppression of the Society of Jesus, the church took its present name when it was assigned to the Clarist nuns of the city. After World War II it was converted into a sacrarium for the fallen soldiers in the war, turning the side chapels into lapidaries but preserving the remarkable tiled floor of the mid-19th century. This depicts in colour the "Advent of Steamship" and the Triumph of Christianity over Islam, and is indeed an unusual work. The former Jesuit college is still a school and secondary school today.

Passionate about Impressionism, contemporary art, photography, 17th century painting? We recommend ten must-see exhibitions throughout Italy, from Aosta to Palermo. These are small and large exhibitions, which can be the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway to discover magnificent Italian cities

In Bremen, red reigns, impossible not to think so. Red manifests itself in different but equally typical ways. There is the characteristic red brick red of the Town Hall and the important Benedictine order abbey that stands out among the houses of the small village, a short distance from the confluence of the River Sesia into the waters of the Po. The powerful monastic order of the Bremetensi built this convent in its present form between the 16th and 17th centuries, naming it after St. Peter: a beautiful cloister and a high bell tower welcome the traveller in a context of quietness and beauty For gourmets, red is identified in a particular local gastronomic speciality: the red onion of Breme. Tradition has it that its cultivation began among the gardens of the Bremen monks. This vegetable is recognised as De.Co. (municipal denomination of origin) and is better known as sigulla in the local dialect. The red onion of Breme is large and very tasty: at the turn of May and June, a large (and not-to-be-missed) food festival brings this indigenous product to the table along with many other Lomellina specialities.

Castel Rigone, the highest point on Lake Trasimeno If you are looking for the most amazing view of Lago di Trasimeno "a veil of water stretched out over a meadow", as art historian Cesare Brandi put it, then climb to the highest point of the lake, Castel Rigone. Found in the hamlet of Passignano, 650 metres away, in a charming medieval village. One of Umbria's Renaissance masterpieces, the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima dei Miracoli, has been a place of popular devotion for centuries and is preserved within its walls. Nowadays, it draws those who prefer an idyllic countryside. The village of miracles Castel Rigone is believed to have been founded by a commander of the Ostrogoths, Arrigo, in the year 543, as an outpost for the siege of Perugia. To this day, a festival of the Barbarians is celebrated in the village to commemorate the Ostrogothic foundation. The present-day village dates from the Middle Ages and remains nearly intact. Over recent decades, many of its buildings have been transformed into holiday homes. Founded by the people of Perugia during the 1494 outbreak of plague, the Sanctuary was inspired by that of Madonna del Calcinaio in Cortona. With its many agritourism sites, Castel Rigone is a destination for those who appreciate local products, from the oil and wine of the Trasimeno hills to the specialties of lake fish and the Trasimeno bean. Within easy reach is Magione, a village guarded by the castle that still belongs to the Knights of Malta, with the church of San Giovanni Battista, decorated with frescoes by the Perugian futurist painter Gerardo Dottori.

Orta San Giulio "Orta, a watercolour of God, seems painted on a silk background, with its Sacro Monte behind it, its noble ramala flanked by closed palazzi, the silent piazza with its compact façades behind the foliage of the horse chestnuts, and in front of it the island of San Giulio, similar to Dante´s Purgatory, hesitating between water and sky"; this is how the writer Pietro Chiara describes Orta, and this is how it will appear to us on arrival, with its narrow alleys, old shops and wrought-iron balconies, suspended between the green of the mountains and the blue of the lake. Set like a jewel among the clear waters, then stands the Island of San Giulio, a veritable open-air museum to be explored to discover its artistic and environmental beauty, but also just to be enraptured by its gentle atmosphere, especially in the warm light of sunset, when everything becomes magical.

Polesine Zibello, the town with many faces: landscape, history and food This town was only recently born out of the amalgamation of Polesine Parmense and Zibello, along the charming banks of the great river Po, in the Emilia Romagna area of the Po Valley near to Parma. These two areas, now merged into one, reveal spectacular scenery, fascinating history and excellent local delicacies. The “liquid” lands of Polesine Vibrant vegetation, slow-running canals and old farmhouses. The typical Po Valley landscape boasts plenty of charm in every season: from the green of summer to the warm colours of autumn to the white winter mists. Here, where peace reigns, you can let yourself be lulled sweetly by the hypnotic movement of the water. We find ourselves on what were once small islands, known as “polesini”, which fused with the mainland following floods. Since the land is very flat, we recommend a peaceful stroll or bicycle ride, exploring your surroundings. Unmissable sites in Polesine Zibello The first place to visit is undoubtedly Palazzo Pallavicino. Located in the central square, this 15th-century architectural gem is occupied by offices and institutions, so you can only admire its façade. You can fully capture its spirit by walking through the beautiful loggia below, home, as in the past, to small shops. It is worth stopping for lunch or a coffee at one of the cafés with outdoor seating. Be sure to visit the churches scattered around the village, especially the Gothic-Lombard Parish Church dedicated to Saints Gervaso and Protaso and the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine delle Grazie, the oldest monument. The Museum of Rural Civilisation On the ground floor of the former Convent of the Dominican Friars, a wing has been restored and converted into the “Giuseppe Riccardi” Museum of Rural Civilisation. Agriculture, good food and wise peasant culture are the cornerstones of this area: the museum exhibits this ancient knowledge through everyday objects of countryside life from the late 19th to the 20th century, including furnishings from kitchens and old cellars. At the end of the route, you can see a traditional Po Valley boat made in Zibello itself. Inimitable products and a unique location: the Antica Corte Pallavicina Our trip wouldn’t be complete without trying some Culatello di Zibello, a cured meat that finds the ideal climatic curing conditions on the banks of the Po. And the only PDO so far is right here in Zibello. The right way to enjoy it is in thin, hand-cut slices, accompanied by good bread or focaccia, or ripe figs when they are in season. Another giant of flavour is Parmigiano Reggiano, which you will find in the filling of ravioli and agnolotti, or you can enjoy in its exquisite simplicity. In this flat strip of Italy, every restaurant will spoil you for choice. After exploring a few, you can end on a high note by heading to a special place, a guardian of history and culinary art: the Antica Corte Pallavicina. This magnificent castle on the river Po belongs to the Castelli del Ducato circuit, which houses a relais with 11 rooms and the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Spigaroli brothers, heirs of a family of sharecroppers on the Piatador farm that once belonged to the great composer Giuseppe Verdi, who was born in this area. For a fee, you can visit the manor and explore the Culatello Museum, full of historical documents and fascinating exhibits. We recommend the complete tour of the courtyard with the kitchen garden, the ancient kitchen and the frescoed rooms of what was the residence of the Pallavicino marquises from the 13th to the 19th century. Visitors can also explore Po Forest, a trail through the vegetation of Golena del Po, the family's pig farm and the farm. Finally, you can treat your taste buds with informal tastings at the Hosteria, which offers platters starring Culatello and Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by dishes such as tortelli di erbetta and stracotto di bue with polenta; or you can enjoy the royal treatment by booking a table at the Michelin-starred restaurant. Accompanied by the lapping of the water below, with panoramic views from the large windows, you will be serenaded by a parade of premium cured Culatelli, ravioletti di gallina and many other delicacies: the best of the territory in the skilful hands of chef Massimo Spigaroli. The best time to visit If you happen to be in Polesine Zibello in November, November Porc awaits, with a jam-packed calendar of gastronomic events around Polesine.

Sirolo is a balcony town overlooking the Conero Riviera. Just set back from the coastline, its centre slopes gently towards the Adriatic Sea from which a green strip of pine forests and Mediterranean maquis separates it. The mediaeval village offers striking views, archaeological treasures and a memorable panoramic balcony, while the beaches are among the most beautiful in Le Marche. What to see in Sirolo The historical centre of Sirolo developed around the structure of an 11th-century castle, of which a defensive stronghold can still be discerned in the bell tower and the city walls. Its alleyways lead to the square of the Church of St Nicholas, from which there is a belvedere overlooking the coast. Below the cliff on which Sirolo rises, there are several beaches, accessible from the sea or by walking along paths through the Mediterranean maquis: the most famous is the beach of the two sisters, so called because of the two stacks that enclose it at one end. Equally beautiful are the beaches of San Michele and Sassi neri, partly equipped and partly free, which can be reached on foot from the Parco della Repubblica, and the Urbani beach, the largest, which can be reached from Via Bosco. In summer, the beaches are connected to the centre by shuttles. Many other coves and inlets dotted along the coastline, however, are only accessible by sea. After a day at the beach, towards evening, you can take a walk in the archaeological area The Pines on the site of a necropolis of the Picenian civilisation where the Tomb of the Queen of Sirolo with a chariot, a buggy and numerous ornamental objects. The exhibits are on display in the Antiquarium Statale in Numana, but its reconstruction can be seen in the visitor centre of the Conero park, located in the centre of Sirolo. The Conero Promontory Park The Monte Conero Regional Park protects the only rocky bastion on the Adriatic coast between Trieste and the Gargano. It was set up at the end of the 1980s thanks to the efforts of local citizens' committees and environmental associations to put a stop to speculation in an area of great natural and scenic value, a thin strip of land where many different landscapes coexist in just a few kilometres: the countryside, woods, cliffs and the sea. Today, it is possible to visit the Conero Park on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike along some 20 trails with the sea on the horizon: you can cross the promontory (8 kilometres) or follow shorter paths to discover the rock engravings (700 metres), the ring of Roman caves and the hidden quarry (2.3 kilometres), the brackish lakes of Portonovo (2.3 kilometres) or to see the stacks of the Two Sisters Beach (5.4 kilometres) from the cliff top. The underground city of Camerano Eight kilometres from Sirolo, don't miss the Camerano caves. They are called caves, but in reality it is an underground city excavated by man, no one knows exactly when or why, formed by a complex of tunnels that occupy the underground of the city between Piazza Roma and Via San Francesco in the area known as Rupe del Sassone, traditionally called the devil's holes. A plausible hypothesis is that these are the remains of an ancient underground aqueduct later extended in the Middle Ages and also used as a place of worship, as suggested by the ornamental motifs and religious symbols found there. During the bombing of World War II in July 1944, more than 2,000 locals took refuge there for 18 days. Today they are one of the most fascinating places to visit on the Conero.

The village of Sestri Levante rises in a spectacular landscape and, with its peninsula dividing the 'two seas' of the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole, is one of the most enchanting places people can choose as a destination for a trip. A city of art and culture, its beaches of fine sand are famous, but the beach that best encapsulates the village's soul is at Riva Trigoso: here, every day, fishermen set off to sea, repeating the same ancient gestures for centuries, like a prayer to the sea, so that it will be generous. And the sea is always at the heart of the activities that make travellers' stay special: sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, swimming, but also diving to discover the wrecks sunk during World War II off the coast of Sestri. Finally, the role of the village in literature should not be forgotten: Hans Christian Andersen, who loved this village of sea and traditions, often stayed here in the 19th century, and it is to the famous writer that the town has named an important literary prize linked to the world of children's fiction.

Nature walks and early Neolithic settlements Located in the centre of the Ligurian coast, 25 kilometres from Savona and 44 kilometres from Genoa, Varazze boasts a charming medieval town with fine buildings such as the parish Collegiate Church of Sant'Ambrogio, with its recognisable Baroque façade and bell tower with three orders of Romanesque-Gothic three-mullioned windows, the 12th-century Oratory of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Church of San Domenico with its Sienese school frescoes and 16th-century polyptych. A cannonball fired by the French fleet is still visible on the façade. The area is rich in archaeological sites, such as the one on the summit of the Piani d'Invrea where a small menhir, a monolithic megalith from the Neolithic period, stands out, dominating the town and even the sea from its position. The remains of the ancient Roman-Byzantine castrum can be seen on the Parasio hill near the ancient church of San Donato. Among the natural beauties, the Europa, or Villa Araba, promenade is worth mentioning. About 4.5 kilometres long built on the old single-track of the Genoa-Ventimiglia railway, it links Varazze to Cogoleto. There are several sandy beaches, from Bagni Mauro, the last bathing establishment in the Savona province, to the more western Bagni Pinuccia. If you are looking for a space dedicated entirely to your four-legged friends, you can turn to Nautilus Beach, the largest lido in the entire municipality.

The heart of Bergamo Alta Piazza Vecchia is considered the "renaissance parlor" where all the medieval streets of the upper city join together. At the center of the square is the Contarini Fountain, the main meeting place of locals and tourists alike. Major historical buildings stand on the square, such as the Angelo Mai Civic Library hosted inside Palazzo Nuovo or Palazzo della Ragione, under which is an ancient sundial built in the 18th century. At noon sharp (solar time) the ray of sun filtering through the hole in the shield hanging from the arches marks the date and zodiac sign. In Piazza Vecchia there is also the “Campanone”, as the Civic Tower is nicknamed by the people of Bergamo. At 10 p.m. every night, with its 100 chimes, it announces the closing of the gates to Bergamo Alta.

Basilica of Saint Peter Universal seat of the Catholic Church in Rome, Pontifical Chapel and destination of every pilgrimage to the holy city, St. Peter's Basilica houses famous works of art celebrating the Christian faith. Preceded by the spectacular colonnade in St. Peter's Square, it has a majestic façade and is surmounted by the large dome designed by Michelangelo. Regarded as one of the absolute masterpieces of architecture, it is the product of the work of dozens of designers who have created it over 160 years. At St. Peter's tomb The construction of St. Peter's Basilica was started in 1506 on the initiative of Pope Julius II, who is also considered the “father” of the Vatican Museums, and was only finally completed in 1667 with all the final arrangements of the square. On the site of today's basilica stood an early Christian one built by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, right where St Peter was supposedly buried. The history of its construction is very complex, with a long list of architects and artists who helped make it possible: Bramante, Giuliano da Sangallo, Raphael, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Michelangelo, Vignola, Giacomo Della Porta, Domenico Fontana, Carlo Maderno and, in the last 40 years, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The colonnade and façade of St Peter's Basilica A piece of advice: enter the square from one of the side entrances to guarantee the surprise effect of Bernini's elliptical colonnade, which suddenly opens and seems to move. Coming from the wide, frontal Via della Conciliazione, built in the 20th century, this effect is lost. There are 284 columns and they are topped with 140 statues over three metres high and six coats of arms of Alexander VII. In the centre of the colonnade is an obelisk from ancient Egypt transported to Rome in 37 AD and two fountains, one by Maderno, the other by Fontana. If you stand on the porphyry discs on either side of the obelisk, which are the foci of the ellipse, the rows of columns line up perfectly and you will only see the first one, the others seem to vanish! In order to walk into the Basilica, you have to climb a flight of steps and cross the portico built into the façade: from the central balcony, known as the Loggia delle Benedizioni, the pope appears for the Angelus and when the election of the new pontiff is announced. The interior of the Basilica: an array of masterpieces The interior of the basilica is stunning in its majesty and the richness of Baroque-style decorations. Don't miss the bronze statue of St. Peter, attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio; the monumental canopy with twisted altar columns, made of bronze taken from the Pantheon, 30 metres high, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini; Michelangelo's Pietà, which the sculptor made when he was 23 years old; the funeral monument of Clement XIII, considered to be one of Antonio Canova's best works; the statues of Urban VII, the tomb of Alexander VII and the gilded bronze Chair of St. Peter in the apse, other Bernini masterpieces. After the Sacristy, a late 18th-century room with eight columns from the Villa Adriana in Tivoli, one has access to the Treasury of St. Peter's, where sacred furnishings, statues and various art objects, mostly gifts given to the popes, are on display. Don't miss a ciborium by Donatello, the monument to Sixtus IV by Pollaiolo, some precious works from the Byzantine era and the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus from the 4th century. The majestic dome of St Peter's The symbol of the city of Rome, the “Cupolone” for the Romans, the Dome of St. Peter's was designed by Michelangelo, but he did not see it completed: it was Domenico Fontana and Giacomo Della Porta who completed the building. On the Dome you can take the lift up to the terrace overlooking the square. A staircase of 330 steps in a corridor between the outer and inner dome, about halfway down which you can look out into the first gallery, 53 metres above the ground, and admire the dome mosaics up close. You can also climb to the top of the lantern and from there all of Rome will truly be at your feet. The Vatican Grottoes The so-called Vatican Grottoes are located under the floor of the nave of the basilica, in the gap between the current floor and the floor of the Constantinian basilica on which the church was built. It houses the Tomb of Peter, at the altar and Michelangelo's dome, and numerous other pontiffs and rulers. The Grottoes are a very atmospheric environment with various altars and niches, filled with the artwork adorning the various papal tombs and other works from the early Christian period from the ancient basilica, such as sacred vessels, statues and column fragments. One of the most valuable works is the tomb of Boniface VIII, partly created by the sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio in 1300. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Pius VI by Antonio Canova (19th century).

The Castellaro hill, in Vendone, less than 15 kilometres from Albenga, is the place where in the second half of the 20th century, the German painter and sculptor Reiner Kriester crafted a series of large works in limestone and marble, and had them placed outdoors. Some thirty impressive features, like stelae stretched towards the sky, form the Rainer Kriester's Sculpture Park and bears witness to the dry inspiration of the artist, who had previously, in his reclusive Berlin during the years of the Wall, had matured through more dramatic works and seems to have found a greater sense of peace in Liguria. In fact, the sculptor had stayed here often and for a long time since 1982, until he was welcomed by the small community of Vendone as an honorary citizen.

The Fort stands out in the middle of the steep slopes of the Bard Gorge on an impervious rocky hill and consists of four main bodies (called Opere, to use the terminology of military architecture), placed at different levels between 400 and 467 metres above sea level. The fortress was most likely used for defensive purposes since antiquity. The first evidence of a fortified structure dates back to the 11th century, but the actual fortress only saw the light of day in the 12th century. From 1242, when the lords of Bard were driven out, it passed to the Counts of Savoy. In 1800, the Fort of Bard acted as an obstacle to the onslaught of Napoleon Bonaparte and his 40,000 men who had come down from the Great St. Bernard Pass to sweep across the Po Valley. Napoleon, on his way back to France from Marengo, had the fortress razed to the ground. It was rebuilt between 1830 and 1838 by the military engineer Francesco Antonio Olivero. The Carlo Alberto Opera is the tallest and most impressive of the structures and houses the Museum of the Alps, a multimedia and scientific exhibition illustrating the Alpine territory, with its morphological, naturalistic, geological and climatic characteristics and the changes it has undergone over time. Also in the Carlo Alberto Opera, you can visit the prisons, 24 narrow isolation cells, home to a multimedia exhibition that deals with the famous prisoners who passed through the fort, including Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. In the Opera di Gola concerts and events take place, the Opera Vittorio, located at the middle level of the fortress, hosts Le Alpi dei ragazzi, a favourite spot for youngsters, who can discover the mountains of the Aosta Valley here while having fun. Opera Ferdinando, at the foot of the fort, houses the Museo delle Frontiere, which tells the story of the western Alps and the relationships between the peoples who inhabited them, and the Fort and Fortifications Museum, dedicated to the evolution of defence works over the centuries, especially in mountain areas.

Decidedly more compact and austere than the nearby castle of Saint-Pierre, the castle of Sarriod de la Tour occupies a small area of plain a few steps from the waters of the Dora Baltea river, about 10 kilometres away from Aosta. The aristocratic Aosta Valley family of the Sarriods ordered the construction of this complex in the Middle Ages, with a decidedly defensive character. The massive central body of the castle (known by the French term donjon), as well as the chapel and the city walls, date back to a period between the 10th and 12th centuries. In the following centuries, the Sarriod descendants added and extensively modified the appearance of the manor: open to the public since the 1970s, the castle is today one of the oldest examples of a medieval fortress in the Aosta Valley.

Piacenza, welcoming and sumptuous; Emilian, but not to excess The end of the ancient Via Emilia and geographical epicentre of the Po Valley, the city of Piacenza stands on the right-hand bank of the river Po and is - due to its position on the north-western border of the region - the least Emilian of the provincial capitals of Emilia Romagna. A compulsory stop for travellers Halfway between the Apennines and the plains, nestled between valleys and waterways, Piacenza built its fortunes on its vocation as a place of passage: Leonardo da Vinci, who made an unsuccessful bid to design the bronze doors of its cathedral, was among the first to appreciate its crucial territorial role, describing it in the Codex Atlanticus as “Terra di Passo” (land of passage), a compulsory stop for anyone on their way to Milan. An innate nature that still explains the city's irreducible vocation for welcome and hospitality. Amid arcades and secret gardens, by bicycle The etymology of the Latin name, placentia, which alludes to the capacity to please, is a successful compendium of the city's soul: pleasant, elegant and full of discreetly guarded treasures. Because of its relaxed pace and compact size, it is an ideal place to visit on foot or by bicycle, roaming through arcades and churches, capturing the beauty of the hidden courtyards of stately palaces. The horses of the Farnese family So, are you ready to begin? The ideal tour of Piacenza, amidst art and history, has to start at the popular Piazza Cavalli, the city's epicentre. It is so called because of the presence of the infamous pair of equestrian monuments honouring Ranuccio and Alessandro Farnese, father and son, once Dukes and Lords of Parma and Piacenza. Carved in the 17th century in the Baroque style by the Tuscan sculptor Francesco Mochi, they stand directly in front of the beautiful Town Hall in terracotta and white marble, known as “il Gotico”, which is said to have hosted Petrarch: they are the emblem of the town. If you hear people say “i noss cavaj”, our horses, this is what they are referring to. The ducal tour The “Farnese” tour leads to the historic Palazzo Farnese, now home to the Civic Museums, in whose picture gallery one can admire, among other works, a Tondo of the Virgin and Child by Botticelli. The archaeological wing, meanwhile, preserves the famous Fegato di Piacenza, or Piacenza Liver, a bronze model of a sheep's liver with Etruscan inscriptions, used by haruspices as a guide for prophecies. The tour is wrapped up with a visit to the Farnese Walls that encircled the historical centre in the 16th century. The Duomo, combining Romanesque and Gothic The real attraction of the city, however, is its Duomo, or Cathedral: dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Justina, it brings together the original architecture, an admirable example of Emilian Romanesque, with Gothic elements of a later restructuring, and houses a dome frescoed by Guercino. But there are several other medieval churches in Piacenza worth discovering, starting from St Anthony, the city's patron saint, a compulsory stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, to St Savino, of early Christian origin, with mosaic floors, passing through St Mary of Campagna, with its dome frescoed by Pordenone. Here, it is said, Pope Urban II announced his intention to order the First Crusade to the Holy Land. A walk around the muntä di rat A visit to Piacenza's museums, meanwhile, has to include the Alberoni Gallery, which houses Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, and the Ricci Oddi Modern Art Gallery, with its works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Iconic places in the city to visit, before leaving, include the Municipal Theatre, whose façade was redesigned by Alessandro Sanquirico based on inspiration from La Scala in Milan, and the steps that connect Via Mazzini to Via San Bartolomeo, which everyone here calls the muntä di rat. This is because during the flooding of the Po, legend has it that rats used it to escape the water. Amidst hills and medieval villages: in search of food & wine delights and Bellocchio's film sets Other wonders are in store for you in the surrounding countryside, among the renowned valleys of the Piacenza hills: Val Trebbia, Val Nure, Val Tidone and Val d'Arda, to name the best known, with their scenic itineraries and food and wine delights. Not forgetting the medieval villages and castles: Castell'Arquato, Grazzano Visconti, Gropparello, Rivalta, to name but a few. For film buffs we recommend a trip to Bobbio, a delightful village in the Trebbia Valley and the setting for many films by Marco Bellocchio, who founded his Film School and a Festival dedicated to the Seventh Art here. For those who love outdoor sports, we suggest trying their hand, on foot or by bicycle, at a few stops along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that led from northern Europe to Rome and from there to the Holy Land.

Next to the Accademia Carrara, a former 15th-century convent has been very well renovated to house the GAMeC, Galleria d\'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, a good example of public-private collaboration. There is a permanent collection of works by 20th century Italian masters - starting with Giacomo Manzù from Bergamo, but also Balla, Boccioni, Campigli, Casorati, De Chirico, de Pisis, Magnelli, Morandi, Radice, Savinio - and post-World War II artists: Dorazio, Morlotti and Mušič, up to Baj and Adami. A foreign landscape (Kandinsky, Hartung, Matta, Richter, Sutherland) and an important photographic background are perhaps less central but should be considered carefully. This is not enough, even without talking about the tree-lined square and the cafeteria. The liveliness of GAMeC lies above all in the high level of its temporary exhibitions, which sometimes involve other venues in the city.

Le due Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica si compongono di una collezione di oltre cinquemila opere d’arte, che comprendono quadri, sculture, bozzetti e arti decorative, risalenti dal Duecento al Settecento. Il loro nucleo originario risale al 1883, quando lo Stato italiano ricevette in donazione la collezione Corsini, che inizialmente era situata al Palazzo Corsini. In seguito, la raccolta si arricchì di pezzi provenienti da numerose collezioni romane di grande prestigio, quali Chigi, Torlonia, Mattei, Odescalchi e Sciarra. Lo Stato italiano acquistò Palazzo Barberini nel 1949 dalla famiglia Barberini, e nel 1953 questo luogo divenne sede della Galleria. Qui è possibile ammirare una vasta gamma di opere d’arte di epoca diversa, tra cui alcuni capolavori assoluti, come l’Annunciazione di Filippo Lippi, la Fornarina di Raffaello, e Giuditta e Oloferne di Caravaggio. Inoltre, Palazzo Barberini, che rappresenta l’emblema del barocco romano e la reggia dell’omonima famiglia, è stato costruito a partire dal 1625 da Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini e Francesco Borromini, ed è stato decorato da Andrea Sacchi e Pietro da Cortona, che ha dipinto il soffitto del salone principale con il Trionfo della Divina Provvidenza.

An immersive journey into nature From dinosaurs to prehistoric humans, from pristine views to the most revolutionary technologies. Inside the MUSE science museum in Trento, you can explore nature from every angle. The Science Museum will strike you from the outside, thanks to its innovative forms that recall the shape of the Trentino mountains. The structure, opened to the public in 2013, bears the signature of the star architect Renzo Piano. Once you enter, you will find yourself catapulted into a path where the visitor is the absolute protagonist: you can experience what you are learning firsthand, through interactive games and immersive environments. The permanent exhibition demonstrates all the facets of life on Earth, with the aim - ambitious but essential - of building a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. Not surprisingly, the same building is built respecting eco-sustainability criteria, with natural materials and using renewable energy sources. The proposed routes are suitable for all age groups. Dedicated to the littlest visitors (0-5 years), there is the Maxi Ooh!, an exhibition and sensory space tailored to children. Do not miss the FabLab, a real "workshop of ideas", and the tropical greenhouse, where in an instant you will be transported from the landscapes of the alpine arc to the tropical ones of Tanzania.

The oldest prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement in the Alpine Arc Near the western shore of Lake Varese, in the municipality of Biandronno, you can visit the impressive Prehistoric Museum of Isolino Virginia. The area, which is included in the UNESCO list of “Prehistoric pile-dwelling sites in the Alps”, is rich in artefacts documenting human presence since ancient times and offers visitors an educational trail with the Prehistoric Museum. Although small in size, the museum allows visitors to take an in-depth leap back in time, starting with the room on the ground floor, which welcomes guests with a film on the long history of Isolino Virginia, the oldest prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement in the Alpine Arc. The exhibition is complemented by explanatory panels, reconstructive drawings and artefacts stored in glass cases, allowing us to reconstruct the daily life of our ancestors. There is also a fascinating reconstruction of a Neolithic dwelling, a life-sized hut, full of bows, arrows and pottery.

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, wonders second to none in the world Mind you, we are talking about real treasures here. The Vatican Museums house one of the most important art collections in the world. A collection created by the popes throughout history with around 20,000 works of art, archaeology and ethno-anthropology on display, and more than 50,000 stored in the rich repositories. The collections include masterpieces from the Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek and Roman civilisations, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, through to contemporary art. The tour includes the works commissioned by the popes in the apostolic palaces, from Raphael's Rooms to the Borgia Apartment to the monumental Sistine Chapel.

Polesine Zibello, the town with many faces: landscape, history and food This town was only recently born out of the amalgamation of Polesine Parmense and Zibello, along the charming banks of the great river Po, in the Emilia Romagna area of the Po Valley near to Parma. These two areas, now merged into one, reveal spectacular scenery, fascinating history and excellent local delicacies. The “liquid” lands of Polesine Vibrant vegetation, slow-running canals and old farmhouses. The typical Po Valley landscape boasts plenty of charm in every season: from the green of summer to the warm colours of autumn to the white winter mists. Here, where peace reigns, you can let yourself be lulled sweetly by the hypnotic movement of the water. We find ourselves on what were once small islands, known as “polesini”, which fused with the mainland following floods. Since the land is very flat, we recommend a peaceful stroll or bicycle ride, exploring your surroundings. Unmissable sites in Polesine Zibello The first place to visit is undoubtedly Palazzo Pallavicino. Located in the central square, this 15th-century architectural gem is occupied by offices and institutions, so you can only admire its façade. You can fully capture its spirit by walking through the beautiful loggia below, home, as in the past, to small shops. It is worth stopping for lunch or a coffee at one of the cafés with outdoor seating. Be sure to visit the churches scattered around the village, especially the Gothic-Lombard Parish Church dedicated to Saints Gervaso and Protaso and the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine delle Grazie, the oldest monument. The Museum of Rural Civilisation On the ground floor of the former Convent of the Dominican Friars, a wing has been restored and converted into the “Giuseppe Riccardi” Museum of Rural Civilisation. Agriculture, good food and wise peasant culture are the cornerstones of this area: the museum exhibits this ancient knowledge through everyday objects of countryside life from the late 19th to the 20th century, including furnishings from kitchens and old cellars. At the end of the route, you can see a traditional Po Valley boat made in Zibello itself. Inimitable products and a unique location: the Antica Corte Pallavicina Our trip wouldn’t be complete without trying some Culatello di Zibello, a cured meat that finds the ideal climatic curing conditions on the banks of the Po. And the only PDO so far is right here in Zibello. The right way to enjoy it is in thin, hand-cut slices, accompanied by good bread or focaccia, or ripe figs when they are in season. Another giant of flavour is Parmigiano Reggiano, which you will find in the filling of ravioli and agnolotti, or you can enjoy in its exquisite simplicity. In this flat strip of Italy, every restaurant will spoil you for choice. After exploring a few, you can end on a high note by heading to a special place, a guardian of history and culinary art: the Antica Corte Pallavicina. This magnificent castle on the river Po belongs to the Castelli del Ducato circuit, which houses a relais with 11 rooms and the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Spigaroli brothers, heirs of a family of sharecroppers on the Piatador farm that once belonged to the great composer Giuseppe Verdi, who was born in this area. For a fee, you can visit the manor and explore the Culatello Museum, full of historical documents and fascinating exhibits. We recommend the complete tour of the courtyard with the kitchen garden, the ancient kitchen and the frescoed rooms of what was the residence of the Pallavicino marquises from the 13th to the 19th century. Visitors can also explore Po Forest, a trail through the vegetation of Golena del Po, the family's pig farm and the farm. Finally, you can treat your taste buds with informal tastings at the Hosteria, which offers platters starring Culatello and Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by dishes such as tortelli di erbetta and stracotto di bue with polenta; or you can enjoy the royal treatment by booking a table at the Michelin-starred restaurant. Accompanied by the lapping of the water below, with panoramic views from the large windows, you will be serenaded by a parade of premium cured Culatelli, ravioletti di gallina and many other delicacies: the best of the territory in the skilful hands of chef Massimo Spigaroli. The best time to visit If you happen to be in Polesine Zibello in November, November Porc awaits, with a jam-packed calendar of gastronomic events around Polesine.

The oldest prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement in the Alpine Arc Near the western shore of Lake Varese, in the municipality of Biandronno, you can visit the impressive Prehistoric Museum of Isolino Virginia. The area, which is included in the UNESCO list of “Prehistoric pile-dwelling sites in the Alps”, is rich in artefacts documenting human presence since ancient times and offers visitors an educational trail with the Prehistoric Museum. Although small in size, the museum allows visitors to take an in-depth leap back in time, starting with the room on the ground floor, which welcomes guests with a film on the long history of Isolino Virginia, the oldest prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement in the Alpine Arc. The exhibition is complemented by explanatory panels, reconstructive drawings and artefacts stored in glass cases, allowing us to reconstruct the daily life of our ancestors. There is also a fascinating reconstruction of a Neolithic dwelling, a life-sized hut, full of bows, arrows and pottery.

The Ducal Palace of Mantua - The largest late-Mediaeval court in Europe The largest architectural museum complex in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site The Ducal Palace Museum Complex in Mantua extends over an area of 35,000 sq. m. and has about 1000 different rooms. Towers, streets, majestic rooms and apartments, courtyards and gardens turn this structure into an architectural complex of incredible size. More than a building, it can be defined as an authentic palace-city to be explored in full. Pisanello, Mantegna and Rubens are some of the great Masters whose works are still on show in the palace today. Corte Vecchia, Corte Nuova, the Castle of San Giorgio, the Gardens, the Archaeological Museum and the Gallery of Contemporary Art are the main areas to visit in this Renaissance court - one of the largest in Europe.

A jewel of castle architecture and art Looking for the best way to see Ferrara from above? Then we highly recommend planning a visit to Este Castle, which stands tall over the city centre. Built in 1385, the manor house is the great icon of Ferrara, with its four towers surrounded by a moat, red terracotta bricks, elegant white balustrades, prisons and rooms used for court games. You can walk into the castle by crossing the moat filled with water. On weekends and holidays, you can admire the building from an unusual perspective: on board a small boat that will take you on a 15-minute tour of the moat. Then, you can go up the Lion’s Tower, the oldest of the fortress’s four towers. After climbing 120 steps, you will be treated to a unique vantage point that offers spectacular aerial views of the entire city centre and local territory. The inner courtyard features an eight-arched loggia on one side and a garden that blooms with the overwhelming perfume of orange blossoms in spring. The rooms provide a multifunctional space where ceremonies, dinners and conferences can be held. With the exception of the prisons, the facility is accessible to people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Be sure not to miss the Castle Museum, designed by Gae Aulenti, to learn more about the fortress and the city’s history. The bookshop offers a range of fascinating books, as well as souvenirs and gifts. The library is located at the beginning of the museum route but is also open to everyone, with a separate entrance with access from the castle courtyard.

Plan de Corones in South Tyrol, where leisure and sport meet ideal terrain The Plan de Corones area, real watershed between the Val Pusteria and the Val di Marebbe is characterised by its varied and evocative natural landscape. Immersed in the extraordinary beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site world heritage site, the area offers various leisure options, from excursions to skiing guaranteeing a holiday dedicated to nature, sport and also culture. Brunico: at the foot of Plan de Corones The first stop we recommend is Brunico, in the heart of the green Val Pusteria. Visiting this city will immerse you in a worldly atmosphere that blends with South Tyrolean authenticity. You will come across historical architecture such as the majestic Castle, which will welcome you from afar. You will pass through a bustle of colourful shops, alternating with renowned boutiques. And then don't overlook wine bars and cafés, scattered along the centre. What will strike you is the quality and tranquillity of life. Mountain Culture: Museums The combination of experiences at Plan de Corones cannot be separated from the true celebration of the mountains that you will find in no less than two museums: the Messner Mountain Museum Corones and the LUMEN. The MMM, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, is the futuristic museum dedicated to traditional mountaineering and will offer you a breathtaking view of the Alps. At LUMEN, the Mountain Photography Museum, you will find an incredible amount of historical and digital mountain shots, on topics ranging from mountaineering to tourism to spirituality. Hiking and ski area: the three nature parks Do you have an active lifestyle? Then this is where you belong. The Plan de Corones holiday region extends in close proximity to no less than three nature parks, where you can indulge in skiing, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking and more. Be it the wide plateaus of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park with the fairy-tale Lake Braies or the stony plateaus and vertiginous peaks of the Puez-Odle Nature Park or the glaciers and sheer cliffs of the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park you will be spoilt for choice. Ladin culture: San Martino in Badia We suggest concluding the tour in South Tyrol with a visit to the village of San Martino in Badia. You can visit the Ćiastel de Tor Museum, housed in the old castle, with its exhibitions on Ladin culture and language. And then the traditional South Tyrolean cuisine is worth the trip, because it preserves Ladin roots even in the dishes. Inviting dishes, with few ingredients, just like in the country tradition. Have some tasty barley soups, turtres, pockets filled with spinach or sauerkraut, and to end on a sweet note, furtaies, spiral-shaped fried sweets.

The noble celebration of Baroque art in all its magnificence The Royal Palace Museum is one of the most important historical buildings in Genoa, registered in the Rolli list and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It welcomes around 300,000 visitors every year. Part of a XVII-XVIII century architectural complex in the Baroque style, it is home to a huge collection of paintings, frescoes, stucco-work, sculptures and royal furnishings. The many rooms and their decorations in the Palace are all different and a truly high celebration of art and magnificence. The Gallery of Mirrors, created by Domenico Parodi, is the most representative symbol today of this site where painting, sculpture and architecture come together to give life to a unique and timeless space. In addition to the royal halls, the Palace also includes the Apartment of the Hereditary Princes, the Falcone Theatre today dedicated to temporary exhibitions and the Hanging Garden with its extraordinary paving. If you visit the Royal Palace Museum, don't miss the National Galleries of Palazzo Spinola, now a UNESCO world heritage site and testimony to the life of the Genoese aristocracy in the XVII and XVIII centuries.

Between medieval tradition and natural spas A charming town in the heart of Tuscany, Siena preserves its medieval historical centre intact. In Piazza del Campo, one breathes an atmosphere of times gone by. This is where the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia face, and every year, between 2 July and 16 August, the traditional Palio, an equestrian competition between the city's neighbourhoods, held every year, between 2 July and 16 August. Don't miss the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption, with its black and white polychrome façade and its floor full of esoteric symbols. Inside you can admire statues by Michelangelo and frescoes by Pinturicchio. The sinuous hills surrounding Siena contain countless natural and architectural treasures, all waiting to be discovered. Starting with San Gimignano, known for its towers soaring into the sky. For a break in traditional food and wine, stop in San Quirico d'Orcia, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Take a moment to relax in the waters of Rapolano Terme, Bagno Vignoni and Bagni di San Filippo. Their natural thermal baths are the ideal destination for those in search of relaxation. Did you know that the legendary sword in the stone really exists and is located right near Siena? You will find it at the Abbey of San Galgano, a basilica without its roof but which preserves its outer walls intact.

A defensive fortress in the heart of Ravenna Just a few minutes on foot from Ravenna train station, the Rocca Brancaleone is a mighty fortification dating back to 1457, when Venice took control of the city. The building, with its evident military and defensive purpose, was intended to protect the city on the northeast side and stem any internal rebellion. Having passed to civilian use with the unification of Italy, in the 1970s it was adapted into an open-air theatre for concerts, operas, film screenings and festivals, such as the Ravenna Jazz Festival. The fortress is divided into two parts: the fortress proper, where the castle warden resided, and the citadel, which housed the troops stationed there and is now equipped as a children's play area. Above the entrance to the fortress, in the Chapel Tower, you can see two bas-reliefs, one depicting the Lion of San Marco and the other a Madonna and Child. The building consists of eight towers. More specifically, these are: the Torrione della Scala, the Torrione dell'Olio, the Torrione della Munizione, the Torrione della Cittadella, the Torrione di Mezzo, the Torrione dell 'Orto, the Torrione Rotto and the Torre Fiorentina or Torre della Ghiacciaia. Entry to the fortress and garden is free all year round, from 8 am to midnight. You can get there either on foot or via bus lines 2, 3 and 5. If you prefer to travel by car, the area has free and paid parking.

Cagliari’s opera and symphonic theater Inaugurated in 1993, the Teatro Lirico was created as an alternative to the Teatro Civico and the Politeama Regina Margherita. Now, it is Cagliari’s main theater. Home to the foundation by the same name that organizes the concert season for opera and ballet, the Teatro Lirico has a capacity of 1680 seats, a contemporary architectural style built in concrete and glass, and an extension of 5000 square meters. In addition to traditional entertainment, it offers school activities and training workshops, and it also makes its large spaces available for events, conferences and exhibitions.

It is an artificial cave of unique appeal, due to its human ear-like shape. It is 65 metres in length, between 5 and 11 metres wide, and 23 metres in height, narrowing towards the top, almost into a pointed arch. The name was given it by Caravaggio, in 1608, during a visit to the latomia. Legend has it that Dionysus used the cave as a prison, so that he could listen from above to what the prisoners were saying, even when speaking quietly. In fact, the cave is famous for its extraordinary acoustic properties, capable of amplifying any sound. Simply tear a sheet of paper to appreciate this amazing echo effect.

It is the city's opera house, the preferred venue for opera, ballet and classical concerts since 1827. The theatre was damaged during the Second World War and was only rebuilt in 1987. The new building was designed by Ignazio Gardella, Aldo Rossi and Fabio Reinhart. The restoration project has restructured the vestibule of the old theatre, and the western arcade with its embossed ceiling, the work of Carlo Barabino (1826-31). Behind it is the 1990 building, surmounted by a glass cusp, which is illuminated during performances and is now one of the characteristic features of the Genoa skyline. The stage apparatus includes four mobile platforms, activated by sophisticated technology.

Opera, symphonic music and theatrical performances in Cosenza The Alfonso Rendano Theatre can be found in the historic centre of Cosenza in Piazza XV Marzo and takes its name from the well-known pianist and composer Alfonso Rendano. With its 19th-century Neoclassical style and its pictorial and stucco decorations surrounded by red velvet, the theatre is the only one of its kind in Calabria, with a seating capacity of around 800 and three tiers of boxes. Venue of the opera, symphonic and theatre seasons, it also hosts a variety of cultural events and performances each year.

The biggest opera house in Italy It is the largest opera house in Italy, third in size after the Paris Opera and Staatsoper in Vienna. The architectural complex is massive and the halls, galleries and elegant grand staircases make it a real attraction to visit. From the golden ornaments to the red brocade armchairs, antique mirrors, and Murano chandeliers, the theater stands out not only for its grandeur but also for its charm and elegance. The Great Hall of the theater, known for its perfect acoustics and for the Symbolic Wheel, an artistic and engineering masterpiece frescoed by Luigi di Giovanni, deserve special attention. The wheel features eleven trapezoidal panels boasting paintings on canvas, arranged in a wheel around a central round piece depicting the Triumph of Music. Through a system of ropes, the panels can be opened upwards allowing for ventilation of the room. Teatro Massimo is a theater of excellence for the opera, ballet and classical music concert seasons, combined with educational activities for schools and the possibility of guided tours.