Buongiorno Italy readers!

We’ve asked a real-estate expert in Italy to help us understand how the lockdown is affecting the real estate market and how prospective buyers can make the most of this time in lockdown to find just the right property for them. Read till the end for some good deals right now. 

One of the most spectacular – and surprisingly little known – is the Via Matilda, named after the 11th-century countess Matilda of Canossa, whose lands stretched from Lombardy, through Emilia-Romagna, across the Apennines to Tuscany.

If you are curious about the cost of living in Italy, here is a first-hand perspective on how much it costs to live in the lovely region of Abruzzo. 

Yes, we’re all stuck at home now, but that shouldn’t prevent us from dreaming of our next Italian trip. There are so many undiscovered places besides the usual destinations, including a myriad of tiny historic villages (‘borghi’), and here’s one of them, in the unsung region of Le Marche.

For our latest dual-language article we explore the Unesco-Recognised site of Villa Adriana. This exceptional architectural legacy for the great Roman Emperor Hadrian was built as a retreat from Rome between 117 and 138 AD. 

Have a friend who could use a pick-me-up right about now? Why not gift them this gourmet selection of goodies for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Ursini chili oil is perfect to add heat to any bruschetta, as is the spicy sauce, while the eliche of Gragnano with arrabbiata sauce are a match made in heaven - or hell, for the fire they bring.

This beloved recipe for a chocolate crostata hails from a small, local osteria in Luccia. Just imagine a thick layer of chocolate ganache topping a creamy filling of fresh ricotta and cream. 

Today we’re going to look at different ways to say ‘I think so’ in Italian. You can’t translate this expression literally, so there are a few options you can choose from. 

Deserted Rome. That’s an image of the Italian capital we never thought we’d see. Due to the nationwide lockdown, the streets of Rome have been empty of residents and tourists for weeks now. Watch the drone footage here. 

Our property of the week for sale is an amazing farm standing within its own 24,000 sq. meter grounds, deal for farming/horse breeding in the region of Piedmont. The property has a lovely L shape and is composed of a main unit to modernize and guest accommodation in perfect shape.

We know how much people love to travel but right now it is not possible. However, that isn’t stopping us from dreaming about Italy. Share a photo, and more importantly share your story, or “love letter” of why this memory means so much to you.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend from Georgette, your editor, and the Italy Magazine team.