Buongiorno Italy readers!

Visitors to Venice cannot help but wander around admiring the facades of endless palazzi, perhaps wondering what they are like on the inside. Times have changed, but people adapt. Marchesa Barbara Berlingieri came to live in the Palazzo Treves 55 years ago on her marriage, and has wonderful stories to tell about living there, in what must be the palazzo with the best view in all Venice.

You don’t want to miss the latest in our “buying property in Italy series” as we get some sound advice from professional experts on topics such as the Italian property market, what resources are available to prospective buyers and where in Italy it may be a good idea to buy. 

This specialty of Emilia-Romagna was invented in the mid-1300s in honor of famed poet Francesco Petrarch, who was visiting Lord Bernardo Anguissola at his castle in the hamlet of Vigolzone in the Piacenza province. 

With the Italian word Biscotti proudly written across the front, this cookie jar is the perfect place for cookies, whether homemade or bought for a special occasion. This biscotti jar was hand-painted in Deruta, Italy. 

Wedding planning is exciting and fun – at least, most of it. It’s exhilarating to think about the décor, the guest list, the food, the music… However, these are the legal bits you need to know before planning your special day. 

Whether it’s a Barolo or a Brunello, a Montepulciano or a Moscato, Italy is renowned for its excellent wine. Enjoying a nice glass of wine with friends and family is an intrinsic part of the Italian lifestyle. So, it’s no surprise that there are some interesting expressions and sayings centred around wine.

From the mountains of Lombardy, Pizzoccheri is the perfect pasta for winter.

The 2020 edition of the Michelin Guide includes more than 2,000 restaurants, including 33 new entries, with the region of Emilia-Romagna leading for the number of restaurants featured in the guide, followed by Piedmont, Lombardy, Tuscany and Veneto.

For centuries, the Romans and the Byzantines used the mosaic technique to decorate villas, baths, palaces and churches. Here are some of the most beautiful ones you can discover around Italy. 

For sale in the province of Asti in the Piedmontese Langhe Unesco area. This charming villa with a nice pool is for sale with splendid views of the surrounding valley. More info here on our #PropertyOfTheWeek. 

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