Ciao a tutti, 

It’s hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of October and November is around the corner so it’s worth noting that clocks in most European countries will turn back by one hour on Sunday, the 31st. 

Note that our Buongiorno, premium subscriber’s (that’s you!) newsletter is set to be out next week and we’re very close to publishing our Bellissimo digital magazine themed around the Veneto region so you’re in for a real treat. In the meantime, as per usual, we have plenty of great content that you might have missed so let’s dive right in. 

Your Weekly Premium Selection

We’re kicking off our premium content this week with a fascinating look at one of the world’s most famous paintings. It’s been a half-millennium since Leonardo da Vinci set out to paint the now-famous portrait we call Mona Lisa and our art historian expert Laura Morelli shares more about the lady and the man who painted her. 

Discover the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, where nature, culture and art blend perfectly in our latest dual-language piece (with a follow-along audio component). 

Our recipe of the week is La Veneziana. A yeasty roll, filled with just the right amount of vanilla pastry cream— this not-too-sweet brioche is a classic Italian breakfast treat. Also, despite its Venetian name, this treat is actually from Milan in the Lombardy region. 

Italian suffixes are used to “emotionally describe” a specific word and here is how to use them. 

Back to work but mentally dreaming of owning a property in Italy? Step 1? Obtaining your Codice Fiscale. No idea where to start? Download your copy of our eBook: Buying a Property in Italy Guide. 

What Else You Don’t Want to Miss

With Fall’s variety of color in mind, here are four destinations you can reach by train catering to different tastes in travel, whether you’re all about city buzz or mountains, consider yourself a food lover or appreciate the charm of a quaint village. 

With science, books and classic food specialties in the mix, the big news of November is the build-up to Christmas which in Italy, is always a spectacular affair. This is the month when special festive-themed events begin, and this batch of events includes a sample of our favorites.

With its stunning position right on the shores of Lake Garda, Aquaria Thermal Spa is the perfect destination for those who wish to enjoy a day at the spa. 

Looking for spooky adventures as Halloween, All Souls’ Day and Day of the Dead approach? Then you may want to head to Naples, city of myths and legends, of mysteries and ghosts. 

For sale: Villa Gardenia is half an hour away from Rome (30 km) and a few minutes away from Morlupo (2 km). This property is surrounded by a 1,700 sq.m private garden in a panoramic but not isolated hilly residential area that offers plenty of facilities to enjoy, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a church.

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