Buongiorno Italy readers!

Don't let packing weigh you down: with these tips from Italy expert and 'packing ninja' Sarah Murdoch, you can have safety, comfort and style, all under 15 pounds!

In previous centuries aristocrats came to Venice and other major European cities to learn, to become cultured, and to establish collections for their great houses. And now, the Colnaghi Foundation aims to inspire the next generation of collectors with their version of a 21st century Grand Tour.

The explanations for the origin of puttanesca are many, just as the sources and scholars who have tried to trace the first inventive chef who began to call this spicy dish ‘puttanesca’. 

Discovering Italy's south: The crown of Calabria’s coastal towns, Vibo Valentina’s beaches are among Europe’s most prized jewels. Go for the beaches, but stay for the history, culture and jaw-dropping views.

Even if you don’t have a trip to Liguria planned in the near future, you can still enjoy these polpettone—it is easy to make at home. There are many variations, and the one combining green beans and mashed potatoes is among the most popular. 

A South-American tourist head-butted and punched a gondolier who asked his family to get off a gondola they hadn't rented.

When messaging in Italian, there are lots of abbreviations you may come across. And unfortunately, you won’t find any of them in your trusty Italian dictionary! To help you understand what your Italian friends have written, we have put together a list of common Italian text abbreviations.

Earlier this year, the towers of Cefalù’s Cathedral have become accessible to the public for the first time.

This vase is a celebration of the arts and of music. It was handcrafted and hand-painted in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Every angle of this vase offers a new detail.

A Tuscan dream! Our #propertyoftheweek is a beautiful former mill located in the hills, 2km from a village and near Coreglia Antelminelli where you can find lovely restaurants and shops. 

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