Buongiorno Italy readers!

Remember to VOTE in our 2019 Italy photo contest, we have plenty of wonderful contenders in categories ranging from ‘Eating Italy’ to the boots more romantic side, here’s where to see the submissions! 

May in Italy sees the opening of major exhibitions centered around the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci, on the 500th anniversary of his death. Here’s a round-up of what not to miss between new shows and current ones about to close.

It might be grey and it might be gritty, but no longer can Mestre be cast-off as just a budget friendly base from which to visit nearby Venice. Since the unveiling of its new ‘eco’ district, M9, last year, this fog-ridden industrial town has been brought well and truly into the twenty first century.

Bringing summer to your kitchen a little sooner with this week’s recipe. Watermelon custard, or Gelu di miluni in Sicilian dialect, is served all summer, but especially on July 15th in Palermo, in honor of Saint Rosalia, the city’s patron saint.

Italian meals are known worldwide for their high-quality ingredients and their inventiveness. While the main course and the pudding usually take center stage, let's not forget what kicks off the traditional Italian meal – the starter.  

As part of our irregular present tense verb series, this week we are going to look at a very common irregular present tense verb - ‘bere’- which means ‘to drink’.

Sicily’s first nature reserve, Zingaro, stretches along the north-western coast of the island.

Venice will always have a place in our hearts, the city of love and romance. This Limited Edition signed print is of a lone gondola on the Grand Canal in La Serenata a Rialto, Venice. 

Spice up your spaghetti with this unique anchovy dressing from the Amalfi Coast, the latest in our dual-language series. 

On May 11, the 102nd edition of the Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's Grand Tour races, kicks off from Bologna, and will see the top racers from around the world compete along Italy’s roads, from north to south, until it ends in Verona on June 2.

For sale in Tuscany. This beautiful Leopoldina farmhouse and hay-barn is located near the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. It is surrounded by a splendid park of 5,260 sqm with swimming pool.

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