Buongiorno Italy readers!

Italy is covering all the bases in the last month of Spring. May brings culture to the country, provides farm fun, celebrates historical figures and traditions, and tucks into some of the best in local food and drink.

We have officially opened up voting in our 2019 Italy photo contest. Give a little love to your favorite photo submissions here!

The hilltop village of Caltagirone rises like a mirage above the parched landscape of central Sicily. Scrubby plants and olive trees eke out their existence in the sand-colored earth, along with the hardy residents of this town. Today, Caltagirone is the center of an uncomplicated, exuberant ceramics tradition.The designs are bold and brash, with a palette dominated by blues, greens and yellows and big, bold designs.

Big news in Rome! Until June 9, it will be possible to see the original marble stairs that, according to the Catholic Church, Jesus climbed on his way to crucifixion.  

In our latest dual-language read, we discuss the Unesco-inscribed town of Sabbioneta between Mantua and Parma, considered a true model of an ‘ideal city.’

Capers have been widely used in Mediterranean cuisine (as well as in medicine) since ancient times which is why we suggest adding character to your next dinner with the wonderful capperi from Salina.

It’s the spring show you don’t want to miss: the blooming of colorful flowers on the Piani di Castelluccio plain in Umbria.

In this week’s language lesson, we’re going to look at some idiomatic expressions related to food.

We love this black bow clutch bag, waterproof and roomy, with a magnetic button closure. Illustration by Greta Pigatto couture, digitally printed and hand-stitched in Italy, in partnership with another Italian crafter based in Milan. 

Our #PropertyOfTheWeek is a beautiful 5 bedroomed luxury detached villa with its own swimming pool is located just 2.8km from the Porto Maurizio area of Imperia in the heart of the Riviera Ligure of Ponente, only an hour from the airport of Nice.

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