Buongiorno Italy readers! 

With Christmas nearly upon us, this month's draw of events and festivals has an appropriately seasonal flavor, save our roundup of what to do this December in Italy! 

In this week’s dual-Language lesson, let’s explore the history of traditional balsamic vinegar, an artisan product from the areas of Modena and Reggio Emilia

In Italy’s deep south, is a place where miles of swoon-worthy coastline wrap around picturesque villages that cling to soaring mountains and swooping cliffs that descend upon pristine beaches. Calabria’s beauty is raw, at times gritty, but its 155-mile Tyrrhenian Coast, one the Ancient Greek’s named “Coast of the Gods,” rivals Italy’s famed Ligurian and Amalfi Coast.

The bell tower of Pisa's Cathedral, one of the most famous monuments in the world, has lost about 4 centimeters of its tilt since 2001.

Shopping made in Italy: we love these dark green placemats that provide a few helpful hints in how to set the table!

The guidebook you need for walking Alta Via across the Italian Dolomites. The 120km AV1 is described over 11 day stages and is ideal for beginners to Alpine long-distance walking whereas the AV2 covers 160km in 13 days and is more strenuous and technical.

Nuts are popular in many Italian desserts like Torta della Nonna featuring pine nuts and Spongata, a honey-rich specialty of Emilia-Romagna filled with almonds, walnuts and pine nuts but what about Italian cookies? Our food expert Francine shares some of her favorite recipes. 

We look at the career of one of the greatest filmmakers in the world, Bernardo Bertolucci, who passed away this week.

Good coffee, historic charm, literary and political heritage: Italy has a multitude of celebrated cafés where to relax while sipping coffee and enjoying a unique ambiance. Discover some of them here.

Every Friday, we have a new language lesson in Italian. For today's lesson, you may have heard the word "salute" in Italian, here are all of the ways it can be translated!

If you like beautiful views and the tranquility of nature, this is your dream place, a fully-renovated country house in the heart of Piedmont! 

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