Buongiorno Italy readers!

Grapes & Heroes: A crowdfunding project is a volunteer-led crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to support essential work by four Riomaggiore winemakers to maintain their terraced vineyards on a hillside so inhospitable, working it is called heroic viticulture. ⠀

As part of the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the Raphael’s death, and for a week only, February 17-23, his tapestries, made between 1515 and 1519, have been hung on the lower walls of the Sistine Chapel. 

Capodimonte is a distinctive style of porcelain that stands apart from all the other ceramic traditions of southern Italy. Here’s where to see it.

Joan Ciampi was told by her Italian American relatives there was no one left from the family in the Italian town her father came from, San Giorgio del Sannio. Yet, she was not convinced. Read on for Joan’s emotional journey to Italy. 

Naples is famous the world over for its pizza. But among Neapolitans there is another dish that is held in equally high (if not higher) esteem. It is called La Genovese, and it is one of the most luscious sauces ever to grace a plate of pasta. 

Check out our latest dual-language article with an added audio version! Located in central Italy, in the region of Umbria, Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy. Since Francis was canonized in 1228, only two years after his death, Assisi has been closely associated with the cult and diffusion of the Franciscan movement in the world, and its universal message of peace and tolerance. 

Every Italian region, and often even towns within the same region, have a different traditional Carnival sweet, and Florence is no different. Here’s what cake you have to try! 

Protect yourself from the sun with these fashionable shades made from mahogany + maple wood. BeeWood is a workshop that produces shades in wood entirely by hand without the use of automatic machines but with care and passion in their work. 

‘A carnevale ogni scherzo vale’ means that during carnival, anything goes. Carnival season can be a wonderful time to visit the cities, towns and villages all over Italy so here is some fun vocabulary to know during this festive season. 

A little corner of paradise. Nestled on top of a wonderful hill only few kms north of Lucca, this elegant 'casolare' (farmhouse) gives you the most authentic experience of a wonderful countryside with views of the sea on a clear day. #PropertyofTheWeek

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