Ciao a tutti! 

Something momentous happened this past week...a real, in-person museum visit! After having closed just days after its inauguration last October, the Torlonia Marbles exhibition is open once again. One of the most anticipated art exhibitions of the past few years, this blockbuster group of 90 magnificent ancient statues and busts is on display in Rome’s Capitolini Museums until June 29th. If you are in Italy now or will be arriving over the next few weeks, be sure to take in this truly historic show.

Looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track sight to explore while in Rome? The quiet confines of the historic Campo Verano Cemetery offer a break from the bustle of the city as you stroll past graves of celebrities and luminaries like Marcello Mastroianni, Alberto Sordi, and Alberto Moravia. We took a walk through Rome's recent history this week.

And speaking of the long departed, we also explored five of Italy’s most beautiful ghost towns this week. More than 2,000 abandoned towns and villages are scattered across Italy, all picturesquely crumbling and gradually being swallowed by brambles and ivy. Most are too dangerous to explore on your own, but we found five that have fascinating (and, at times, glorious) histories and can be visited safely.

Our “Share Your Italian Stories” series is among our most popular. Last week we met Italian-American writer Robert Camuto, who moved to the northern city of Verona with his wife in 2015 and now writes about Italian food, wine, and travel for Wine Spectator in his bi-monthly column featuring Italian winemakers around Italy. You can read about his move and life in Italy here.

The region of Lazio, home to the capital city of Rome, is trying to give its tourism a boost by launching the “More Nights, More Dreams” initiative. Participating regional hotels will offer one additional night free for guests who have booked three consecutive nights in the region and two additional nights free for those who have booked five.

Our dual-language article this week focuses on one of the most famous Wonders of Italy, Sandro Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus". An icon of the Italian Renaissance, this painting is one of the crown jewels of Florence's Uffizi Gallery, Learn more about this famous work in English and Italian in this week's dual-language article and be sure to listen to the audio clip to check if you are pronouncing Botticelli correctly!

One of the trickiest minefields to navigate when learning a new language is how to extend, accept, and decline an invitation. Whether for a coffee with coworkers or for a dinner date with a new love interest, here’s how to invite and respond to an invitation in Italian without causing offense.

Traditional almond granita from Sicily is so rich and creamy that you'd never guess that it’s made with just two ingredients and naturally vegan.We shared a recipe for this sweet, cool treat last week, perfect for those sweltering summer days that are just around the corner.  

Made of soft Italian leather, this chic sling bag is roomier than its slim design suggests and has plenty of space and pockets for everything from your water bottle to your sunglasses. It can be worn in four different ways either on the front of your body or as a stylish backpack. 

For sale: The beauty of the Tuscan countryside only enhances this charming farmhouse located in a hamlet of Casciana Terme outside Pisa. Surrounded by a garden with a swimming pool and large outdoor living areas, this haven offers a perfect combination of elegance and rustic style. It includes the main body divided into three levels, plus the Church of San Martin del Colle and a cosy annex.

Buon weekend from Rebecca, your acting editor, and the Italy Magazine team!