Ciao a tutti, 

Returning to life after the holiday season might seem like a difficult task for most of us but January has its perks. The beginning of the year is always a great time to reflect and make plans for the year ahead – especially if those plans include something Italy-related. This could be in the form of virtual cooking classes or lessons, a guided visit to one of Italy’s more hidden regions or simply keeping in touch with the country we all love so much. In any case, we have you covered so stay tuned. 

Here's what you definitely don't want to miss from this past week 

Several of Milan’s historic homes have been turned into what they call case museo – literally ‘museum houses’ that are well worth your effort and time as they are home to so many cultural treasures. Here are four you can visit in one day.

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava's interventions in Reggio Emilia are functionally sound and aesthetically pleasing and provide a sharp contrast with their surroundings; but their simple, clean style works in harmony with the environment, while still offering an eye-catching spectacle. Let’s have a look. 

This week's dual-language feature covers a hidden church in Rome that many people have never visited. The Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine hill is widely regarded as the most beautiful early Christian church in the capital city. 

Archaeologists at Pompeii continue to unearth exciting finds. In early November, excavations at Villa di Civita Giuliana, a majestic suburban estate, revealed a small bedroom for slaves, perfectly preserved.  

Memorizing conjugation forms for irregular and reflexive verbs in past perfect in Italian may seem like a really hard task to do, but it’s more a question of constantly practicing. Let’s dive in and learn together. 

This recipe might be from our archives but trust me when I say this is the ideal dish for cold winter January days. Cappelletti are small meat-filled pasta “bonnets,” similar to Bologna’s hat-shaped tortellini but round in shape and lacking that signature triangular peak best served in a lovely bowl of broth. Perfect to make ahead and freeze! 

We are always on the hunt for something unique you might have missed and among the many marvels of Villa Borghese in Rome is a water clock few may be aware of. 

Butterflies of various colors and shapes dance around fauna on this delightful footed cachepot, a handmade item by artisans based in Tuscany's Montelupo Fiorentino that would make a happy home to anyone’s beloved plants. 

Nature lovers will appreciate this large property for sale located on the CAI nature trail between the hills of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. The villa offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, immersed in the undisputed silence of the landscape. 

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