Journal – Scuolazzurri

HOT SPRINGS IN ITALY? WHY NOT!

In the last few years, Italy has had tourists coming from all over the world to visit some of the most beautiful Italian places. When I ask my foreign friends where they went or wish to go, I always hear the same routes: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Amalfi Coast… Please, do not get me wrong, all these are amazing places, but you can take time to go to different paths, with less crowd, and still discover fascinating sites.

TERME DI MERANO, TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE

It is a natural spot located in Merano, Alto Adige. Its real popularity started in 1870 due to the visit of the Empress of Austria Elizabeth, better known as Sissi. The Empress brought her daughters and especially Valerie, who was not very well, to improve her health condition.

You can have a steam bath mixed with mountain herbs. At Trauttmansdorff there is the Finnish sauna considered the biggest and well equipped in Alto Adige. Lastly, the Snow Room, which only the bravest guests may accept to get into because this special room is set at -10° C.

Picture from www.termemerano.it/en/terme

BAGNI VECCHI, LOMBARDIA

The Bagni Vecchi, or “old baths” with their wealth of history, are located along the main road leading to the Stelvio. The Goth historian Cassiodorus admired their therapeutic virtues; as well as Leonardo da Vinci who mentioned the unique waters in his Codex Atlanticus.

The nine natural hot springs on the slopes of Monte Reit reach temperatures between 37 and 40°C.

Terme Bagni Nuovi Thermal Center offers a new relaxation experience: with its water rich in sulfurous mud, the infinity pool with panoramic views of the Alps, the large outdoor pools, saunas, waterfalls, and many other attractive services for those seeking moments of complete wellness surrounded by the nature of the Stelvio National Park.

TERME DEI PAPI, LAZIO

Romans built and established the thermal area in the old Etruscan village called Surrena, better known today as Viterbo.

In Medieval times, the hot springs were a mandatory destination, especially for popes used to visit due to the excellent mineral salts of wellspring Bullicame, whose temperature reaches 58°C. This special thermal spot is completely dug in the rock and has also a Turkish bath with natural waterfalls that keep the site a humidity of 100%.

SATURNIA TERME, TUSCANY

The springs are located in the municipality of Manciano in Italy, a few kilometers from the village of Saturnia. It was reported through a legend that Saturnia thermal sites were formed by lightning bolts. It was a fight between Jupiter and Saturn who missed the other god’s bolts, causing the formations. The springs that feed the baths, cover a vast territory that stretches from Mount Amiata, the Maremma at Roselle (Terme di Roselle), and Talamone (Terme dell’Osa). The chemical mix is sulfur, carbon, sulfate, bicarbonate-alkaline, and earth, with the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas and carbon dioxide.

It is a place that is better to visit in late Fall till early Spring, so you can enjoy the amazing landscape and more space because of fewer visitors.

Picture from https://www.termedisaturnia.it/en/

TERME DI CAVASCURA, CAMPANIA

It’s situated 300 meters from the beach of Maronti and is accessed by several little waterfalls that open into a small bed among the tuff walls of the hill.

These terms are well known since the ancient Greeks who spotted and colonized the beautiful island. Romans, then with their engineering developments, brought the Cavascura hot springs to today’s splendor.

Interesting and picturesque is the play of colors that can be observed entering; violet predominates; In the gloom of caverns restful guests bathe in real contact with nature. Then there is a hot shower that comes down the mountain like a waterfall and a natural sauna dug in the cave that over time formed the hydrothermal basin. These springs, are a wellness center where you can also enjoy mud baths and showers, a natural sauna, and massages.

Picture from https://cavascuraterme.it/en

Have you ever thought that Italy holds a unique hot springs record? Thermal water can be found underground throughout almost all of the Italian peninsula. I would recommend October to March the best months to enjoy these enchanting natural spots. So, kindly, accept my modest hints, and you could have the most surprising spa vacation at a lesser cost than the average “hot places”.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Five Yummiest Italian Christmas Desserts

Christmas season is right behind the corner! As you may already know, Italian people love to gather together and share their sweets with family and friends.

Watch our first video and choose yours…

Qual e’ il tuo dolce preferito?

Feel free to write your comments below.

ScuolAzzurri wishes you Happy Holidays!

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Top 5 Confusing Italian Words!

If you want to learn Italian, your goal is either to ex-pat, learn a new language, or simply to travel.

Therefore, you study hard, practice as soon as you have a chance, and improve your skills day by day.

You are clearly noticing to level up! When all the notions are on the right “cabinet”, suddenly, you realize that everything you have learned needs to be re-organized all over again…

“Italian language has lots and lots of exceptions”

Unfortunately, this is a true statement that I keep repeating to my students…

Sometimes you need to memorize a word as is because it can have different meanings that can be used in many different scenarios.

To make our students’ life easier, we came up with a few “troubling” words.

Let’s solve the dilemma between some of these.

Hi & Goodbye are two different greetings that have only one word in Italian: Ciao!

Below salutation has been used during the evening time, but these greetings are needed in specific cases.

In these cases “Prego” is not the tomato can! Below images refer to “Prego” in two meanings.

Another usage of “Prego” in different contexts.

What’s the difference between the two words below?

As you may already thought about it:

“A presto” is a statement for a goodbye. We are uncertain about when we will meet again.

“A domani”, instead you do know that tomorrow we will see each other again.

We hope to have cleared some confusion.

See you for the next inquiries!

Antonia L. Mosca

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Enchanting Italian bridges

The entire Italy offers a variety of spectacular bridges. Special connection that especially in Medieval times allowed the mass, merchants, soldiers, kings to move easily from one side to another of the Italian peninsula.

Let’s buckle up our seat belts on and let virtually take a tour to these amazing bridges!

Ponte Gervasio Gorge, Claviere

The Claviere Bridge is longer than 500 meters. Starts from Turin to few steps away from the France border.

It’s definitely tight, only one person at the time, and once you decide to walk through this special passage, you can clearly see the wild nature of St. Gervasio gorge underneath your feet between its chains.

This bridge was built in 2006 by the European Union and it is considered the longest suspended bridge in the world.

Ponte Castelvecchio, Verona

The Castel Vecchio Bridge or known also as Scaliger Bridge is a fortified bridge in Verona, northern Italy, over the Adige River.

It was built around 1350, but then completely destroyed during the end on the 2^nd World War. Even though, around 1950 the architect Libero Cecchini reconstructed it, it is considered one of the most beautiful, most medieval, most arched bridge of all.

Fortress and bridge of old town of Verona city.

Ponte Saint Martin, Valle d’Aosta

The Pont-Saint-Martin is a Roman segmental arch bridge in the Aosta Valley in Italy dating to the 1st century BC.

Legend says that the bridge was built by the devil, and deceived by San Martino.

Pont-Saint-Martin, was named after the Saint-Martin lords from the Bard dynasty, later successors were the Savoy household. It is a great place to visit full of history, nature, and amazing view of the old center.

Ancient roman bridge over torrent Lys in Pont Saint Martin, Italy

Ponte di Gaiola, Napoli

It is a special bridge which connects the land of Naples to the tiny Gaiola island.

The island is at the Underwater Park of Gaiola, a protected marine reserve.

This area features snorkeling along with boat tours of above and below sea level of Roman ruins.

Passing through this bridge will give you the option to see the Gulf of Naples with its so unique skyline made of sea, island, lands, and Mount Vesuvius.

Gaiola island and ancient Roman ruins, Gulf of Naples, Italy

Ponte Vecchio, Firenze

One of the most well-known tourist destinations.

Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, was the only bridge across the Arno River in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt after a flood in 1345, also, it was the only bridge across the Arno that the fleeing Germans did not destroy.

There have been shops on Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century. Initially, there were all types of shops, such as: butchers and fishmongers, then in 1593, King Ferdinand I decreed those only goldsmiths and jeweler be allowed to have their shops on the bridge.

Ponte di Rialto, Venezia

Hot spot for travelers of all around the world.

The Rialto bridge was built in 1181 by Nicolò Barattieri. It was called also Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of custom duty had been covered near its entrance.

This bridge was rebuilt many times, because many times collapsed. The present stone bridge, the one known all around the world, is a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, was constructed in 1588 and was completed in 1591.

Ponte Sant’Angelo, Roma

One of the oldest Italian bridges that you will find in Rome, Italy.

It was completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus), to span the Tiber from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum, now the towering Castel Sant’Angelo.

This bridge took place after mad emperor Nero burnt the city down. Pilgrims, then were forced to use this bridge to reach St Peter’s Basilica, hence it was known also with the name of “bridge of Saint Peter.”

The bridge now, it’s exclusively a pedestrian area and it offers a scenic view of the enchanting Castel Sant’Angelo.

Ponte di Tiberio, Rimini

It is known also as or Bridge of Augustus, it is a Roman bridge in Rimini, Italy. It features five beautiful semicircular arches.

This construction took some time, because it started under emperor Augustus, and it was completed with emperor Tiberius’ jurisdiction. Also, this amazing stone architecture was destroyed by German during World War II.

However, it was fixed and now pedestrian and cars cand drive through it.

Ponte della Maddalena, Lucca

One of the numerous medieval bridges. It is known also as the “Bridge of the Devil.”

However, Ponte della Maddalena takes its name after Mary Magdalene.

In fact, a statue stands at the bottom of the bridge. This, was a medieval route taken especially by merchant, soldiers, and pilgrim who intended to pay a visit to Rome, or to go up north to France. It is highly possible that its construction was commissioned by the Countess Matilda of Tuscany c. 1080-1100.

Ponte dell’Ammiraglio, Palermo

It was completed in 1131, a year after the coronation of Roger II as first King of Sicily.

According to a legend, the bridge is situated in the place where the Archangel Michael appeared to the Norman Count Roger I of Sicily helping him to conquer Palermo, at that time of the Islamic.

Thanks to its strategic position, on 27 May 1860, the bridge was the place of a famous battle between the Red Shirts of Giuseppe Garibaldi and the army of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies during the Expedition of the Thousand.

The Admiral bridge keeps the pride to have witnessed many phases of the Italian history. In 2015 was it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ALM

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Italian beach clubs: It’s time to deserve it!

Summertime, it’s a special season to live and enjoy. Once vacations kick in, it’s a fair time to visit new places and also pamper yourselves with few relaxing days in unique locations.

Italy has a high variety of five-stars hotel and beach clubs. We would provide an idea of how extraordinary could be visiting Italy in Summer. Distinctive displays are all spread in entire boot. We choose just six of these extra luxury venues.

Hotel Excelsior, Lido di Venezia (Veneto)

Opened in 1908 with extravagant parties, since 1932 hosted the first Venice Film Festival.

Ever since, takes care of this prestigious event: including receptions, press conferences, parties and banquets.

After this brief introduction, it comes without saying that the Venice hotel it’s one of the fanciest venues in Italy, and whoever spends time in this five-star hotel, will experience unforgivable moments. Also, because the Excelsior it’s on the island of Venice Lido. Guests will be able to enjoy the golden beaches, as well as taking a boat ride, only 15 minutes away from the historic St Mark’s Square.

Augustus Hotel, Forte dei Marmi (Toscana)

Forte dei Marmi takes its name from the fort that lies in the middle of the town, built by the Tuscan Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo to defend the coast, and from the precious marble in the nearby Apian Alps, integral part of the local economy. The Augustus Hotel & Resort provides its own beautiful beach on the spectacular Tuscan coast, offering guests also a brand-new heated pool with Jacuzzi.

Another way to cuddle their visitors, are the 75 beach tents with sun beds, deck chairs and seats and the dedicated bar service, where the staff will ensure clients’, stay filled with five-star rest and relaxation.

Eco del Mare, Lerici (Liguria)

Lerici it’s a town in the province of La Spezia, part of the Italian Riviera, coast of the Gulf of La Spezia.

The town is connected by ferry to the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere.

As per “Eco del Mare”, it grants only six rooms: all facing by the sea.

Each one of them is decorated with a unique styles: IL MARE, DIAMANTE, BLUE, DUNE MOSSE, IL VOLO, COSI’ CELESTE are the names of these special rooms.

The furnishing details come from all over the world, treated with the passion of those who wish for their guests the comfort of sophisticated luxury.

Lido di Pettolecchia, Savelletri (Puglia)

Pettolecchia is the luxury version of baronial colony, better known as masseria, used mostly for two main purposes: agricultural farm, and as a fortress.

Beach club it’s another way to experience luxury nearby the sea with minimalist details, comfortable sun beds, and restaurants with sea background and seabreeze. If guests are looking for discovering Puglia, there are available guides to stroll travelers around the most enchanting locations in the region.

Hotel Romazzino, Porto Cervo (Sardegna)

It was early 1960 when Emerad Coast was brought into light. Few years later, the Hotel Romazzino was designed by architect Michele Busiri Vici. As a consequence, very quickly Porto Cervo became a “hot spot” where travelers of all around the world planned their visits.

The whitewashed walls hotel, dominates the extraordinary turquoise-green bay. To add the lavish customer’s experience, between 2011 and 2013 the Hotel Romazzino added 6 villas with private pool to its collection.

At walking distance, guests can enjoy the Costa Smeralda, which it’s among the most stunning beaches and water sports, offering everything from sailing and windsurfing to diving.

Excelsior Parco Capri, Napoli (Campania)

The history of this enchanting villa began in 1906 when it was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman residence, in the rural area in San Costanzo, facing the well-known Villa Torricella. Historically owned by the Ambrogi family, the villa was built according to Art Nouveau principles, it’s one of the greatest examples of Liberty style villas in Capri. The Excelsior Parco is located halfway between Marina Grande and the Piazzetta (Square) in Capri. It is only a 5 minutes’ walk from the port and a 15 minute from Capri city center. The hotel shuttles are available from 8am to 10pm and are free of charge.

ALM

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10 unique Italian balconies

Italy has a beautiful view everywhere. Anyways, have you ever thought about a unique balcony or terrace view? It would be an amazing experience for you as tourist to immortalize that moment forever in some beautiful pictures.

As we already mentioned, there are tons of places you can visit all around Italy. However, our suggested terraces falls out only on ten.

Cingoli Town. A town located in Macerata, a province in the center of Marche region.

Its name: “Cingoli” derives from the latin word “cingulum”, which means “rocky.” It is a “terrace that sits out the side of a mountain.”

Cingoli’s panoramic position offers a great view of this territory.

Mascagni Terrace. Once in Livorno promenade, you will see many pretty venues.

However, you will whiteness one of the most panoramic places of Italy: Mascagni terrace.

Its name was given to honor the music composer Pietro Mascagni. A fine, shiny checkered floor, will take you to the breezy Livorno seafront.

IX Aprile Square. Sicily it’s an enchanting island, which it has stunning views practically everywhere.

However, we wanted to give you a heads up about Taormina town, which it’s placed in province of Messina. In Piazza IX aprile, you will see a mixture of gorgeous landscape: sea, Etna volcano, and Taormina theater altogether.

Pincio terrace. Roma it’s a hot touristic spot, so if you visit the Italian capital you should also be headed to the Pincian hill. It would be a good idea to stop by at dusk to glance at truly unique views of: St. Peter’s Dome, the Vittoriano and the principal monuments that make Rome the most beautiful city in the world.

Pincian Hill sits directly above Piazza del Popolo, at the end of Via del Corso. This is also the area of the famous shopping venues; such as: Via del Babuino and Via Condotti.

Saint George Bell Tower. Venezia can be felt also from the view of this tower. It is worth the visit because from the Saint George Maggiore tower, you will have the finest panoramic views of Venice in Italy including San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal.

To visit this venue, you have to take the ferry (line #2) and get off at the following stop.

Bertinoro Balcony. Of medieval origin, the citadel is rich in walls, towers and ancient houses. It has been defined as the balcony of Romagna.

According to a legend, Galla Placida the daughter of the Emperor Theodosius, used to take walks through these places. The lady tasted wine served in a humble cup, and said: “Wine, not so crude chalice you are worthy of, but of drinking you in gold.” It is said that Bertinoro town, takes its name from this legend.

Ravello Terrace. This enchanting villa is well known for its belvedere, Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity), is lined by a series of marble Roman-style statue busts. The terrace is also known for breathtaking views, which overlooking the ocean of the Amalfi coast.

The villa Cimbrione belonged to several noble families whom passed its ownership over the centuries.

Montevecchia. Out the main Milano city, precisely in Brianza. When the weather is nice and air it’s clear it is possible to see Milano skyline from 40 km away. Whether you are in the neighborhood, Montevecchia is a romantic and suggestive place to visit

Pisa tower. Another hot spot for visitors. Pisa tower it’s 58 meters high and, in order to get to the top, you will need to climb 273 (threadbare) stairs. You will need to take many stops before you will reach the top. Once to the peak, the view will be paid off your efforts: overlooking the typical red roofs of this old Sea Republic, embracing in one glance the entire marvelous city and its surroundings.

Martina Franca. The town rises on the hill of San Martino, the highest in the Southern Murge hills. It is a town that sits on the lush Itria Valley, right in the center of Puglia, southern Italy. The town’s peculiarity was built in the Baroque style, and winding, narrow medieval alleys, which suddenly open onto the countryside, a landscape interspersed of white “trulli” constructions.

ANTONIA L. MOSCA

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Italian tower watches: Untold histories.

Many centuries have passed from the pirates’ invasions of the Italian coast. However, there is always something magical about these past histories.

The idea of seeing places that switch back to an unknown past, it’s always so attractive. Touching a tower stone or visit the inside, can offer a concrete idea about what happened.

It is a past that we cannot live anymore, but no one can forbid us to fantasize.

In this article, we tried to group ten of the most amazing Italian tower watches, along with their legends, facts, and beautiful images.

Torre di Punta Campanella – Massa Lubrense

Punta Campanella in Sorrento, Naples, Italy

It is an old watch tower which divides Sorrento Peninsula to Positano.

The name “Campanella” means “little bell”, which it was rung when any kind of danger was going to happen or the enemy was sighted.

About its ruins there is a controversy:

Some consider that it might date back to the Greek empire, whom built also a temple.

Others, believe that it might be attributed to Ulysses’ myth.

According to the legend, pirates disembarked to Sorrento stole everything form Saint Antonino’s Church, also bells.

On their way back to the ship, nearby Punta Campanella, they got into a so powerful thunderstorm that sank pirate’s ship.

It is said that every year around Saint Antonino’s Day, people hear the bells in the bottom of the sea.

Torre di Carlo V – Agrigento

Torre di Carlo V in Porto Empedocle, Agrigento, Sicily

The dimensions of this so tough tower show until today the importance of the place to protect.

From XV century “Marina di Girgenti” was one of the most important grain loaders. Which, unfortunately brought many invaders on looting this rich area.

The promotion of this tower was advocated by Carlo V. For this reason, the tower watch was named after him.

In order to protect this site and its gorgeous Sicilian economy, was built the fortress in defense of the pirates’ raids.

Torre del Serpe – Otranto

It is one of the most important Salento’ s fortresses.

The tower watch was advocated by Federico II to avoid pirates’ incursions.

Torre del Serpe, means literally “Sneak Tower”. According to the legend, a sneak lived in this fort, and it was fed with the oil used to light up the lighthouse.

A day, Saracens, tempted by the beautiful coast, were unable to invade Otranto.

The astute snake figured the upcoming danger, and blew the oil of the lighthouse off.

Torre Astura – Nettuno

A peninsula in the Nettuno village, on the coast of Latina. It is a tower still in good conditions, located near the Bussana beach.

To remember that it was one of the last places that Marc Antony visited before he was captured by Augusto.

The fortress was joined to the mainland by a bridge as it now remains, a peninsula projecting into the sea.

It is surmounted by a fortified tower, called the Torre di Astura

Torre dell’Arma – Imperia

Huge tower watch, it controls the entire headland, and it overlooks Costa Balena, between Arma di Taggia and Sanremo.

Torre dell’Arma was built around 1565, because Taggia and Bussana, as many other sea villages, were subjected to several pirates’ assaults.

Due to its massive building, in rhombus shape it allowed an excellent view which enabled the watcher to alert their population in case invaders were approaching the coastline.

Garitta di Santa Tecla – Acireale

Garitta di Santa Tecla, Acireale, Sicily

Turks started invading Sicilian Saint Tecla’s coasts from XVI century.

To prevent countless attacks was built the garitta or sentry box on very sharp volcanic reefs.

The garitta is a covered tower that protected the watcher from the rain, wind, heat.

Torre la Scafa – Cagliari

By the end of 1500 Torre della Scafa was guarded to avoid enemies to loot the Sardinia island.

Unfortunately, the structure was damaged by a rough storm in 1898, but it was rebuilt in a different way.

There are two floor levels in its tower and can have access to the terrace and have a spectacular view of Cagliari coastline.

Torre Lapillo – Lecce

It is a square shaped tower with access stairway and three very high arches.

To protect the Salento’s population from the Saracens, the structure was demanded on Carlo V’ s request.

The sturdy building it’s a hot tourists tower.

spot. Million people want to visit this venue to check-out the so well-built tower.

Torre Incina – Polignano a Mare

In the XVI century, the emperor Carlo V ordered to build tower watch along this area, too.

Towers were built in strategic spots where the invaders were going to be discouraged on their attacks.

Also, the towers were closer to each other to facilitate communication.

Sentries were able to inform one to the other their villagers about impending attacks.

Il Torrione – Ischia

It is the biggest and the most famous tower watch in Ischia island.

It dates back to the XV century when too many invaders were attacking this beautiful place.

The structure is pretty big, because on three levels and it was built on top of tuff rock.

As per today, the venue became a local museum that attracts tourists from all around the world.

ANTONIA L. MOSCA

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Italian Medieval Villages

Let’s have a virtual trip to discover the most delightful antique centers of Italy. Six beautiful places we will visit in the next future.

Castiglione del Lago (Umbria, Perugia)

It is a pentagonal-shaped fortress of the Lion; it was decided to be built by Emperor Frederick II in 1247.

The castle was assembled in this specific way to give the king a strategic control over all of Lake Trasimeno, and of course spot the enemy in timely fashion.

The peculiarity of this amazing fortress: its preservation over centuries. You will have the chance to see the three gates; then, inside the municipality.

There are also three plazas and three churches. If you will ever be around Florence area, you should definitely visit this medieval town.

Cefalù (Palermo, Sicilia)

The “Medieval Lavatoio” literally means “washer”, because until last century, people used this special place to wash their clothes.

It is a castle which can be accessed from via Vittorio Emanuele. You will need to climb stairs created from lava stones, while water will be flowing from these stairs. The water of Cefalino river are considered pristine.

Legend tells that the river was originated from the crying of nymph, repented of killing her betraying lover. Medieval Lavatoio is located in the enchanted Sicily island, Cefalu’ it is a city belonging to Palermo.

Recanati (Marche)

The Montefiore castle was erected for defensive purposes in medieval age.

Over the course of the years, the Castle was losing his strategic importance and gradually abandoned.

It is a borough in the Province of Macerata, in the Marche region, Italy. Recanati was founded around 1150 AD from three pre-existing castles. It rises in the Montefiore, about 10 km from the center of Recanati.

During several centuries of economic prosperity, Recanati became home to prominent jurists, writers, and artists.

Bosa (Oristano, Sardegna)

The castle was built in 1112 on top of the hill of Serravalle by the noble Tuscan Malaspina dello Spino Secco family. Legend tells that the jealous marquis built an underpass from the castle to the cathedral so that his beautiful wife would go to church without being seen by indiscreet eyes.

The Castle of Serravalle is a medieval castle in Bosa, province of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy.

Maiera’ (Calabria)

The medieval village has the trait to be on rocky hill. From one side you can see the blue Mediterranean see, from the other, you will view a very deep ravine, which time before it was used to grind grain.

The legend tells that two men were fighting for the love of a beautiful lady. In order to keep peace among people, God decided to separate the city of Maiera’ from the other one.

Maiera’ is between Scalea and Diamante, Cosenza. In summer time is a major attraction for food festivals.

Castellabate (Campania)

Castellabate castle was fabricated between the 11th and 15th century. This fortress has sturdy walls with four towers. Inside the town, can be found old houses, and furnaces.

Nearby the castle, can be visited a fishermen village in San Marco di Castellabate.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Il Sole 24 Ore: better living in Italy of 2020

Every end of the year, Il Sole 24 Ore, an Italian national daily business newspaper owned by Confindustria, draws up a ranking of the most livable cities in Italy.

“Wealth and consumption”, “demography”, “health and jobs”, are some pf the parameters used in the yearly quest. Another big part that completely changed the order of this list, has been by the considering the effect of the 2020 pandemic.

On our article, we will be considering only the first six most livable Italian cities

Bologna

Bologna known as “La Dotta” (The Wise) is the town on top of the 2020 classifies. It is on the very first position for the best improvement on “culture and free time”, “business and jobs”, and the social spending on: home assistance and transportation for “elder and ill people, with an increase of 53.9%” [https://www.ilpost.it/2020/12/14/classifica-province-italia-2020/]

Bologna, Parma at 8^th, Forlì-Cesena 14th, Modena 15^th, and Reggio are the five districts belonging to Emilia-Romagna region.

Bolzano

The second place is taken by Bolzano. This city is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, province of north Italy is a greater metro area has about 250,000 inhabitants and is one of the urban centers within the Alps. The Dolomites mountain town for the society and demography received the best score.

Trento

“Environment and services”, “business and jobs”, “wealth and consumptions” lead this city on the third place. Trento is famous for the beauty of its landscape and the quality of its snow, it is a favorite destination for ski enthusiasts. Some of the most touristic spots are particularly Madonna di Campiglio, Canazei, Cavalese, and San Martino di Castrozza.

Verona

“Romeo & Juliet” town receives is on the fourth place of the list for the good job on “environment and services” and “business and jobs.” The northern city belonging to Veneto region, has many touristic hot spots; such as: medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. It’s also famous for a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House.”

Trieste

Trieste is the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. Always known as a port city, it occupies a very small strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia’s border. According to the quest, this city did very well on “business and jobs”, and “environment and services.”

Udine

“Justice and security” are the winning categories that takes the city of Udine at the sixth place. Its Friulian culture, the European melting-pot of Italian, Austrian and Slovene influences, gives the city a unique ambience, best experienced in its cuisine. Udine it is known in the entire world for the: San Daniele prosciutto, and Bastianich wines.

ANTONIA L. MOSCA

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Hunted sites in Italy

Is Italy a country hunted by spirits? As you may know, this is a pretty old place, with a lot of history, battles, traditions. All dated lands keep many secrets difficult to disclose… Can we find any ghosts in Italy? The answer is: of course, yes!

Following this idea, we would like to guide you on the discovery of the many hunted castles, forts, and buildings you would never guess being hunted. Halloween week is finally here and we thought it was a good idea to show you a dark side of our “Bel Paese.”

This article will be a little “taste” of the many creepiest Italian places. Aura of unresolved mysteries, enigmas, and sinister vibes, circle these beautiful Italian sites. Let’s name them:

FOSDINOVO CASTLE, MASSA CARRARA

The village has one of the most unique castles of the region, which it is called “Malaspina castle.”

Residents of the hamlet, are no longer surprised when in the full moon nights, appear female spirits along the castle walkway. People are still debating on whom that ghost might be associated: some think that might be Bianca Maria Malaspina, walled alive by a manor. Some others, consider the spirit of the noblewoman Cristina Adelaide Pallavicino; whom, afterwards, had the custom to throw her lovers in a deep well.

Back in 1990, a TV show was able to record the silhouette of this hooded woman. However, they were not capable to identify which one of the two possible women.

SAN LEO’ S FORT, RIMINI

Certainly, it’s Cagliostro Count ghost. He lived in the ‘700 and was well known as: alchemist, medium, and mind reader. As result of his so broad knowledge, the court of inquisition deducted that he was a wizard. So, he was punished with accuses of witchcraft.

He was, in fact locked up in the San Leo’s fort and isolated from the outside world. No one could talk to him; food was served through a basket dropped from a trap door located on the ceiling. He lasted in that tiny cage only for four years.

These forced years of loneliness, made his spirit very angry. He is still looking for a real justice!

SAN GALGANO ABBEY, SIENA

This is a less known place, but it still requires to be highlighted: San Galgano Abbey, it’s very close to the town of Chiusdino, Tuscany countryside; distingushed from cypress trees, and flowery meadows background.

This Abbey is the first gothic church built in Tuscany. Even though, it is now a destroy without roof, you will still have a clear idea of how it was before. Another important site to visit is also the Rotonda di Montesiepi, not too far from the abbey. The Montesiepi roundabout keeps the legendary “Sword in the stone”, a legend or fairytale that inspired Medieval books, films, and animation movies. We underline that you can visit this last place; however, the sword is covered from a protective shield, so you will not able to draw the sword, like King Arthur did many centuries ago.

CURSED POVEGLIA ISLAND, VENEZIA

Poveglia is a small island located between Venice and Lido in the Venetian Lagoon. It is considered as one of the most haunted and most evil places in the world. Local fishermen, out of fear, won’t even get too close to the island. This place was abandoned in 1379 after a war in Chioggia, then reused for the Black Plague, in 600’ as a huge cemetery that held more than 150.000 burned and buried corpse. Lastly, in 900’ it was opened as a mental institution which it was soon closed once inexplicably, a person threw himself from one of the towers. After this last episode, paranormal activities stories spread, and everybody abandoned the island to its destiny.

BARDI FORTRESS, PARMA

It is a fortress positioned in the center of Bardi village. This is one of the most important Emilia-Romagna military sites.

At night time, you might meet the mad spirit of knight Moroello. Legend tells about the daughter of the nobleman, and this brave knight. Soleste and Moroello were deeply in love, but the lady was promised to be married to another wealthy man. Moroello had to travel to fight against enemies for a large amount of time. After a while, Soleste thought her knight was dead in the battlefield, so she threw herself into the keep of the castle.

Once Moroello came back and realized what happened to his beloved, he could not take the bad news, so out of desperation, he committed suicide. During 1990 the castel was studied from parapsychology. Also, a ghostbuster team was capable to take a picture of the sad solitaire knight.

LA STREGA DEL VESUVIO, NAPOLI

During the Vesuvio eruption dated 1858, the event was so violent and strong that the large amount of lava covered a huge ravine. Due to this, people were able to simply walk on it and move from one side to the other.

After the eruption, people who lived close by the Vesuvian mountain were woken up by intense women screams. They could not take it anymore, so they all decided to visit a very powerful witch.

After explaining the problem, the old lady was taken to the place were the screams were heard, so she started speaking in a loud voice an arcane language.

Ever since she made this spell, The Vesuvio mountain became a quiet place again.

Antonia L. Mosca

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