Sites in Italian
Many readers of my newsletter are also interested in things in Italian, so I now include a link to a site in Italian that strikes my fancy in each issue. Here they are, and happy reading.
L'Accademia della Crusca
Italy's highest linguistic authority was founded by a group of FLorentines in the late 1500s to separate the flour (i.e. proper Italian) from the crusca, or chaff, in other words slang of one sort or another. They're still at it, gracefully shaping the Language, and their site is interesting.
Italy's highest linguistic authority was founded by a group of FLorentines in the late 1500s to separate the flour (i.e. proper Italian) from the crusca, or chaff, in other words slang of one sort or another. They're still at it, gracefully shaping the Language, and their site is interesting.
Addio Valentina
Guido Crepax intended Valentina, whom he patterned after a star of the silent screen, to be the fiancee of an art historian/detective when he first drew her in 1965. However, she took on a life of her own, and while he vanished she went on to become one of the most popular (and sexy) characters in Italian comics. Guido died a couple days ago, and we will miss them.
Guido Crepax intended Valentina, whom he patterned after a star of the silent screen, to be the fiancee of an art historian/detective when he first drew her in 1965. However, she took on a life of her own, and while he vanished she went on to become one of the most popular (and sexy) characters in Italian comics. Guido died a couple days ago, and we will miss them.
Ex-Pats in Italy
Cristina left San Fransisco for Siena in 1994 and has never gone back... And now she has put together a very helpful site for those who wish to move to Italy or are already here.
Cristina left San Fransisco for Siena in 1994 and has never gone back... And now she has put together a very helpful site for those who wish to move to Italy or are already here.
Aenigmistica
La Settimana Enegmistica is one of Italy's most popular publications: A weekly collection of crossword puzzles, anagrams, odd facts, cartoons and general puzzlers ranging from simple to fiendishly difficult. Great fun, and here is the online version.
La Settimana Enegmistica is one of Italy's most popular publications: A weekly collection of crossword puzzles, anagrams, odd facts, cartoons and general puzzlers ranging from simple to fiendishly difficult. Great fun, and here is the online version.
Acquabuona
Acquabuona means "goodwater," which somehow seems fitting for one of the more interesting Italian wine ezines. They get around, and taste a lot of wine.
Acquabuona means "goodwater," which somehow seems fitting for one of the more interesting Italian wine ezines. They get around, and taste a lot of wine.
L'Arma
Italy's Carabinieri are more than just a territorial police: they help define the life of many small towns throughout the Peninsula, and also play a leading roll in dangerous humanitarian missions. Units are now gearing up to leave for Iraq.
Italy's Carabinieri are more than just a territorial police: they help define the life of many small towns throughout the Peninsula, and also play a leading roll in dangerous humanitarian missions. Units are now gearing up to leave for Iraq.
Benessere.Com's Grilling Page
Benessere.Com is dedicated to being well (that's what benessere means), and has detailed advice on all sorts of things related to wellbeing. Since this issue is dedicated primarily to grilling, here is their grilling page, with a tasty beef with balsamic vinegar dish and more.
Benessere.Com is dedicated to being well (that's what benessere means), and has detailed advice on all sorts of things related to wellbeing. Since this issue is dedicated primarily to grilling, here is their grilling page, with a tasty beef with balsamic vinegar dish and more.
Ca' Macana
Ca' Macana is a Venetian mask shop that specializes in Carnival masks. Though their site is dedicate to the sale of their masks, they also have sections dedicated to history and such, and they have photos of every mask they make (lots), which will be a good source of inspiration.
Ca' Macana is a Venetian mask shop that specializes in Carnival masks. Though their site is dedicate to the sale of their masks, they also have sections dedicated to history and such, and they have photos of every mask they make (lots), which will be a good source of inspiration.
Il Carnevale di Venezia
Venice's Carnevale is extremely photogenic, and this site has lots of galleries to browse, in addition to the schedule of this year's events and more.
Venice's Carnevale is extremely photogenic, and this site has lots of galleries to browse, in addition to the schedule of this year's events and more.
Il Centro Giacomo Puccini
Another great musician whose influence was felt far and wide. A beautiful site dedicated to the Maesto, with all sorts of information on his life and works, concerts and current performances, rare works, and even a recording of the Maestro in New York.
Another great musician whose influence was felt far and wide. A beautiful site dedicated to the Maesto, with all sorts of information on his life and works, concerts and current performances, rare works, and even a recording of the Maestro in New York.
Col Tempo
Patty Pravo is a strikingly beautiful singer with a cavernous voice that sounds much too big for her frame -- when you see her on stage you find yourself wondering where she keeps it. But keep it she does, and uses it very well. The site is quite elegant; to get past the welcome screens click on col tempo and the lower rightmost red arrow.
Patty Pravo is a strikingly beautiful singer with a cavernous voice that sounds much too big for her frame -- when you see her on stage you find yourself wondering where she keeps it. But keep it she does, and uses it very well. The site is quite elegant; to get past the welcome screens click on col tempo and the lower rightmost red arrow.
Ebook Gratis
This isn't an Italian site per se, but rather an Italian collection of free ebooks you can download: everything from Vergil (in transaltion) to the Pickwick Papers (again in translation).
This isn't an Italian site per se, but rather an Italian collection of free ebooks you can download: everything from Vergil (in transaltion) to the Pickwick Papers (again in translation).
Famiglia Cristiana
Famiglia Cristiana is Italy's major Catholic weekly, and one might expect it to stick strictly to religion. And there is that, but there are also other things: Editorials that make Italian politicians squirm, and articles that get the Editors in hot water with the Cardinals. It's an interesting and unexpected mix.
Famiglia Cristiana is Italy's major Catholic weekly, and one might expect it to stick strictly to religion. And there is that, but there are also other things: Editorials that make Italian politicians squirm, and articles that get the Editors in hot water with the Cardinals. It's an interesting and unexpected mix.
Fantacalcio
As you might guess, this is the Italian equivalent of fantasy football, and it enjoys a huge following. You'll also find fantaformula1 and fantacycling here.
As you might guess, this is the Italian equivalent of fantasy football, and it enjoys a huge following. You'll also find fantaformula1 and fantacycling here.
Filastrocche
Filastrocche (pronounced feelastrokkeh) are nursery rimes, and they're just a part of what this site has to offer: Jokes, poems, lullabies, riddles, tongue twisters, baby pictures, songs, and much more. A fine site for working on your Italian.
Filastrocche (pronounced feelastrokkeh) are nursery rimes, and they're just a part of what this site has to offer: Jokes, poems, lullabies, riddles, tongue twisters, baby pictures, songs, and much more. A fine site for working on your Italian.
Gamba
If you like Italian wines chances are you've sampled Mr. Gamba's skills: he's one of the best coopers in Italy, and many of the major wineries buy their barrels from him. A neat site that helps explain a little-known facet of wine. There's also an English version (scroll down).
If you like Italian wines chances are you've sampled Mr. Gamba's skills: he's one of the best coopers in Italy, and many of the major wineries buy their barrels from him. A neat site that helps explain a little-known facet of wine. There's also an English version (scroll down).
Gambero Rosso
"The Red Shrimp" might seem an unlikely name, but they got it from Pinocchio, and Il Gambero is by far the most influential Italian wine and food magazine. The site is in Italian but there is an English version too.
"The Red Shrimp" might seem an unlikely name, but they got it from Pinocchio, and Il Gambero is by far the most influential Italian wine and food magazine. The site is in Italian but there is an English version too.
Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo Stilton is a mouse -- not just any old mouse, but rather a master detective who has lots of adventures and meets all sorts of people. He also tells horrid jokes, and is a huge hit with Italian school kids. A neat site with Geronimo's adventures, games, and more.
Geronimo Stilton is a mouse -- not just any old mouse, but rather a master detective who has lots of adventures and meets all sorts of people. He also tells horrid jokes, and is a huge hit with Italian school kids. A neat site with Geronimo's adventures, games, and more.
Giorgio Panariello
Giorgio Panariello is an extraordinarily irreverant Tuscan comedian who has done the primetime Saturday night show for RAI 1 for the past few years, with a wonderful mix of skits, dancing, and top musical acts.
Giorgio Panariello is an extraordinarily irreverant Tuscan comedian who has done the primetime Saturday night show for RAI 1 for the past few years, with a wonderful mix of skits, dancing, and top musical acts.
Gualtiero Marchesi
Gualtiero Marchesi is one of Italy's top chefs, and though he no longer occupies the throne (tastes change with time) he still makes tremendous waves.
Gualtiero Marchesi is one of Italy's top chefs, and though he no longer occupies the throne (tastes change with time) he still makes tremendous waves.
Guida Olio
An Italian site dedicated to olive cultivation and oil production, with all sorts of information covering everything from production (pests and so on) to legislative aspects. Interesting!
An Italian site dedicated to olive cultivation and oil production, with all sorts of information covering everything from production (pests and so on) to legislative aspects. Interesting!
Io Mangio Sano
In other words, "I eat healthily," a site put together by the RAI TV network and the Italian Ministry of Health. Advice, tips, things you shouldn't do, a kids' section and more. Lots to discover!
In other words, "I eat healthily," a site put together by the RAI TV network and the Italian Ministry of Health. Advice, tips, things you shouldn't do, a kids' section and more. Lots to discover!
Lupo Alberto
Lupo Alberto, the wolf who fell in love with La Gallina Marta (Martha Hen) and braves the fury of Mose' the watchdog nightly to visit her, burst onto center stage nearly 30 years ago and has never left. Why should he? Everybody loves him (except Mose'). The site has lots of info, in slow and fast connection versions.
Lupo Alberto, the wolf who fell in love with La Gallina Marta (Martha Hen) and braves the fury of Mose' the watchdog nightly to visit her, burst onto center stage nearly 30 years ago and has never left. Why should he? Everybody loves him (except Mose'). The site has lots of info, in slow and fast connection versions.
Ivrea Medioevale
Ivrea, one of Piemonte's major cities, was founded by the Romans and was extremely important in the middle ages. This is a very interesting, slightly offbeat historical overview that has quite a bit to say about how the people lived and what they did, and less to say about dates. A school project, perhaps, but fun.
Ivrea, one of Piemonte's major cities, was founded by the Romans and was extremely important in the middle ages. This is a very interesting, slightly offbeat historical overview that has quite a bit to say about how the people lived and what they did, and less to say about dates. A school project, perhaps, but fun.
Mangiar Bene
SuperEva is an Italian equivalent of About.Com, and Angie, the guide to Mangiar Bene (eating well) has put together a superb collection of recipes, commentary and links that you can spend hours browsing through.
SuperEva is an Italian equivalent of About.Com, and Angie, the guide to Mangiar Bene (eating well) has put together a superb collection of recipes, commentary and links that you can spend hours browsing through.
Mangiare Bene's Piatti di Pasta Veloci
If you're in a rush, here's a collection of quick pasta recipes (in Italian) from the folks at Mangiare Bene. Enjoy!
If you're in a rush, here's a collection of quick pasta recipes (in Italian) from the folks at Mangiare Bene. Enjoy!
Moshra'
This is an Italian Jewish Portal, and has all sorts of interesting things, from Kosher Recipes to news to jokes to university doctoral theses dedicated to Jewish themes. Lots to read!
This is an Italian Jewish Portal, and has all sorts of interesting things, from Kosher Recipes to news to jokes to university doctoral theses dedicated to Jewish themes. Lots to read!
La Mia Sardegna
It's easy to forget that Sardegna, the wild island off to the west of the Peninsula, is Italy and not simply different. Claudio De Tesi has put together an impressive site with a huge number of photos and all sorts of travel tips. Neat!
It's easy to forget that Sardegna, the wild island off to the west of the Peninsula, is Italy and not simply different. Claudio De Tesi has put together an impressive site with a huge number of photos and all sorts of travel tips. Neat!
La Misericordia di Firenze
Florence's Misericordia is a lay brotherhood founded to help the sick and the poor in 1244; the Brothers wore hoods to maintain anonymity. In short order sister organizations sprung up in other Italian cities, and the Misericordie still play a vital role in Italian city life, in many cases stepping in where the State does not.
Florence's Misericordia is a lay brotherhood founded to help the sick and the poor in 1244; the Brothers wore hoods to maintain anonymity. In short order sister organizations sprung up in other Italian cities, and the Misericordie still play a vital role in Italian city life, in many cases stepping in where the State does not.
Musei
This is the museums link section of the Museums site on Supereva, a network that's similar to About but in Italian. All sorts of interesting things here, from Europe's highest mueseum to the Railway museum, though you do have to read Italian.
This is the museums link section of the Museums site on Supereva, a network that's similar to About but in Italian. All sorts of interesting things here, from Europe's highest mueseum to the Railway museum, though you do have to read Italian.
Il Museo Archeologico di Aquileia
Aquilea played a vital role in the amber trade under the Romans, and was one of the most important cities in northern Italy. That was then, now the museum is spectacular.
Aquilea played a vital role in the amber trade under the Romans, and was one of the most important cities in northern Italy. That was then, now the museum is spectacular.
Il Museo di Don Camillo
Don Camillo and Peppone finally have their own museum, and a tiny space on the Web. But it's fun, as they were!
Don Camillo and Peppone finally have their own museum, and a tiny space on the Web. But it's fun, as they were!
Natale e Delizie a Napoli
Naples has an extraordinary and extraordinarily varied Christmas tradition, which Angie, Supereva's guide to fine cooking, explores.
Naples has an extraordinary and extraordinarily varied Christmas tradition, which Angie, Supereva's guide to fine cooking, explores.
Il Palio
This is Palio section of the city of Siena's site, with lots of information and many photos. There's also a link to an English version.
This is Palio section of the city of Siena's site, with lots of information and many photos. There's also a link to an English version.
Parks.It
Most people think of cities and towns (and their artistic treasures) when they think of Italy. The country also has a surprising amount of wilderness, and a great many beautiful parks, which this site covers in detail. There's also lots of general park-related info.
Most people think of cities and towns (and their artistic treasures) when they think of Italy. The country also has a surprising amount of wilderness, and a great many beautiful parks, which this site covers in detail. There's also lots of general park-related info.
Photographers.it
An excellent site dedicated to the Italian photographic scene, with pages by pros and (very) gifted amateurs, news, reviews and much more. Even if you don't speak Italian you will enjoy browsing the photos.
An excellent site dedicated to the Italian photographic scene, with pages by pros and (very) gifted amateurs, news, reviews and much more. Even if you don't speak Italian you will enjoy browsing the photos.
Pizza.It
If Pizza is the National Dish (and it likely is) it certainly deserves a comprehensive website with all sorts of useful information, from job notices to regional recipes. Dig in!
If Pizza is the National Dish (and it likely is) it certainly deserves a comprehensive website with all sorts of useful information, from job notices to regional recipes. Dig in!
RAI News
RAI is the Italian State television network, and this is their news site on the web, with all sorts of info on what is happening both in Italy and around the world. All sorts of interesting things!
RAI is the Italian State television network, and this is their news site on the web, with all sorts of info on what is happening both in Italy and around the world. All sorts of interesting things!
Recipes for Mothers' Day
Flowers are perhaps the most common gift adult children give their mothers. However, one could also go with a meal, and this site has many suggestions that are certain to please.
Flowers are perhaps the most common gift adult children give their mothers. However, one could also go with a meal, and this site has many suggestions that are certain to please.
La Reggioa di Caserta
La Reggia was the Bourbon's summer palace, and it is spectacular. If you've seen Star Wars Episode 1 you've also seen it -- it was used for the marbled halls of the Naboo Palace (you didn't think they built them from scratch did you?). This is the official site.
La Reggia was the Bourbon's summer palace, and it is spectacular. If you've seen Star Wars Episode 1 you've also seen it -- it was used for the marbled halls of the Naboo Palace (you didn't think they built them from scratch did you?). This is the official site.
Report
Report is one of the most interesting investigative journalism shows I've ever seen. They're hard hitting and hit both left and right with equal vigor. The slant is primarily Italian, but they also look abroad, and what they find is always interesting. Worrisome, perhaps, but interesting.
Report is one of the most interesting investigative journalism shows I've ever seen. They're hard hitting and hit both left and right with equal vigor. The slant is primarily Italian, but they also look abroad, and what they find is always interesting. Worrisome, perhaps, but interesting.
Ricette di Dolci
who doesn't have a sweet tooth, especially with the arrival of spring? An excellent collection of Italian cakes, pies, biscotti, puddings, and more, with holiday collections as well.
who doesn't have a sweet tooth, especially with the arrival of spring? An excellent collection of Italian cakes, pies, biscotti, puddings, and more, with holiday collections as well.
Salgari
Emilio Salgari was born in Verona in 1862, and never went much farther than Genova, but his stirring tales of piracy and battle in the Far East have held generations of Italians (mostly boys) spellbound. You can download many of his books here, for free!
Emilio Salgari was born in Verona in 1862, and never went much farther than Genova, but his stirring tales of piracy and battle in the Far East have held generations of Italians (mostly boys) spellbound. You can download many of his books here, for free!
San Galgano
Galgano Guidotti was noble, and a dissolute lout until Archangel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream. To his family's horror he mended his ways, thrust his sword into a rock to make a cross, and became a hermit; people flocked to see him, the Devil sent an assassin, but the Lord sent wolves, who chewed on the man's bones. Now there's a spectacular abbey where he lived.
Galgano Guidotti was noble, and a dissolute lout until Archangel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream. To his family's horror he mended his ways, thrust his sword into a rock to make a cross, and became a hermit; people flocked to see him, the Devil sent an assassin, but the Lord sent wolves, who chewed on the man's bones. Now there's a spectacular abbey where he lived.
San Remo
Il Festival della Canzone Italiana, the Italian Song Festival: For a week Italians are glued to their screen as stars both national and international croon, strut, sing, and (sometimes) stomp across the stage. All about this edition and those past, with clips, photos and more.
Il Festival della Canzone Italiana, the Italian Song Festival: For a week Italians are glued to their screen as stars both national and international croon, strut, sing, and (sometimes) stomp across the stage. All about this edition and those past, with clips, photos and more.
I Sapori della Val di Non
Trentino's Val di Non is one of the top Italian apple-producing areas, and has much to offer in addition to its brilliant orbs. A nice rundown of its many gastronomic specialties, with links to similar enogastronomic pages dedicated to many other parts of Italy.
Trentino's Val di Non is one of the top Italian apple-producing areas, and has much to offer in addition to its brilliant orbs. A nice rundown of its many gastronomic specialties, with links to similar enogastronomic pages dedicated to many other parts of Italy.
La Stanza di Antonio
A neat site done by the Carabinieri (one of the Italian police forces) to give kids a place to relax and play on the web. Animations, games, spoken Italian and more.
A neat site done by the Carabinieri (one of the Italian police forces) to give kids a place to relax and play on the web. Animations, games, spoken Italian and more.
La Strada del Prosciutto
Many of Italy's gastronomic delights come from strikingly beautiful areas, and now the producers of these delights are following the trail blazed by the winemakers, and setting up itineraries to lead tourists though their regions. Here we have Prosciutto, and also Parmigiano, truffles, wine, parks, and much more. Nicely done.
Many of Italy's gastronomic delights come from strikingly beautiful areas, and now the producers of these delights are following the trail blazed by the winemakers, and setting up itineraries to lead tourists though their regions. Here we have Prosciutto, and also Parmigiano, truffles, wine, parks, and much more. Nicely done.
Le Terre del Tartufo
Though Italians associate truffles primarily with Piemonte you can find them throughout northern Italy, and the Province of Mantova has put together a nice itinerary that will be worth following even when truffle season is over.
Though Italians associate truffles primarily with Piemonte you can find them throughout northern Italy, and the Province of Mantova has put together a nice itinerary that will be worth following even when truffle season is over.
Tutto Benigni
Roberto Benigni is perhaps best known for La Vita e' Bella (Life is beautiful), but he has done many other films as well, and his appearances on Italian TV never fail to draw record audiences. This is an excellent fan site with all sorts of information on Roberto and those who have worked with him.
Roberto Benigni is perhaps best known for La Vita e' Bella (Life is beautiful), but he has done many other films as well, and his appearances on Italian TV never fail to draw record audiences. This is an excellent fan site with all sorts of information on Roberto and those who have worked with him.
UBC Fumetti
Italians are among the most dedicated fans (and creators) of comics, from Tex, the classic Ranger in the Old West, to Diabolic, the masked criminal drawn by a couple of little old ladies, to Lupo Alberto, the wolf engaged to Martha Hen, and this is just the beginning. A great site if you like comics.
Italians are among the most dedicated fans (and creators) of comics, from Tex, the classic Ranger in the Old West, to Diabolic, the masked criminal drawn by a couple of little old ladies, to Lupo Alberto, the wolf engaged to Martha Hen, and this is just the beginning. A great site if you like comics.