CHRISTMAS in Italy is magical. The decorations are put up in December rather than at the end of summer, it often snows (particularly in the countryside) and the sun shines through the chilly winds. Some people do say that this time of year is getting more commercial in Italy, perhaps it is, but there is no doubt that more importantly it’s the time of year that families get together. At this very moment, there are thousands of parents and grandparents excited about hugging their adventurous bambini who have maybe started university, moved to another part of Italy or even abroad to discover a new lifestyle. Of course Italian Christmas get-togethers wouldn’t be the same without the traditional Christmas dinner and who can resist (other than vegetarians of course) the crostini ai fegatini di pollo? For those thinking of entertaining over the festive season then turn to page 32.
Germaine Stafford has been introduced to Antonio Sorrentino, of the award-winning Furore Inn, who lets us into the secrets of making some very glamorous finger food. I was staring in wonder for ages at the photo of pressed octopus when I first saw it – how did he get it to look so perfect?
Melissa Ormiston - Italy Magazine Editor
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Read on for the contents of the November Issue.
sense of place
The lovely setting of a square in Aosta with its Christmas tree really captures the seasonal spirit
golden Lucca
We take a trip round the walled city, which has something to suit everyone from food to music, in the company of Christine Webb
Vieste: capital of the Gargano
Tamzin Hardy is our guide to this small but entrancing town on Italy’s ‘spur’
letters
what's on
Our guide to the most interesting events in Italy around Christmas time
insight and news
dual language
– Merry Christmas… but when was Jesus really born
In this month’s dual language feature, Fabrizio Del Piero tries to unravel this age-old mystery
Renaissance Siena: art for a city
Rosalind Giselle takes a look at some of the main works in the beautiful exhibition being held at the National Gallery in London
book reviews
sabbatical in Florence
In the first of a two-part feature, Helen Mackenzie Smith describes an art and history course on the Renaissance
under the arch of constantine
John Hannavy, photographic historian, looks at photography in Rome then and now
the lure of Venice
John Vitale makes some suggestions to help get the most from a visit to La Serenissima
Grace Solero: shy face of a star
Monica Moretti talks to a rock singer who is making it big outside her native country
luxe be a lady tonight
This winter, fashion is all about luxury materials, as Gilly Turney explains
Villa Negri on Lake Como
Jane McNeill visits a lovingly restored family home in a beautiful location
business
In our regular feature, Emma Bird looks at being employed, teaching in an international school and starting a business in Padua
and finally
the magic of moscato
With the holiday season fast approaching, Marc Millon recommends some festive wines made from this versatile grape
festive finger food
Chef Antonio Sorrentino shows Germaine Stafford how to organise the food for a festive drinks party
foodie fun in ... Trentino Alto Adige and Valle d’Aosta
Germaine Stafford suggests ten fun activities for food lovers in these mountain regions on opposite sides of the country
il calcio italiano
Rebecca Lloyd ooks at an unpleasant aspect of Italian football and fixtures for the festive season
project paradise
Ian Morley weighs up Italian and British ways of dealing with heating and electricity charges
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