Category Archives: Buon Natale

December 8, 2012 · 11:12 am

The Feast Day of Santa Lucia in Syracuse Sicily

Caravaggio, Burial of St. Lucy 1608
Image via Wikipedia

Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) was born in Siracusa (Syracuse) in 283. Syracuse became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sicily in 2005.

St. Lucy is the virgin martyr of Siracusa. She is also the patron saint of the blind and the patron saint of authors.

Mario Lanza

Cover of Mario Lanza

Listen to Mario Lanza sing her song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpP7heFjr0g. Here’s my favorite version by Elvis Presley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCBZxpoqIc&feature=related

Altar of Saint Lucy's chapel, in the Cathedral...

Martyrdom of St Lucy (predella 5)

Martyrdom of St Lucy (predella 5) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every year on December 13th in Siracusa, the procession starts at the Piazza Duomo in Ortiga. A 16th century solid silver statue of Saint Lucy is brought from the Piazza del Duomo to the Basilica del Sepoloro outside the walls of the old town of Ortigia. This Basilica was built by the Normans in the 11th century. Adjacent to the Basilica, a baroque temple houses the burial place of Saint Lucy. Her holy relics were housed here intil 1039, when the Byzantine General Georgio Maniace took her remains to Constantinople as a tribute to Empress Theodora.

Santa Lucia of Syracuse

Santa Lucia of Syracuse (Photo credit: Paul Lowry)

Gregorio Tedeschi, Saint Lucy, a 1634 statue i...

Gregorio Tedeschi, Saint Lucy, a 1634 statue in the Chapel of the burial place of Saint Lucy at Syracuse, Italy. Picture by Giovanni Dall’Orto, May 20, 2008. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

During the 4th Crusade, the Venetians transported her remains to Venice and they are housed in the Church of Saints Geremia and Lucia. After the procession, the statue of Saint Lucy remains at the Basilica del Sepoloro for eight days and then it is returned to the Piazza del Duomo. Many devotees of Santa Lucia participate in the procession in bare feet to honor her.

13th DEC | Saint Lucy's Procession

Image by Toni Kaarttinen via Flickr

According to legend, she was born in the town of Syracuse on the island of Sicily, to a wealthy family. As she grew older she choose to live her life like that of St. Agatha, who was a revered saint in Catania. She vowed to remain a virgin and give her possessions to the poor and needy.

The name Lucia means light and is linked to her virtues; virginal rectitude.  She lived prior to the Edict of Milan in 313 which allowed Christians the freedom to profess their religion. Prior to that time, Christians were persecuted for their belief in Christ.

Lucia was very generous and brought food to the many Christians who hid in underground tunnels. To find her way she would wear a wreath with candles while carrying the trays of food.

Her mother found a suitor for her to wed, but marriage was not in her plans.  When she rejected her future husband, her whistle-blower fiancee reported her to the authorities and according to Diocletian‘s Law she was persecuted and stabbed in the throat with a spear for being a Christian on December 13, 304. 

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see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Sicilians pay tribute to a miracle performed by St Lucy during a famine in 1582. At that time, she brought a flotilla of grain-bearing ships to starving Sicily, whose citizens cooked and ate the wheat without taking time to grind it into flour. Thus, on St. Lucy’s Day, Sicilians don’t eat anything made with wheat flour. Instead they eat cooked wheat called cuccia.”

 

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Buon Natale and Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com 

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December 6, 2012 · 11:57 am

Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia Italy

A view of the archaeological area of Aquileia.
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Friuli Venezia-Giulia is a northeastern region of Italy that borders Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. Slavic, German and Mediterranean influences and traditions converge in this region. 

Provinces of Friuli–Venezia Giulia

Provinces of Friuli–Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This area has the pristine alpine regions of the Carnia and Julian Alps. The regional capital is Trieste. The Civic Museum of the Sea in Trieste displays the history of navigation.

Location of region xy (see filename) in Italy.

Location of region xy (see filename) in Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The ancient Romans left remarkable traces in Aquileia. The Romanesque-Gothic Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia and the Archaeological Area became a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site in 1998. Destroyed by Attila in the mid 5th century, Aquileia was a Roman river port and one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire.  Surrounded by ruins, visit the Roman villas, baths and temples. Most of the site is intact and has not been excavated.

Foro romano di Aquileia

Foro romano di Aquileia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Patriarchal Basilican Complex is a fascinating archeological site with splendid mosaics that represent the secret language of Christianity.  This town played an important role in the spread of Christianity into Central Europe in the early Middle Ages.

The nearby seaside resort town of Grado is a great “Vino con Vista” destination. Order a glass of  Sauvignon, Riesling or Tocai to enjoy with your San Daniele prosciutto and Montasio cheese in the center of the old town. Then consider some Romandolo sweet white dessert wine with your strudel. Visit the 4th century Duomo of Santa Maria delle Grazie with beautiful 6th century mosaics and the Basilica di Sant’ Eufemia.

The praises of the Aquileia vineyards have been sung since the Roman Empire.  They are currently dominated by red Merlot and white Tocai grapes. The Ramandolo appellation has been granted the prized DOCG designation for the honey colored dessert wine; the pinnacle of the quality guidelines for wine production. 

This region of Italy has eight Wine Trails. The scenic Collio Goriziano Trail in Giulia starts in Gorizia and covers the vineyards of Cormons and Dolegna del Collio.

Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italia

Image via Wikipedia

Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia

There are some distinctive traditional holiday events in this chilly region where “Baby it’s Cold Out There” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYFMVfAbbgU&feature=related.

 ”Il Pignarul” is held in Tracento, near Udine on January 6th. After a pageant with participants dressed in thirteenth-century costume,  they re-create the Three Wise Men‘s encounter with the Baby Jesus. At the end of the ceremony that ends at Castello Goia, an enormous bonfire called “Pignarul” ensues. The direction that the smoke travels signifies whether the harvest for the next season will be  abundant. Many “Pignarul” festivities are held in Friuli.

“Krampus Festivities” are held in many towns in the Carnia Valley with elaborate masks that portray the 12 faces of evil. Krampus is St. Nick’stwo-horned furry alter-ego.

Many towns on the Austrian and Slovenian border celebrate the arrival of “San Nicolo” with charming festivities.

In Aquileia d’Inverno visit the “Mercatino Natalizio” on December 8th.

In Udine attend “Festa di Santa Lucia” in Borgo S. Lazzaro on via L. Moro on December 13th.

In Grado a “Concerto della Banda” will be held in the Auditorium Biagio on December 23rd and “Messa di Mezzanote” at the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia on December 24th. Attend Festa dell “Sfrisete” on Via Tasso on December 27th.

Epiphany Festivals:

In Cividale there is a Historical Epiphany Pagent and Parade on January 6th

In Gremona “Messa del Tallero” is a Medieval Event held on January 6th with a historical parade of knights and damsels who accompany the Mayor to the Duomo. Attend the traditional “Dollar Mass” at the church when the Mayor gives a dollar minted in 1780 under the reign of Maria Teresa of Austria as part of the ceremony.

In Paularo “La Femenate Bonfire” is held on January 6th.

In Chiusaforte (UD) attend “Arriviano i Re Magi” on January 6th at Lungo le vie del Paese.

In San Giovgio di Nogaro (UD) attend “Le Befana vien dal Fiume” at Presso il Centro Canoa di Villanova on January 5th.

In Tarcento attend the Bonfire Festival on January 6th.

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Buon Natale and Happy Hollidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

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· 10:38 am

Buon Natale: Feast of Saint Ambrose and Holiday Events in Milan Italy

Skull of Saint Ambrose, archbishop of Milan, i...
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Milan was founded by the Gauls in the early 4th century B.C. and grew rapidly following the Roman conquest in 222 B.C.  By 1277, Archbishop Otto Visconti imposed hegemony over the city and 130 years of Visconti rule ensued. Gian Galeazzo Visconti (1351-1402) was a generous patron of the arts and initiated the construction of the magnificent Gothic Duomo made of white marble with 135 spires www.duomomilano.it.

December 7th is the Feast Day of Saint Ambrose, the Patron Saint of Milan. He was born in 339 and consecrated as the Bishop of Milan on December 7, 374. He served as the Bishop until his death in 397. This eloquent bishop was instrumental in spreading

Crypt of bishop Ambrose and two marthyrs, Sain...

Crypt of bishop Ambrose and two marthyrs, Saints Gervase and Protase. Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, Milan. (bodies aren’t totally sharp because they are behind a bad quality sheet glass) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Christianity and you can visit his mortal remains in the crypt of the Basilica of Sant’Ambroglio.

Drawing based on a statue of St. Ambrose

Drawing based on a statue of St. Ambrose (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He is also the Patron Saint of Bologna. St. Ambrose is one of my favorites because he is the Patron Saint of learning and students., The “Honey-Tongued Doctor” is portrayed with a beehive and bees in his iconography which symbolizes wisdom. He is also the patron saint of  candle-makers and bee keepers.

The “Fiera di Sant’Ambroglio” is the city’s antique fair and takes place in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio from December 7-22. This event coincides with “The Fiera degli Oh Bej-Oh Bej.”  This is a traditional annual outdoor street market held in Milan to honor Saint Ambrose from December 5th to the 8th. For 400 years it was held in front of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, built by Ambrose between 379-386 which is one of the oldest churches in Milan.

Benefattori dell'Ospedale: i Duchi della Milan...

Benefattori dell’Ospedale: i Duchi della Milano quattrocentesca (Francesco Sforza e Bianca Maria Visconti) nell’atto di donare al Papa (Pio II Piccolomini) il bozzetto dell’erigenda Ca’ Granda (Photo credit: renagrisa)

This year the Festival will be held in The Square in front of Castello Sforzesco on Via Dante. Francesco Sforza, husband of Bianca Maria Visconti, became lord of the city in 1450. He ruled from the imposing Castello Sforzesco fortress until 1535. Today, the castle serves as a museum. Francesco Sforza built the present castle where the Visconti castle originally stood. The palace contains several art museums. The Torre del Carmine serves to enclose the fortress of the Visconti family. Michelangelo’s famous “Rondanini Pieta” (1564) can be admired in the Castello Sforzesco.

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco (Photo credit: viiruone)

Mangia and have a “Vino con Vista” at the festival where you buy interesting gifts from over 400 stalls and can enjoy a porchetta sandwich, cioccolato con panna montala (hot chocolate) and some “Vino Brule” (mulled wine).

Here’s a recipe for Vino Brule

A bottle of red wine

1/3 cup sugar

3 cloves

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 stick of cinnamon

1 lemon peel

Stir wine over medium heat. Add sugar to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil until sugar is completely dissolved. Salute!!

The Teatro alla Scala in Milan, by night

The Teatro alla Scala in Milan, by night (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

December 7th is the official opening of the Opera Season in Milan at Teatro alla Scala which opened in 1778. Visit the Museo Teatrale that features vintage opera posters and a remarkable array of opera costumes. There will be a special concert on December 6, 2012 with a production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. For tickets visit:  www.teatroallascala.org

Attend the Epiphany Parade of the Three Kings from the Duomo to the Church of Sant’Eustorgio on January 6th.

Milano castello sforzesco natale

Milano castello sforzesco natale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Milan has an interesting wine bar called La Cantina di Manuela on via Cadore with outdoor tables for people-watching or a nightcap. Try a Rosso della Costa Collina del Milanese or Bianco dell Costa Collina dell Milanese with some Castel Magno cheese. The Lombardy region’s specialty wine is fizzy Franciacorta. Most of the wineries in Lombardy are outside the heavily industrialized city limits in towns located between the Alps and the Apennines including Bergamo, Sondrio, Brescia, Pavia and Mantua. 

Milan Duomo

Image by underflowR via Flickr

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Buon Natale and Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com  

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December 4, 2012 · 9:47 am

Buon Natale: Krampus and Other Holiday Events in Trentino-Alto Adige

Larix decidua forest, Dolomites, San Genesio A...
Image via Wikipedia

This mountainous region of northeastern Italy is characterized by the unparalleled beauty of majestic mountains and lovely scenic lakes. It is divided by the Adige River.  Trentino is Italian-speaking and Alto-Adige, the German-speaking area is known as the South Tyrol. Alto-Adige was part of Austria until after World War I. Cortina is home to many fashion juggernauts including Bulgari, Gucci, Benneton and Geox. Trentino is the home of Cavit’s wine empire.

English: Maria Himmelfahrt, Bolzano. Deutsch: ...

English: Maria Himmelfahrt, Bolzano. Deutsch: Dom Maria Himmelfahrt, Bozen. Italiano: Duomo di Bolzano. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the 1960′s Provincial Road #14 was transformed into the Winestrasse (Wine Trail).  The South Tyrol Wine Road in Alto Adige runs along the right bank of the Adige River between Salorno and Bolzano. It is one of the most scenic roads in Italy. Pristine vineyards carpet lush Alpine valleys. Stop at the wineries for a “Vino con Vista.” This region produces grappa.

Bressanone

Bressanone (Photo credit: davideoneclick)

In 2009, UNESCO added the snow-clad Dolomites on the east side of the Province to Italy’s World Heritage List. This area has frequent landslides, floods and avalanches and UNESCO hoped to secure more rigourous defense and preservation of this area. The Dolomites are Italy’s most distinctive mountains and were formed 200 million years ago from the Primeval ocean. Their majestic mineralized coral forms magical spires, pinnacles and rock walls. The mountains include 18 majestic peaks with interesting rock formations that are perfect for skiing. The “Cinque Torri” rock formations include five towers that soar to heights of 7,762 feet. 

 

Comprensorios del Tirol del Sur (Italia).

Comprensorios del Tirol del Sur (Italia). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Holiday Events  with Germanic traditions and Italian flavors 

During the Christmas period the towns of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno, and Brunjco offer Holiday markets. The Christmas tree (Christbaum) and the Nativity scenes are common themes in this region. There are ancient nativity rituals in Bressanone and the Gries Abbey during Advent.

In Passo dell Stelvio, the first Saturday in December celebrates “Festa dei Klosen” dedicated to Santa Claus. Locals dressed in costumes wander the streets until the Church bells ring and everyone unites in prayer

In the historic center of Arco attend “Festa d’Immacolota” on December 7th for fireworks from the castle and a Christmas market with local delicacies like apple brule, cheeses and honey until December 23rd in the historic center of town.

In Bolzano attend “Christkindlmarkt” in Piazza Walter until December 23 with delicious Germanic sweets like “zelten,” a sweet from Bolzano, based on dried figs, almonds, and candied fruit. Local tradition  provides crowns made of fir branches interwoven with ribbons and four candles. In Bolzano, they light one candle each Sunday for the four weeks of Advent.

Vintage Christmas Krampus Postcard with St. Ni...

Vintage Christmas Krampus Postcard with St. Nicholas in window (Photo credit: riptheskull)

On December 5th Bolzano celebrates the arrival of Saint Nikolaus, protector of children. During this traditional celebration, Nikolaus  is accompanied by angels and he is bearing gifts for good children. The festivities juxtapose this symbol of Good  flanked by Evil, personified by “Krampus.”  Krampus is a two-horned furry demon.  In Brunico, 150 of these “Krampus” demons parade, armed with chains and whips.

In Bressanone visit the “Il Presepe” exhibit at the Episcopal Palace until January 6th and the “Weihnachtsmarkt” Alpine Christmas Market until January 8th at the Piazza Duomo. Vin brule is distributed after the concerts and mass at the cathedral.

The 18th Annual Merano Christmas Market where most of the historic center is transformed into an outdoor market until January 7th.

Tastes of Valsugana in Levico in Parco della Terme until January 6th with Hapsburg-style horse drawn carriage rides.

In Trento attend the Christmas Market until December 23 in Piazza Fiera

In Cavalese attend the “Trial of the Witches” the first week of January.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo on Christmas Eve there is a torchlight parade of skiiers. There will also be a “EuroChocolate Ski” Event in this upscale Dolomite ski resort between December 16th and 19th.

Order a book and Buon Natale basket for your favorite Italophiles at www.vino-con-vista.info. To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista Travel Guides.

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November 30, 2012 · 12:11 pm

Buon Natale: A White Christmas in Valle d’Aosta

A view of Breuil-Cervinia slopes.
Image via Wikipedia

Valle d”Aosta is located in an extremely mountainous area. It is the smallest Italian region and borders France to the west and Switzerland to the north. It is dominated by some of the highest majestic mountains in Europe called the “Four Queens of the Alps” including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Cervino and Gran Paradiso. 

Valle Geiranger

Valle Geiranger (Photo credit: lecu_lillas)

It’s the perfect place for a “White Christmas”; and nobody does it like Bing Crosby http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA45TnJQxhU. In Italian, listen to “Bianco Natale” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0HT7D7JCTQ

There are four languages spoken in this autonomous province: French, Italian, Valdotain and German. Many feudal castles were constructed in this area to serve military functions.

English: Gran Paradiso summit and Cresta Gasta...

English: Gran Paradiso summit and Cresta Gastaldi; Gran Paradiso massif; Graian Alps; Aosta Valley; Italy Italiano: La vetta del Gran Paradiso e a destra la Cresta Gastaldi; Massiccio del Gran Paradiso; Alpi Graie; Valle d’Aosta; Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Tresenta summit, Gran Paradiso Massif...

English: Tresenta summit, Gran Paradiso Massif, Graian Alps, Aosta valley, Italy Italiano: Vetta della Tresenta, Massiccio del Gran Paradiso, Alpi Graie, Valle d’Aosta, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This region of Italy is a haven for skiiers; with 23 ski resorts and 170 ski lifts. Mountain climbers, rock climbers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts flock to this area. The region is famous for “Torchlight Processions” around New Years’ Eve. In this province, Christmas Markets are called “Marche Noel.”

Holiday Events and Torchlight Processions

“Noel au Bourg” at the Fortress of Bord until January 6th.

“Marche Vert Noel” in Piazza Severin Caveri in Aosta until January 6th.

The 2oth annual “Courmayer Noir in Festival” through December 13th. www.noirfest.com

A ski competition in Pila December 18th-20th.

“Fiera di Sant’Orso” in Aosta January 30-31 that originated in the year 1000.

Italiano: Plan Maison, Valle d'Aosta

Image via Wikipedia

There are many “Torchlight Ski Processions” on December 30th and 31st in this area. Some of the places to see these pocessions include in the towns of: Ayas-Antagnod, Breuil-Cervinia, Chamois, Champorcher, Courmayeur, Etroubles and Gressoney-Saint-Jean.

The Valle d’Aosta Alpine vineyards are Italy’s window to Switzerland.

There are many “Vino con Vista” opportunities on the  ”Route des Vins.”  This is a regional circuit of wineries. The vineyards are generally terraced and follow the “adret” that are located on the southern, sunny side of the mountains. The highest vineyards in Europe are located in Morgex-LaSalle.  Stop in the village of Morgex and have a glass of the prestigious Blanc de Morgex. The village houses a chalet with a tasting room and a restaurant. There are 22 DOC wines in the “DOC Valle d’Aosta“

The Aosta region of Italy

The Aosta region of Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Orchards and vineyards line the valley. Fresian cows graze in the pastures. Fontina cheese is produced in this region. Regional specialties include beefsteak alla valostana that is breaded, fried, topped with fontina cheese and ham an reheated in the oven on a slice of polenta.  Order a cup of Valle d’Aosta coffee with a shot of grappa to accompany your yummy chocolate dessert or regional tegole and torcetti almond cookies. 

The Buon Ricordo destination in Valle D’Aosta is Hotel Ristorante Casale in Saint Christophe on Fraz Condemine www.hotelrestaurantecasale.it. The signature dish is Scaloppa alla Valdostana cooked with prosciutto and fontina cheese. The collector plate shows three Fresian cows grazing in the sunny pasture.

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

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November 27, 2012 · 11:54 am

Holiday Events in Florence Italy 2012: Firenze Noel

Here are some of the Holiday Events Florence Italy:

Florence Italy Christmas

Blocks of Florence, Italy. The permission is g...

Blocks of Florence, Italy. The permission is granted and can be read here (italian). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2012 December list of events in Florence, Italy.

Visit La Casa di Babbo Natale in Montecatini Terme on weekends: November 23-24 and December 1-2, and 7-9 .

Piazza Santa Croce

Piazza Santa Croce (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

German Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt” Piazza Santa Croce (Florence), Nov 28th until December 16th, 2012.

The 19th century gothic revival mosaic of the ...

The 19th century gothic revival mosaic of the tympanum above the left gate of the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. Made in Venice in 1886 after drawings by Nicolò Barabino.Shows the “Charity”, with some florentine founders of philanthropic institutions. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Christmas Market/ Nataleperfile at Palazzo Corsini – Lungarno Corsini 8  from December 7-9th from 10am – 7pm.

 
Annual Christmas Bazaar/AILO – American International League of Florence , Le Pagliere – viale machiavelli 28 (Fi), December 8, 10-5pm.

ART WITH FAMILIES/ Palazzo Strozzi Courtyard from  December 8, 2012 from 3-6 pm.

Firenze Winter Park at Lungaro Aldo Moro from December 1st thru January 27th.

HAPPY HOUR/ Aperitivo ad Arte at Palazzo Davanzati in Florence on Via Porta Rossa 13 at 7:00 pm on Fridays until February 13, 2013.

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Buon Natlae and Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

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December 16, 2010 · 4:42 pm

Buon Appetito: 2010 Michelin Stars in Italy

TOKYO - NOVEMBER 18: Director of Michelin Gui...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Chef’s all over the world dream of Michelin Stars. There are 6 Three-star, 37  Two-star and 229 One-star restaurants in Italy.

Here are the new MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS IN ITALY:

The new Three-Star restaurant in Italy is Da Vittorio. The existing 3 stars are:

1. Dal Pescatore di Canneto sull’Oglio (Mn)

2. Enoteca Pinchiorri di Firenze

3. La Pergola di Roma

4. Le Calandre di Rubano (Pd)

5. Al Sorriso di Soriso (No)

New Two-stars in Italy:

Antica Corona Reale – Cervere (Cuneo)
Piazza Duomo – Alba (Cuneo)
Il Pellicano -Porto Ercole (Grosseto)
La Madia – Licata (Agrigento)
Met dell’Hotel Metropol – Venezia
Il Mosaico – Casamicciola Terme, Ischia (Napoli)
Il Trenkerstube – Tirolo (Bolzano).

New Michelin One- star restaurants in Italy:

Andreini – Alghero in Sassari. ( I’ve written about how much I love this one!!)

Kleine Flamme – Vipiteno (Bolzano)
Ortica -Bedizzole (Brescia).
Maxi – Vico Equense (Napoli).
Roof Garden – Bergamo
Vicolo Santa Lucia – Cattolica (Rimini).
L’accanto -i Vico Equense.
Baldin -Genova.
Hotel Cinzia (Vercelli).
Al Vigneto – Grumello del Monte (Bergamo).
Osteria del Pomiroeu – Seregno, Milano.
Sissi – Merano.
Antonello Colonna – Roma
Glass Hostaria – Roma.
Castel Fragsburg – Freiberg (Merano).
La Fenice – Ragusa
Le Robinie – Montescano (Pavia).
La Meridiana – Piove di Sacco (Padova).
Caffè Le Paillotes – Pescara.
Hostaria del Mare (Modena).
Il Piastrino – Pennabilli, Pesaro.
La Fornace – Barbablu di Noli (SV).
La locanda di Bu – Nusco (Avellino)

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites
 

Buon Appetito and Buon Natale from www.vino-con-vista.com and  iBookstore

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December 14, 2010 · 8:12 am

Forza Azzurri: Turin’s 150th Anniversary of Italian Unification

Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia
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Italian Unification was the political and social movement know as il Risorgimento (the Resurgence). The movement attempted to unite Italy under one flag. Italy was officially united into a nation state on March 17th, 1861. On this day, Vittorio Emanuele II, the King of Piedmont-Sardinia proclaimed the birth of a new Italian Kingdom in Turin.

 This day has been declared a national holiday and many of Italy’s museums and monuments will be free. In Rome, there will be fireworks and concerts. Milan is celebrating with a free concert and Palermo will have a parade at Villa Trabia.

Turin is the largest city in the region of Piedmont and it was historically under Austro-Hungarian domination. Piedmont is located between the Alps and the Po Valley with soaring peaks and charming vined-cloaked hilly landscapes. It is the home of Italian auto maker FIAT www.turismotorino.org.

Turin was Italy‘s first capital. Her piazzas, palaces and churches are brimming with the remnants of the powerful House of Savoy. The amazing residences of the Royal House of Savoy are UNESCO World Heritage sites. They were inscribed in 1997 and include the Palazzo Reale, the Royal Armory, the Library and Stables.

When Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy, moved his capital to Turin in 1562 he began a series of buiding projects. These projects were continued by his successors to demonstrate the power of the ruling house. The Savoy complex of buildings radiates from the Royal Palace in Turin to many country residences and hunting lodges in the surrounding countryside.

“These architectural masterpieces represent a comprehensive overview of European monumental architecture in the 17th and 18th centuries. These structures embody distinctive grandiose style and grace; depicting the prevailing doctrine of absolute monarchs.” UNESCO

In 2011, Turin celebrates 150 years of unification with special events in many regional cultural venues. Turin has more than 40 museums including the National Museum of the Risorgimento, the Egyptian Museum and the Automobile Museum.

Prior to March 17, 1861, Italy was divided into small city-states ruled by other countries like Spain and Austria. In 1861, Italy won her independence following the Risorgimento aided by Garibaldi’s military prowess. The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed and Torino became the capital of the new kingdom.

Italian sports teams wear Azzurro Blue (azure), the official color of the House of Savoy.  At national sporting events,  the Italians chant “Forza Azzurri” which means “Go Blue.”  Here’s the soccer team in their Azzurro uniforms “Italia Championi del Mondo” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiuX82im2s&feature=related

Visit the Pinocoteca dell’Accademia Albertina with eight rooms of fine arts and the Galleria Sabauda for Renaissance art. Bellini, Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi masterpieces are housed in these galleries.

The original Holy Shroud (Sacra Sindone) of Turin is kept in Turin’s Duomo in a silver casket inside a marble coffer. The replica is available for viewing. Carbon testing in the late 1980’s indicated that the shroud dates back to the 12th century; this invalidates the original theory of the shroud.

Events in the Province of Turin:

The life of “Vittorio Emanuele II: The Gentleman King” will be highlighted with documents, pictures and artifacts in three locations in the province of Turin. Castle Racconigi, the location of his wedding to Archduchess Maria Adelaide of Hapsburg-Lorraine, will display the legend of  ”children and families.” In the Gallery of the Shroud of Turin in Palazzo Reale, battle highlights of the Risorgimento will be exhibited.

Turin was the Hollywood of Italy. The “Zombies, Vampires, Mummies and Ghosts” Exhibit at the Museo Nazionale del Cinema on Via Montebello will portray stories of the living dead until January 9th.

On December 31st, the Turin Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrated 150 years of unification with music by Strauss.

Holiday Events in Turin:

1. Mercatino di Natale on Via Roma in Turin

2. Presepi da Gustare on December 11th in Comune di Venaus

3. Mercatino di Fine Anno in Centro Storico of Oulx on December 30th

4. Mercatini di Natale in Comune di Sestrieve on December 18 and 19

5. Fiera Regionale del Bovino da Carne in Carmagnola December 10-12

6. Cioccolatorrino in Bardonecchi at Piazza delle Stretta on January 4th

7.  Il Bosco Incantato on Vie del Borgovecchio December 27th thru January 6th

Additional holiday events in Piedmont:

In Alagna, admire the Ice Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve

The Bonfire Celebration in Roatto on Christmas Eve

The torchlight re-enactment of Christmas Eve in Schierano

The “Living Nativity Scene” in Cessole and Maranzana on Christmas Eve

The cafes in Piazza San Carlo present perfect “Vino con Vista” opportunities. Sip wine and enjoy tasty agnolotti (ravioli) and tajarin all’uovo pasta. Your Moscato d’Asti will be served under a fabulous Murano glass chandelier.

King Vittorio Emanuele II would have probably preferred a glass of Barolo wine produced from Nebbiolo grapes to celebrate the unification of Italy. Try a glass of Barbaresco with some agnolotti filled with ricotta or stewed meat and garnished with white truffles. Another regional specialty is Oca alla Piedmontese.

In Piedmont, Barolo the “King of Wines”, Barbara and Barbaresco come from the vineyards of Langhe close to Liguria. This area is one of the most prestigious red wine producers in Italy.  More interesting red wines from Piedmont include Premetta, Torette, Pinot Noir and Petit Rouge. Brachetto d’Acqui, sweet Moscato d’Asti and sparkling Spumante are also produced here. The Provencia di Asti is located in the Piedmont region.

My absolute favorite everyday Italian wine is Barbera. It is produced in the town of Alba, which is also famous for white truffles. Barbera d’Alba is fruity and lighter than Barolo. Dolcetto d’Alba is also quite appealing. Most Italian wine lovers prefer the region’s prestigious Barolo.

The Buon Ricordo options in the Piedmont Region include:

 1. Ristorante Torino in Alessandria at Via A. Vochieri 108 (www.bioristorantetorino.it). The signature dish is an extraordinary Rabbit with Peppers and is shown on the charming collector plate.

 2. Ristorante La Contea in Neive at Piazza Cocito, 8 (www.la-contea.it) offers a Piedmonte calf-tail braised in Barbaresco  with a charming collector plate showing a cow’s tail wrapped around a glass of red wine. The restaurant is located in the center of town in the picturesque village of Langhe.

To leatn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.comTravel Guides and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites
 

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December 13, 2010 · 1:22 pm

A Vino Con Vista Tour of Rome

Tour the magnificence of Ancient Rome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIeZfHLByvQ&feature=related

or Modern Rome

http://www.5min.com/Video/Travel-to-Rome-Italy-113368082

To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites
 

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Filed under Ancient Rome, apple inc, Baroque Art, Buon Natale, Buon Natale Italy, ebooks, Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception in Rome, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Peter the Apostle, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Navona, Renaissance Art, Renaissance Artists, Roman Amphitheater, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, Scavi Tour of Saint Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, Vatican Christmas Tree, Vatican presepe, Via Condoti in Rome, vino con vista, Where do movie stars say in Rome, World Heritage Sites

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December 10, 2010 · 7:29 am

Ski “EuroChocolate” in the Dolomites in Cortina d’Ampesso

The Cinque Torri ("Five Towers") mou...
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In 2009, UNESCO added the Dolomites to Italy’s World Heritage List to secure more rigorous defense and preservation of an area characterized by frequent landslides, floods and avalanches.

 The Dolomites are an enchanted flawless masterpiece that form pinnacles and rock walls with plenty of snow for skiing. Let Dean Martin enliven your holiday spirit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN7LW0Y00kE&feature=related.

The mountains include majestic landscapes and interesting rock formations like the “Cinque Torri” pictured in this post near Cortina D’Ampesso. They have five towers that soar 7,762 feet. The majestic landscape, where heaven and earth converge, can be truly admired in the area between Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampesso. The Dolomite’s verticle rock faces have been scaled by famous mountaineers like Tita Piaz, Reinhold Messner and Manolo.

The mountains are named after the French geologist Dolomieu (1750-1801) who discovered their chemical composition; stratified calcium magnesium carbonate. Between 1915 and 1917 the Dolomites were the stage of WWI battles between Italian and Austrian troops. These battles left destructive scars on the mountains from bombs and mines. Cortina D’Ampesso was a Hapsburg possession until 1920.

“Eurochocolate Ski” in Cortina D’Ambezzo will be held from December 16th until December 19th www.eurochocolate.com with chocolate-themed events including tastings, a chocolate market and chocolate beauty treatments. This Tyrolean town is considered the “Pearl of the Dolomites” and is Italy’s premier ski resort. It is one of the most exclusive resorts with 70 miles of down-hill runs with 37 ski lifts in the shadow of the Tofane trio of peaks and Mount Critallo. There are 48 miles of cross-country trails . Show boarding, snow shoeing, tobagganing and ice skating is also available. This ski area is connected to other resorts in the area with a “Dolomiti Super Pass” which gives skiiers 740 miles of runs for all ability ranges from beginner to expert. There is a torchlight parade of skiiers on Chirstmas Eve in Cortina.

For the apres-ski scene, the Regole D’Ampresso is a collection of art museums and galleries on Corso Italia. Visit the Museum of Paleontology “Rinaldo Zardini”, the Ethnographic Museum or the Rimoldi  Museum of Contempory Art.  

Shop along the elegant Corso Italia.  Cortina is home to many fashion juggernauts including Bulgari, Gucci, Benetton and Geox. Many active-wear apparel companies have a wide array of interesting designs in Cortina.

Dine at the Michelin starred Tivoli Restaurant. In Localita Fraina have a “Vino con Vista” on the panoramic terrace of Baita Fraina with 100 different types of grappa on the menu. Take the cable car to the summit of the Dolomites from Cortina.

 The first Italian Olympics should have been held in Cortina in 1944 but the war put that plan on hold.  Eventually, Cortina hosted the winter Olympics in 1956 and the event generated a winter wonderland for future generations including a bobsled, ski jump and Olympic ice stadium.

Buy a book and a Buon Natale Basket for your favorite Italophile at www.vino-con-vista.info. To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites
 

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