Pizza, Pasta, Mandolino! But, Italy must be more than just Pizza, Pasta, and ice cream, right? Let’s take a journey to beautiful Italy!
Italian cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine consisting of the ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques developed across the Italian Peninsula.
In addition to the many foods you can enjoy in Italy, Italians take time to eat and drink well, spend time with their families, and appreciate architecture and design.
Did someone say architecture? Italy is an amazing place to see beautiful old places and buildings with incredible architecture.
The Palazzo Ducale in Venice has a rich history. It used to be the seat of the Venetian Republic's government in the year 810. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed much of the original structure, but you’ll still be able to visit the building since it was rebuilt around the year 1340.
If you are interested in the architecture, the structure was originally built in the Byzantine style, a style that flourished under the rule of Roman Emperor Justinian between A.D. 527 and 565.
The palazzo, also known as The Doge's Palace, also features influences from the Gothic style and prominently shows off pink Verona marble and white Istrian stone.
The enormous structure took about 1 1/2 centuries to complete, slowed down by fires that destroyed parts of the structure which then had to be reconstructed.
The palace showcases lavish furnishings and wall paintings as well as the "Silver Book" in the Scrigno Room" which listed all the noble families, an important list to make sure no noble person would marry a commoner, a union that was strictly forbidden in the 16th century.
Interested in more facts about the impressive masterpiece? The grandest room is 53m x 25 M (57.96 yards x 27.34 yards) and was used by the Great Council. You can find the prison of the palace in the eastern wing, which is connected by the famous Bridge of Sighs. One of the most famous prisoners spending dark hours in these walls was Casanova, who escaped by going up through the roof, climbed back into the Doge's Palace, changed into common clothes, and walked right out the front door unrecognized.
Learned something new about Italy today? That’s amazing!
We have more! Nick Rhodes once said, "The most stylish country in the world is Italy".
Europeans in general are known to dress more conservatively, but also more fashionably. This is particularly true for fashion capitals Paris and Rome. While your comfy t-shirt, PJ pants, and house slippers may not raise an eyebrow on the California Coast, in Italy and France, it will probably earn you double-takes from many passers-by.
The country is home to many famous fashion houses including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Versace, Cavalli, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, Gucci, Tod's, Marni, Valentino, Missoni, Gianfranco Ferrè, Krizia, Coveri, Trussardi, Laura Biagiotti, Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, Rocco Barocco, Emanuel Ungaro, Luciano Soprani, Romeo Gigli, Sergio Rossi, and the list goes on.
You can’t help yourself from starting to pack your suitcase for Italy? The link below leads you to a “what to wear and not to wear in Italy.”