Ciao a tutti

It's time to bust out your best sandals (and make sure they're mighty comfortable because those cobblestones take no prisoners), pack your sunscreen and head to one of Italy's prettiest parks, gardens or even the beach for a swim for the courageous sort.

Did you know that we have a curated selection of mouth-watering recipes from appetizers to desserts in one e-book themed for Spring? Well, it's free for Italy Magazine Premium Subscribers and ideal for those who love to try new recipes. My personal favorite is the pici with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh anchovies and lemon. Here's where to get your copy.

Highlights from this week's content lineup

Bergamo is a lovely city at the foot of the Orobie Alps, 40 km (25 mi) northeast of the regional capital of Milan. Save our top tips on what to see and do if you go!

Did you know that gelato is good for you? Excuse us for being biased (after all, the warmer temperatures warrant a love letter to gelato) but you can learn more about Italy's favorite summer treat in our latest dual-language article.

If you're researching your next trip to Tuscany, how about a little cinematic and literary inspiration? From the film adaptation of Frances Mayes' iconic Under the Tuscan Sun to an 800-page biographical novel about Michelangelo, check out these books and movies set all or part in Tuscany. 

In our latest language lesson, we go over the Italian Subjunctive (congiuntivo), a verbal "mood" used in many situations, mainly in subordinate clauses and after certain expressions.

As far as Italian archaeological sites go, Pompeii gets all the love. However, there are quite a few more fascinating sites scattered across Italy that can inspire just as much wonder. One of them is Mont'e Prama, located on the central-western coast of the magical island of Sardinia. 

Sequestered amongst 500 hectares of Tuscan hillside, Villa Lena and its historic farmhouses, stables and hunting lodges was once home to Italian aristocratic family Augusto and Tereza Del Frate. The estate has now been transformed into a coterie of guest rooms and apartments, a pair of swimming pools, restaurant and creative spaces.

Our latest recipe is a pasta dish with a totally nut-free pesto made with fresh spring peas, ready in minutes and sophisticated yet simple.

This beautiful four-bedroom villa comes complete with a swimming pool and a garden of approximately 100 m2 located near Palaia, among the South Pisa hills, immersed in Tuscany's iconic countryside.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

      - Your editor Georgette and the Italy Magazine team