The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares with you all that I love about Italy: news (with lots of good news stories too), our latest articles (featuring beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice). Then we've also things like Italian songs, great videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Join me, Maria, and my family in discovering Italy together...
Piemonte vs. Piedmont on Maps
Occasionally I've seen maps of Italy which have everything in Italian except the Piemonte region will be shown as Piedmont. My understanding is that Piedmont
A Virtual Journey through Venetian Life
Real Venetian life is lived far from the tourist spots. Down the little canals and lanes is where you'll discover the real Venice.
Discoveries While Lost in Venice
Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. These amazing photos were all captured down the secret alleys and forgotten canals...
The Rialto Bridge in Venice Italy
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari
In many ways it is in Bari that the heart and soul of Puglia is to be found. Bari is real, Bari is vibrant and Bari is enchanting. Watch out for flying wooden spoons though!
Continue reading "Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari"
What to See in Sicily
Wondering what to see in Sicily? We've a lot of fabulous suggestions that you will absolutely LOVE!
The Enchanting South of Italy
What is it about the south of Italy that makes it so special. This story will provide the answer....
Summer in Italy... and Christmas too?
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer or Christmas in Italy? We've a way to bring that joy and happiness home with you...
The Most Beautiful Places in Italy
People often ask me which are the most beautiful places in Italy? My answer to them is this...
Millions of European Slaves taken to Africa
Did you know that perhaps millions of Europeans, including Italians, were captured by slavers from North Africa?
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Italian DO NOT do any of these things... EVER!
There are some things Italians absolutely DO NOT do. Some of those things things that YOU do daily Italians see as life threatening.
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DO NOT TRAVEL UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL!
I had to laugh at the latest New Zealand travel campaign asking tourists NOT TO TRAVEL UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL. Rather asking them to focus on the experience, on enjoying the moment. Not on posing.
That applies to Italy too.
It is why we resist all pressure to follow those cliched Instagrammer staples like holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, jumping on a beach, wearing straw hats in a Tuscan field of sunflowers.
We prefer to bring you Italy itself... definitely far more beautiful than us ;-).
We'd rather help you plan YOUR visit to Italy while bringing you photos of beautiful Italy.
Photos can only go so far so we always try to capture in words a little of the things you can't see: the aromas, sounds, emotions that come with being in Italy.
Hope that is okay for you... or should I head off to Pisa?
Dolomites Holidays - The Guide to this Region of Italy
Dolomites Holidays features some of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites. From great places to stay to special places to visit...
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Italy Is NOT all Chaos, Tourists and Noise. There IS another Italy.
Looking to escape the tourist madness of cities like Venice and Rome? Longing to spend time in a quieter Italy? We have EXACTLY what you need!
Continue reading "Italy Is NOT all Chaos, Tourists and Noise. There IS another Italy."
Discovering the Best of Venice
The best of Venice - 6 experiences you simply must have if you are visiting Venice. Here is the list...
Venice in July
Great advice on how to avoid the crowds if you are visiting Venice in July and some wonderful ideas on things to do.
The Colorful World of Burano
Discover a world of color. A place where every cottage is a different hue and where each and every color mixes and dances in the reflection off the canals. This is Burano!
The Best Southern Italian Destinations
South of Rome we go, taking you on a journey discovering the very best Southern Italian destinations. You may know of some of them but others I am sure you have never heard of.
Venice Italy - The 6 Things you HAVE to See
There's so much to see in Venice Italy that you can become overwhelmed. Before you despair, here is the list of the 6 sights you absolutely must see and everything you need to know about them.
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Venice Tourism - Getting Away From the Crowds
Venice is not only the Bridge of Sighs and St Marks Square. There is a whole lot more to this great city. Join me, Maria, exploring the Venetian wonders few ever discover.
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The Best of Rome Vacation Rentals
Looking for Rome Vacation Rentals? I have personally selected the best apartments to rent in Rome, you can be sure your Roman Dolce Vita will begin the moment you walk through the door.
Walking Tours in Rome - Discover the Secrets of this Ancient City
One of the best walking tours in Rome is a visit to the main outdoor market called Campo dei Fiori - it is teeming with friendly people, tasty food, vibrant colors, animated conversations
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The Weather in Rome Italy Guide
The Weather in Rome Italy. Our guide is packed full of information on when is the best time to visit Rome Italy and much much more too.
The Best Hotel in Central Rome?
There is a hotel in Rome that is so very special, where breakfast is served under the orange trees with the fragrance of orange blossom infusing the air.
What About Going Shopping in Rome?
What could be better than a day shopping in Rome? Not much I promise! Before you start though you've got to read our guide filled with all the must-see shops and markets.
THE Biggest Mistake Tourists to Italy Make
THE biggest mistake tourists to Italy make is ... well, read the article for the answer and discover how you can avoid making the same mistake.
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Earthquake Risk in Italy: These Are the Most Dangerous Areas
We are often asked where the earthquake risk in Italy is at its most dangerous. We've the answer for you: not only the most at risk but the least at risk regions too.
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Hope!
Why in Piazza?
Because the piazza represents so much that is important to Italians: the coming together of communities, the focal point of towns, a sense of belonging. Of course, logistically it makes sense too, being central and easy to reach for all Italians.
During the pandemic the piazza has been ripped away from Italians. No longer could the elderly congregate during the day, no longer could people meet, chat, share gossip. The sound of children was missing. The piazze of Italy had fallen silent.
Now, with these pavilions, and with the vaccine, Italians can finally return to the piazza, first to get vaccinated and then, slowly, life should begin returning to normal. The piazze will be filled with Italian passion again, the sound of children, laughter.
I cannot wait for the day.
For so long we have suffered but now the first golden rays of a new dawn have arrived.
The Design
Stefano Boeri is one of Italy's, and indeed the world's, premier architects. He has worked for free to design these pavilions.
Is it Safe to Travel to Italy?
Is safe to travel to Italy? Read on to discover the answer, it is an answer that I think might well surprise you.
What to do on the Amalfi Coast?
Wondering what to do in Amalfi & on the Amalfi Coast? We've the very best tours, towns, itineraries, moments and magic of the Amalfi Coast all in one place
Now Venice Goes Silent: this had me in tears
This is incredible! Who would ever have believed that Venice would ever look like this. Gone are the tourists, gone is the noise, the chaos. The stores are closed and the only sounds now are the sounds of nature.
Continue reading "Now Venice Goes Silent: this had me in tears"
Videos of Venice - That First Moment You Meet Venice
It's a dull old day in a station and then at 1 minute 30 seconds it all changes. The scene before you causes you to shake, sometimes, that first time, you will cry.
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The Secret Cannoli Recipe of Zia Rosalinda
It took me years to get my aunt Rosalinda to share her authentic Sicilian cannoli recipe but... at last... I can let you in on the secret.
Continue reading "The Secret Cannoli Recipe of Zia Rosalinda "
The 12 Most Beautiful Churches in Italy
These are the 12 most beautiful churches in Italy, well churches and cathedrals really. I bet there are a few on this list that you've never heard of before.
I'm SO Sorry
The National Museum in Rome recently received a strange package from the USA. Opening it they were shocked to find a piece of ancient marble inscribed "to Sam, love Jess, Rome".
What was this?
A letter explained it. In 2017 a young woman visited Pompeii and stole a souvenir. Guilt ate away at her and in the letter she apologizes for "being an American asshole". She is very sorry and wishes to make amends by returning the marble.
This follows on from a Canadian tourist last year who sent back Marble from Pompeii saying that her family had been cursed with misfortune ever since she stole it back in 2005.
Will the curse of Pompeii stop others from pillaging one of Italy's greatest historical wonders? Will more marble arrive as others learn their stolen artifact is cursed?
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Piemonte vs. Piedmont on Maps
Occasionally I've seen maps of Italy which have everything in Italian except the Piemonte region will be shown as Piedmont. My understanding is that Piedmont
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