Robert Nordvall, who lives in Pistoia, is a member of 'Citt Nascosta' and has participated in many of its tours.
Among all the giants and geniuses of art in the history of Tuscany, only one has two major museums in the region, one in Florence and the other in Pistoia, dedicated to his works: Marino Marini. Born in 1901 in Pistoia along with his twin sister, Egle, who throughout
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There's a new 62-kilometer bike path running from Arezzo to Chiusi along the Canale Maestro della Chiana. Details about the path are available at www.sentierodellabonifica.it (in English and Italian), and a large brochure is available at the tourist information offices in Arezzo (adjacent to the train
First-time visitors to Italy typically visit the most famous cities and have a ‘must see' list. My most vivid memory of this phenomenon is a day in Rome when a tourist group passed by me, the guide saying, ‘On your right the Trevi Fountain, Three Coins in
Obama or Illary?' I've lost count of how many times an Italian has asked me this question (with the wonderful silent H). Before John McCain sewed up the Republican nomination, I don't think I was asked once about whom I preferred in his party. Furthermore, I have no
I confess to an addiction that has caused me to have to find ways constantly to expand the clothes storage space in my apartment. Others, however, may be able to enjoy the experience of the traveling market in a more balanced fashion. In most Italian cities, the traveling market
Few nations suffered more than Italy during World War II. Italians were killed by Allied troops, German soldiers, and other Italians. From 1940 into 1943, Italy was one of the Axis powers. Then, from 1943 through 1945, while Allied troops fought the Germans in Italy, the country was also ravaged
The only European nation with active volcanoes, Italy has Mount Etna in Sicily, Mount Vesuvius near Naples, and Stromboli, located on the island of the same name off the Sicilian coast. Vesusvius last erupted in 1944, causing only a few minor casualties. Film buffs will recognize Stromboli thanks to
After you've seen the world-famous sites in Florence, how do you gain access to artistic treasures closed to the public? Città Nascosta has the answer. Italy’s artistic patrimony is the world’s largest, but not all of it is on display. In 1994
Many tourists, seduced by the beauty and lifestyle of Italy, fantasize about living here either temporarily or permanently. How does one do it? First, a dark secret: Although Italy is concerned about illegal immigration from some countries, if you arrive as a tourist from a nation that is not seen
Lists of Dream Bicycling Destinations almost always include Tuscany. So you know it is a great place to cycle, but what is the best way for you to experience a Tuscany cycling adventure? Consider the following:Planning Your RouteTuscany is a bike riding paradise. Great routes abound throughout
‘Reading a newspaper in Italy can be quite a unique experience that should be reserved for the bold, the brave and the very brilliant. If you fall somewhat short of ...
When I moved to Italy, as a Protestant, I was interested to see what religious life would be in a Catholic country. As a philosophy and religion major in college I had studied the history and theology of the Catholic church.I also had some understanding of the
For those of us coming from countries with a two-party (maybe 2 ½ ) system, Italian politics seems a hopeless confusion. You can try diligently to learn all the names, principles, symbols, and faces of the endless parade of political parties, or you can aspire to a “quick and
“You live in Pistoia, how quaint” was the response of a friend from Florence when I told him about my place of residence. His reply pretty well sums up the ...