Cities

Here is where you will find posts about the biggest Italian cities—Rome, Milan, Palermo, Naples, and Turin—as well as articles on popular cities for tourism, such as Florence and Venice.

Ancient Romulus Cave Found

Ancient Romulus Cave Found

If you believe the legend that Rome was founded more than 2,000 years ago by the twins Romulus and Remus, then the news that scientists have found the Lupercale, the cave where a she-wolf suckled the pair, will surely astonish you. According to Reuters, archeologists restoring the ancient Palace of Augustus on the Palatine hill…

The Roma Pass, photo by Turismo Roma

The Roma Pass

Rome has several city pass options, but the best known—and most popular—is the Roma Pass. The 48-hour Roma Pass entitles the holder to “free” entry to one museum, while the 72-hour Roma Pass entitles the holder entry to two museums. Additionally, the Roma Pass offers reduced rates to other museums, access to all public transport,…

Cook’s Tour of Milan

I’m very lucky. The very first time I tasted risotto was in Milan. We were en route to Verona and ate the creamy, saffron-tinted risotto milanese at the train station cafe. Even given the locale, it was still an epiphany. Apparently, I’m not the only one who has dreams about one of Milan’s most prized…

Dining Near the Forum

Dining Near the Forum

I recently received an e-mail from an Unofficial Guide reader asking about the best places to dine near the Roman Forum. The Forum “complex,” which includes the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, and Trajan’s Market (and, to a lesser extent, the Capitoline and the Vittoriano) is ultimately a tourist area. So, as like in other…

Getting Into the Vatican Museums

Getting Into the Vatican Museums

It’s getting ever more difficult to get into the Vatican Museums. The museums, Musei Vaticani in Italian, are home to some of the world’s most precious and recognizable Western art including Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican recently raised prices for a non-guided visit and, according to the New York Times, the Museums are…

Resolution: Italian Citizenship

Resolution: Italian Citizenship

Did know that you can get honorary citizenship from the Terre di Siena (Siena’s provincial tourism board)? Citizenship entails signing a Sustainable Tourism charter. Here’s what the charter lists as an honorary citizen’s privileges: Receive full information about local activities in the community Receive detailed information that will allow you to select the very best of…