Culture: July 2003 Archives

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova was born in Venice Italy in 1725. His parents were the actors Gaetano Casanova (actually he was his step-father, who himself revealed that Casanova’s real father was the patrician Michele Grimani) and Zanetta Farusso called La Buranella.

This age-old competition dates to the 16th-17th centuries where the three city areas of Cittá della Pieve, the Terzieri of Borgo Dentro, Casalino and Castello compete against each other.

The oldest café in Naples and the perfect place to sip an espresso and enjoy a sfogliatella pastry.

Paolo Portoghesi was born in 1931 in Rome. He was an architect, historian and critic. He analyzed ancient and modern architecture and conducted historical research on the Renaissance, Roman Baroque, Liberty style and modern architecture.

Lino Tagliapietra was born on the island of Murano (Italy) in 1934, and began his career alongside the master Archimede Seguso as an apprentice. That was when he was 11, and by age 21 he was a maestro himself.

Today he is considered among the finest glass blowers in the world.

Could these be "artificial" flowers?

Strada Statale no. 163 is the coastal road that takes you to Positano and beyond. Once within the village limits the road becomes Via Guglielmo Marconi.

Once owned by Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Baciocchi, these spectacular 17th century gardens feature a series of garden rooms, including a splendid alfresco theatre.

San Casciano dei Bagni, located in the southern part of Tuscany, is also near the borders of Lazio and Umbria.

Well located for exploring all three regions, its most distinctive attraction is its thermal springs which are the third-largest in capacity in Europe.

Colle di Val d'Elsa is the home of some of the world’s most important crystal manufacturers. If you are exploring Tuscany visit the crystal workshops of Arnolfo di Cambio.