Blog | Italofile

Caravaggio Guide to Rome

There are few artists in history who inspire intrigue quite like Caravaggio. Here’s where to find his works in Rome.

When Ravenna Was the ‘Capital of Empire’

‘Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe’ is a comprehensive look at the history of Ravenna during its golden age.

Writing on the Wall: Birthplace of Tina Modotti in Udine

A look at Franco del Zotto Odorico’s art at the Tina Modotti house in Udine.

The True Cost of Italy’s €1 Homes [Video]

“If you buy a house for €1,” says a new homeowner from Belgium, “you can’t expect it will be beautiful. Impossible.”

These Italy-Themed Online Courses Look Awesome

Now is a great time to enhance your knowledge about Italian art and history. Consider these online courses and seminars.

Elena Ferrante’s New Novel and TV Series Coming Soon

The English version of Elena Ferrante’s latest novel The Lying Life of Adults is finally coming out on September 1. It’s available now for pre-order from both Amazon and Bookshop. Released in Italy in November 2019, the English version of La Vita Bugiarda Degli Adulti was originally set to come out in June of this…

Tuscany’s Wine Windows – An Architectural Curiosity Makes a Comeback

First used during the bubonic plague in the 17th century, Tuscany’s wine windows are reopening. Learn more about “buchette del vino” and where to find them.

Ligurian Island of Gallinara Sold to Foreign Investor

Gallinara, the turtle-shaped island 1.5 kilometers off the western coast of Liguria, has been sold to a single owner.

The Lingering Pain of Leaving Italy

If you have ever lived in Italy and had to leave it, this post may hit a nerve.

Roman Quarantine, Remembered in Watercolor

Learn more about the Roman artist who lovingly chronicled the quarantine in watercolors.

Archaeologists Uncover Roman Mosaic Under Veneto Vineyard

The 3rd century ruins are located near Verona.

Trevi Fountain: Origins and Traditions of Rome’s Most Famous Fountain

The history behind the Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful and best-known fountains in the world.

An Italian Artist for Every Italian Region [Map]

This Italian map is fun but certainly controversial. It is a map of each region in Italy represented by a painting or fresco by an artist of that region. Here’s the full map (click to zoom in). A list of the artworks and their creators follow. Alphabetical List of Italian Regions with Their Representative Artworks…

Raphael’s Loggia of Cupid and Psyche Now in Exquisite, Digital Detail

In addition to the many paintings that Raphael painted during his short life, the artist was also responsible for a roomful of frescoes in a Roman palace that is now known as the Villa Farnesina. From 1517-1518, Raphael and his workshop painted scenes from the fable of Cupid and Psyche on the vaulted ceiling of…