Fascinating Facts About Italy (Part 3-The South)

Last week, I showed you the regions of Central Italy. In case you missed it, click here. This week, we will venture south, starting in Puglia.

This week, we head south, starting with the Lazio region. With Rome at its heart, Lazio offers a journey back in time amidst the ruins of the Roman Empire, blended with the vibrancy of Italy’s cosmopolitan capital.

Lazio: Where Ancient History Meets Timeless Elegance

Home to the Eternal City of Rome, Lazio is a region steeped in history, culture, and architectural marvels. Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the iconic Colosseum, marvel at the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a day trip to the picturesque town of Tivoli, where you can wander through the lavish gardens of Villa d’Este and marvel at the ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Villa.

The Food:

Lazio’s cuisine is a delicious blend of rustic simplicity and refined elegance, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural bounty and culinary heritage. Indulge in classic Roman dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, creamy pasta tossed with pancetta, eggs, and cacio e pepe (my personal fave!), a simple yet savory pasta dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper. Don’t miss out on supplì, fried rice balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, and artichokes alla Romana (tender artichokes braised in olive oil and herbs).

Don’t Miss:

• Vatican City: Explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

• Tivoli Gardens: Discover the Renaissance beauty just outside of Rome.

Puglia: The Heel of Italy’s Boot

Journey to Italy’s ” heel ” and discover Puglia’s sun-drenched landscapes. Puglia is a haven for sun-seekers and food lovers with its whitewashed villages, olive groves, and pristine beaches. Explore the enchanting trulli houses of Alberobello, stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Ostuni, and soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Salento. Sample the region’s culinary delights, including fresh seafood, hearty orecchiette pasta, and creamy burrata cheese. On the border of Basilicata and Puglia is the ancient village of Matera, the third oldest city in the world (after Jericho and Aleppo). What makes Matera so unique is its captivating Sassi district, where ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs create a mesmerizing labyrinth of history, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage site and providing a glimpse into humanity’s enduring relationship with the landscape.

The Food:

Puglia’s cuisine celebrates fresh ingredients and simple flavors, reflecting the region’s sun-kissed landscapes and coastal bounty. Sample orecchiette alle cime di rapa, pasta with bitter greens, garlic, and chili flakes, and indulge in frisella, a rustic bread soaked in water and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano. Seafood lovers will delight in the region’s fresh catch, including octopus, mussels, and sea bream, while cheese enthusiasts can savor creamy burrata and tangy cacioricotta.

Don’t Miss:

• Alberobello’s Trulli: Visit these distinctive conical-roofed houses, a UNESCO site.

• Olive Oil Tasting: Indulge in the region’s golden liquid through guided tastings.

Campania: The Soul of Southern Italy

Experience the essence of southern Italy in Campania, a region brimming with ancient ruins, scenic coastlines, and vibrant cities. Pompeii and Herculaneum’s archaeological wonders are worth exploring as they have been preserved in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast, where colorful villages cling to dramatic cliffs overlooking the azure sea. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, including pizza in its birthplace of Naples, Limoncello along the coast, and creamy buffalo mozzarella in the countryside.

The Food: 

Campania’s cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas, reflecting the region’s fertile soil and coastal bounty. Sample pizza Margherita, the iconic Neapolitan dish topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil; savor spaghetti alle vongole, pasta with clams cooked in white wine, garlic, and chili flakes. Indulge in fried seafood, including calamari, shrimp, and anchovies, and save room for sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese.

Don’t Miss:

• Amalfi Coast Drive: Experience one of the most scenic drives in the world.

• Authentic Neapolitan Pizza: Savor pizza in its birthplace, Naples.

Exploring Italy’s mainland’s diverse and captivating landscapes is an enriching journey, revealing the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. However, our adventure continues. Next week, we will explore Italy’s enchanting islands – Sicily, Ischia, Capri, and Sardinia. From the volcanic wonders of Sicily to the thermal springs of Ischia and the pristine beaches of Sardinia, these islands offer a distinct beauty, promising to immerse us in their unique charm.