Corriere N-01 - DUCO Travel Summit
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Teatro ALLA SCALLA
N—01 corriere 2018
Ar t — L i fe sty l e D e si gn — Fa s hio n
D u c o T r av e l S u m m i t
Corriere DUCO Teatro ALLA SCALLA
#duco2018
Corriere DUCO i love italy
Raffaele Falcone & Maria Teresa Mastracchio
(Son Giovanni Falcone)
Foggia, Puglia
Domenico De Nardi & Maria De Nardi
(Daughter Carolina Caterina De Nardi)
Venice, Veneto
Giovanni Falcone e Carolina De Nardi
Migrate to Brazil
(Daughter Zoe Falcone)
Zoe Falcone & Ludovino Perez
(Son Ludovino Perez)
I LOVE ITALY
On a beautiful summer night in 2015 I
was at the Opera Festival in Verona’s Arena
watching Verdi’s Nabucco.
Overwhelmed by emotion, I felt what
Italians call il richiamo del sanguei (the call of
the blood) - the desire to return to the land of
my ancestors.
That evening, I was inspired to start a ven-
ture in this fascinating country!
While there are many travel events that
attract Italians around the world, I wanted to
bring the world to Italy.
As a tribute to the excellence of Italian
tourism, DUCO Travel Summit was created.
This publication is an invitation for you to
take part in this insatiable love for Italy which
is at the heart of DUCO.
Welcome to Italy, we are most appre-
ciative to have you here at the first annual
DUCO Travel Summit!
Non ci sono altre parole se non un grazie
davvero di cuore.
Carolina Perez
Founder of Duco
Rome
We make Italy our second home!
The dream team is assem-
bled in Rome. Kika, Carolina,
Paula and Bia…
VENICE
Catarina catches the travel bug.
DUCO SLR is officially registered in *No known cures exist DUCO’s Premier Curatorship of Travel
Italy. We love Italian bureaucracy! Advisors: they are crazy about Italy!
THIS IS DUCO
Four-day annual boutique Travel Summit
in Italy. An encounter between the most
qualified travel experts and Italy’s top
RIO DE JANEIRO hoteliers and suppliers.
DUCO Corriere’s cover is Grazie INFINITE
revealed at 6D Agency. To all of our exhibitors, travel advisors,
sponsors and supporters, thank you!!! We
are so grateful to have created and lived
Catarina’s design for the DUCO logo our own version of la dolce vita together.
**created at 11 years old Viva Italia! Viva DUCO!
SANDIE and PAULA
at the Protravel office in TOSCANA
Beverly Hills. Californians PROMOZIONE TEAM
love Italy! Carolina and Paula with
Italy is LOVE by Dolce & Gabbana Marta Javarone and Welcome to DUCO
Carolina gets lost on the way to her Alberto Peruzzini. Travel Summit! Meet
meetings in Milan. Team DUCO.
Lots of event planning!
Paula Colesi Adding the final touches
Managing Director at The St. Regis Florence.
On a beautiful summer day on the
beach in Rio, Carolina share with her
lifelong friend Paula about this new
exciting idea: to venture in Italy! At that United by the passion for Italy in
moment, DUCO is born. Two months ECCOCI! America’s most Italian city!
later, they are both aboard the plane Patrizio Cipollini, Carolina Perez and Irina and Carolina in Tribeca.
to Florence… Mayor Dario Nardella in Florence.
“Beauty awakens
the soul to act.”
Carolina Perez – Founder
Dante Alighieri Carolina spent 16 years working in the
family business, Teresa Perez Tours. Italian ambassadors in NYC!
In 2009, she founded Travelweek Sao Konsta, Carolina, Jack and Josh.
Paulo, an international travel show. In
2013, it was acquired by ILTM Reed
Exhibitions. After a sabbatical, she Paula and the Rosa Alpina team in the Dolomites. DUCO
set out on the adventure of a lifetime: Team visited 130 hotels in person in Italy. Mamma mia!
creating DUCO… They have to admit, working in Italy is fun! (With
That’s what we call on-site exploration!
Andrea Filippi & Jonas Malheiro.)
Corriere DUCO Travel Advisors
An affair of the
heart
Travel experts reflect on aspects
of their love for Italy
The big moments I came to a milestone birthday recently, a star-studded wedding for 350 guests in The spirit of family My mother used to say there were a lot the sublime art and architecture. I wandered
and there was no doubt in my mind about how Florence, at which Andrea Bocelli performed. of similarities between Jewish families – like around for three days, and never felt bored
Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal to celebrate. I needed to be with family. And I But I have also helped create more intimate Stacy Small ours – and Italian families. Especially our love or lonely. Then I went on a similar profession-
needed to be in Italy. I visit the country twice a experiences, often for those with Italian of celebrating things together, with singing, al trip to Florence, covering the Pitti fashion
Fischer Travel Enterprises year, and my love for it is intertwined with the heritage. Recently I took a family to Presa in Elite Travel international eating and drinking. My memories of family shows. Again, I walked around in an ecstatic
story of my life – it’s like a work of art, reflect- Sicily, where their ancestors had lived, and occasions in childhood – all those holiday daze, marvelling at all the beauty. But this time
ing and enriching my experience. For this big I arranged for the local priest to show them dinners – could easily have been lifted out of I made a wonderful new friend too – Luca Fi-
birthday, I dreamed of Ravello, perched high round a church their grandfather once helped an old photograph album from Amalfi or Sicily. nardi, then working at the Hotel Savoy, where
above the glorious Amalfi Coast. So that’s restore. The experience was emotionally The Italians make you feel like an honorary I was staying. He has been like a brother since
where I rushed off to with my husband and overwhelming. You don’t forget that sort of relative, and the hospitality they offer is won- – the first member of my extended Italian
son. We explored Positano, Sorrento, Naples thing in a rush. derfully heartfelt and natural. All our clients family, which is still growing today.
and Capri. What a joy! come back from Italy with memories of the
That joy is key to the work I do for clients, authentic friendliness they encountered.
too. I love nothing more than sharing a little of I still remember my first trip to Rome, as
their delight when I help bring Italy into the big a journalist on assignment. It was love at first
moments of their lives. I have arranged birth- sight. I was fascinated by the noise, the reck-
day parties at the Capri Palace and at Cas- lessness of the driving, the people standing
tiglion del Bosco in Tuscany. I once planned up in coffee shops downing shots of espresso,
Corriere DUCO Travel Advisors
Dream stays
Marion Barrère
Mr & Mrs Smith
I’m in love with extraordinary hotels – places that really stand out from
the crowd. And that’s what our clients at Mr & Mrs Smith seek out too. So
I feel very lucky to be overseeing the business in Italy, because this coun-
try’s best hotels are all utterly unique, with amazing histories and fabulous
art and design. Take the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como. Guests
are often stressed out when they arrive, and keen to stay connected with
things back home. Then they see the ravishing mountain views, take in the
Art Deco elegance of the hotel, swim in the glorious pool out on the lake
– and emails and the rest are soon forgotten. Once you’ve worked with
travel in Italy, there’s no going back.
The great outdoors Italians do everything perfectly. Art, archi- vinia. And in the past four years, my brother
tecture, music, food, wine, fashion, you name Danny and I have planned and escorted ski
Yvonne Verstandig it. And then something else that keeps me and tours here.
many of my clients coming back for more – I’m always looking for new Italian adven-
the great outdoors. On my first trip here, my A bountiful land
Executive Edge Travel tures, and they never seem to disappoint.
husband and I hiked the Cinque Terre. The Right now, my plans include a trip to the
walk seduced us utterly – the sea, the sky, the Dolomites for the summer season, climbing Elizabeth Ellis
spectacular landscape, and the five colour- the peaks using the Via Ferrata system, built
ful fishing ports between Monterosso and during the First World War. And I would love to Blue Marble Private
Riomaggiore. Since then, I’ve discovered the charter a yacht to explore the Aeolian islands,
country’s amazing ski scene, exploring many as well as the less-visited Egodi islands, off Italy is full of joyful surprises. A place so rich in culture and history
of its diverse aspects, from off-piste powder Sicily’s east coast. can’t help but exceed expectations at every turn. Many of my clients al-
runs in the Sella Ronda to heli-skiing in Cer- ready know the country well, but there are always new treasures to show
them, and some of the greatest delights on the journeys I design arise
spontaneously, too. Take food, for instance. Sometimes the simplest
meals are the most sensational – and especially in this bountiful land,
where marvellous local produce is rarely more than a brief stroll away. I’ll
never forget the burrata at the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily. An
almost out-of-body experience, and more so thanks to the breathtaking
views from the hotel terrace, of Mount Etna and the sparkling Mediterra-
nean sea.
A nation’s soul
Lina Pagliarulo
CWT Concierge
The perfect host There’s such a thing as proper pride. And year I return to Positano, on the Amalfi coast. The most unforgettable thing about Italy is its people. Time and again,
the great pride Italians have in their home- Last August, I had the pleasure of celebrating my clients return from holidays there full of praise for the art, the scenery,
Kristen Korey Pike land is just that – a genuine sense of love and Antonio Sersale’s birthday with him there. We the history. But what they’re always looking for above all is experiences
responsibility for the beautiful place they kicked off the party with dinner at Le Sirenuse, that are genuine. The real Italy. They want to escape to a farm, lost in the
KK Travels Worldwide belong. It is this, I think, as much as their leg- his family’s hotel, followed by dancing at Music country, eat the local food – and above all, to chat to their guides, and
endary sense of family, that makes them such on the Rocks. And we spent the next day their drivers, and to the local people. I live in Canada, but I was born and
wonderful hosts. I share in their love, of course, swimming in the sea and cruising around on bred in Italy, and my heart always swells with pride when my clients talk
and am constantly expanding my knowledge Antonio’s Riva boat. The perfect weekend, in about the way we Italians smile and never stop talking, and about our
of the country. This year, I’m exploring the the perfect little town, with the very warmest wonderfully chaotic way of life. Those are the memories they cherish
great lakes in the north. And for 2018, I have and most courteous of hosts – the quintes- most – their memories of the people they met.
Sicily and Sardinia on my list. sential Italian experience.
Of course I have favourite places. Every
Corriere DUCO What is your favorite Italian How has Italy changed since “Wonderful history,
Teatro presence and
ALLA SCALLA
film? you started coming here? glamour”
La Dolce Vita (Fellini – 1960) .................. 46% “A luxury farm/retreat in Tuscany with
“Milan is much more chic than it was 20
Cinema Paradiso (Tornatore – 1988) ..26% slow food/art/music/yoga”
years ago! LOVE MILAN!”
La Vita e’ Bella (Benigni – 1997) ............. 17%
The Great Beauty (Sorrentino – 2013).. 8% “It has formed my love of travel and is my “I LOVE Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The
The Leopard (Visconti – 1963) ............... 1.5% platform for creating amazing journeys service is incredible and the location
is idyllic... And I feel the same about Le
HELLO, PARLA
Amarcord (Fellini – 1973) ........................... 1.5% for my clients”
“More diverse places to visit” Sirenuse.”
“Only got better!”
“Any gorgeous agriturismo in Tuscany or
“Overcrowded with tourism over the Umbria overlooking rolling hills and hay
Name three things about Italy
ITALIANO?
that keep you coming back. years” bales. Castello di Casole and Castiglion
“Well, no more maths with crazy lira, del Bosco come pretty close to being my
The most common answers: many more luxury hotels” dream.”
People (Italians), food, beauty, “It has become more sophisticated”
“A Belmond Hotel: tradition and elegance
culture, history, lifestyle, wine, with the ultimate attention to detail, pri-
The Italy our Travel Advisors LOVE hotels The Most Repeated Answers: vacy when required, and top customer
relations”
Of which the top three are Peo- Areas have become more crowded
ple, Food & Beauty More luxury hotels have opened “JK Place in Rome comes close – warm,
Our love for the country is greater with a great location and great rooms”
Have you been to Italy? If you could have dinner with If none of above, then who? “Perhaps Il Pelicano. I haven’t been yet
What is the most exciting new
any of the following per- but I’m dying to see it.”
experience you’ve discovered?
No, this will be my first visit .......................... 2% sonalities, which would you Adriano Celentano “Molleggiato” - “Chi
In your opinion, what does it
Yes, once or twice .......................................... 14% choose? Non Lavora non fa L’Amore” “JK Place Capri is my dream Italian hotel.”
take to be a “Dream Hotel”?
Yes, three to six times .................................. 15% Casanova - “Marriage is the tomb of love” “Venice in winter”
Yes, more than seven times ................... 69% “Everything you Crescenzo Gargano “Belmond Villa San Andrea is perfection.”
“Exquisite service, unique atmosphere, a
Elsa Schiaparelli “Wine tasting and truffle hunting
see I owe to pasta.” Enzo Ferrari
story to tell”
in Tuscany” “Elegance of Aman Venice, views of
Sophia Loren
Do you speak Italian? Giovanni da Verrazzano Grand Hotel Tremezzo, vibe of Hotel
43% “Full day boat excursion on the coast of “Family owned. Serves traditional local
Andrea Bocelli Straf”
Sorrento and Capri” and family specialities. Not too big.
No .......................................................................... 50% Michelangelo
“Simplicity is the ultimate A real part of Italian history”
Yes .......................................................................... 11% Silvio Berlusconi Which aspect of the DUCO
sophistication.” “Vespa tours. Love them!”
“Luxury with a sense of place, warmth Travel Summit are you most
Enough to know my favourite Italian word Leonardo Da Vinci excited about?
“Wine, wine and more wine” and charm”
or phrase, which is ....................................... 39% 27% What would you have?
“Burrata cheese making” “Overlooking the sea, contemporary, “The new concept of the show, which
“Ciao bella!” “I have not told takes place across different venues and
Florentine steak & Chianti wine fabulous dining and great service”
“Vino” half of what I saw.” “Puglia and Basilicata” focuses on just one destination”
(Tuscany) ................................................37%
“Andiamo!” Marco Polo
“My first glimpse of the Amalfi Coast. Far “Nostalgic, elegant, timeless, romantic,
19% Just a glass of prosecco “It will help me “wow” clients that have
“Basta!” (Veneto) .................................... 15% too brief! :)” Instagramable”
been to Italy many times.”
“Io amo l’italia” “Remember tonight... for it is Octopus & potatoes “I had never been to Lake Como (or the “Wonderful bedding and linens, walk-in “The opportunity to go beyond Italy 101
“La vita é bella” (Puglia) ...................... 13% Lakes region) prior to this trip - sort of fell
the beginning of always.” shower, great restaurant, great service, and come back with fresh ideas”
“Ti amo” Dante Alighieri Risotto alla Milanese in love!” easy technology, scenic locations”
7% (Lombardy) ................ 11%
“Io parlo un po, ma non parlo bene...” “Having a professional photographer “The chance to meet new suppliers, and
Coffee & chocolate “Palazzo Margherita on a beach” to spend more time with those I already
“Allora :)” follow my daughter and I through the
“I have never met a man so (Piedmont) .............. 9% streets of Milan, documenting our stay know, to experience an exciting new
“Mangia” ignorant that I couldn’t learn with cool snaps at a few of the iconic “Villa Cora set on the Amalfi Coast” show”
Lemon gelato
“Brunello e pasta” something from him.” (Sicily) ............. 6% sites”
“Palazzo Avino meets Monteverdi “Meeting hoteliers whose properties I
“Grazie, prego” Galileo
“Eggs sous vide at Villa Cora” Tuscany – on a lake or beach”
Pesto lasagna love, and others I look forward to learning
“Quanto costa una camera con 3% (Liguria) ............ 6% about”
bagno per favore :-)” “The Prada Foundation in Milan” “Countryside, small-scale, understated
“Even if I set out to make a film A barolo and PAPPARDELLE
bolognese ....................... 1% luxury, local immersive experiences” “Learning about the beautiful smaller
“Bellisimo” “Sicily – It’s so amazing!”
about a fillet of sole, it would properties no one has heard of”
“Mamma mia” be about me.” All of the above ......... 1% “Mandarin Oriental Milan meets Santa
“Going underneath the Colosseum”
“Mi piace” Federico Fellini Chicken Piccata ...................... 1% Caterina (something chic and sleek but “Going deeper into unexplored proper-
1% luxurious and comfortable by the sea)” ties, services and ideas”
“La dolce vita”
Corriere DUCO Modena, Osteria Francescana
Pictures credits: Callo Albanese & Sueo
Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart…
You are an invisible guest in Massimo Bottura’s kitchen at Osteria Franc-
escana. Nobody can say who let you behind the scenes at this legendary
institution of Modena, but nobody cares either. Bottura’s team of maverick
chefs whirl around you as they prepare the final dish of the night—a perfect
lemon tart.
By chance, one pastry chef has quit unexpectedly
Chef Massimo Bottura transforms an and the role is handed over to Osteria Francescana’s
Japanese pastry chef Kondo Takahiko (“Taka”). There
accident into a culinary icon he is now, gliding across the kitchen with two perfect
lemon tarts plated and ready to go. All of a sudden,
Taka loses his grip and one of the plates goes flying.
It smashes on the counter in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The catastrophe plays out as if in slow motion. Taka
is shocked by his misfortune and “almost ready to kill
himself”.
Chef Bottura intervenes before disaster can strike.
He says, “Taka, don’t you see?! It’s so beautiful!” He
makes a picture frame with his hands and the perfect
mess becomes a piece of abstract art. Very quickly,
the team rebuilds two new lemon tarts to look exactly
like the smashed version. They are brought to the table perfectly broken
and from that night forward, the lemon tarts at Osteria Francescana are for-
ever dropped.
14 15
Corriere DUCO fare la bella vita
Fare La
Bella Vita
Sofia Coppola finds inspiration in
the Italy of her ancestors
The award-winning American film maker Sofia Coppola took a moment to share with DUCO Corriere some reflections on her Italian
heritage, and to muse about life in the southern region of Basilicata, where her family owns a hotel, the Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda.
Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Coppola recently won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her latest film, The Be-
guiled, making her only the second woman ever to win the coveted award. In 2016, she directed a new production of La Traviata at the
Teatro dell’Opera in Rome. She is a mother of two, and the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather and other classic
Your father tells a story about traveling to Bernalda in his What are your favourite places in the region?
early 20s to discover the mythologised town of his ances-
tors. How does Italy figure in your own life? I like to visit Matera and buy ceramics in Grottaglie, nearby, and
to hang out in our town, or visit the beach in the late afternoon.
My siblings and I were raised being told we were Italians, with
pride in Italian culture – the cinema, food, the importance of In your opinion, is there a connection between cinema
family. This always made an impression on me, and I love the and travel?
way of life in Italy – the style, the cuisine and the warmth of
the people. There is nowhere more glamorous than the Amalfi Oh yes, I guess they both open your eyes to different worlds
Coast. And I love visiting Basilicata for the genuine Italian way and different experiences.
of life in a small village and the traditions that haven’t changed
from so many years ago. What is your favorite Italian phrase, food or local custom?
Can you share a favourite memory of time spent in Ber- I love “aperitivo” (cocktail hour), sitting in our courtyard while
nalda? my kids play and we enjoy a drink and some pizza right out of
I have a great memory of spending a month there with my fa- the oven.
ther and young daughters, getting the Palazzo ready in time
for my wedding. We were sort of camping out, but in luxury, Imagining our readers have already seen La Dolce Vita,
getting it all set up, trying the food, picking out towels... can you recommend three movies to see before a trip to
Italy?
Basilicata is one of Italy’s less-visited regions. In your
opinion, what makes it worth the trip? The Leopard, La Notte and the almost-Italian The Talented
Mr. Ripley.
It feels authentic – true to a simple, old way of life… Great food,
Photo credits: Danilo Scarpati
not touristy, not pretentious.
Born in New York City, May 14th, 1971
Sofia Carmina Coppola Latest film
Produced and directed eight films
Screenwriter and film producer The Beguiled (2017)
(including one short film)
16 17
Corriere DUCO Teatro ALLA SCALLA
Backstage at
the Ballet
Effortless precision and grace are key to the im-
pression made by any dance troupe – and the La
Scala Theatre Ballet, founded in 1778, is one of
the oldest and greatest in the world. But behind
the dazzling appearances lie some
intense emotional journeys.
Photo Marco Brescia and Rudy Amisano / Teatro alla Sala
18 19Corriere DUCO Teatro ALLA SCALLA
Photos Marco Brescia and Rudy Amisano / Teatro alla Sala
Rudolf Nureyev at La Scala in 1966
“The La Scala Ballet will honour the memory of the
brilliant dancer and choreographer this year, the
80th anniversary of his birth.”
See all details of the 2017-2018 ballet season at
www.teatroallascala.org. “When I was 13, I asked my mother to take me to the La “For a long time, I didn’t even realize ballet was a career.
Scala Academy’s auditions. At the beginning it was really I saw it as a game. Only after years of study did I un-
difficult, being away from my family. It’s not for everyone. derstand that this art had become my future, my whole
But I absolutely loved it and I took that as a sign that this world. Dancing at La Scala was always one of my biggest
was really what I wanted to do in life. Before I took my dreams. I still remember this incredible feeling during
first steps onstage as a prima ballerina at La Scala, there my first rehearsal here, thinking about how the greatest
were goosebumps! But once I saw the audience for the artists of all time have set foot on this exact stage. Before
first time, well... it was just so beautiful. I will never forget a show, I always remind myself how lucky I am to be
Photo Erio Piccagliani / Teatro alla Scala
it.” here, performing in this beautiful theatre.”
Nicoletta Manni, prima ballerina Claudio Coviello, primo ballerino
20 21Corriere DUCO Italian Contemporary Art
Image courtesy Gian Maria Tosatti
A Celestial Vision
7_Land of the last heaven, 2016 - Gian Maria Tosatti
In Italy, matching the vision of Dante Alighie- chapter: 7_Land of the last heaven. Filling a for- Take the Trip
ri (the so-called Father of the Italian Language) mer convent in the center of the city, the piece Updated information on Tosatti’s work can be found
is usually seen as an impossible task. But for proposed a theory about Dante’s cosmology in at www.tosatti.org. His piece “My Dreams, They’ll Neve
every impossible task, there’s usually someone The Divine Comedy, in visual form. Surrender” (2014) is on permanent display at Naples’
– often Italian – ready to try their hand. Enter In the words of curator Eugenio Viola, the Castel Sant’Elmo.
Gian Maria Tosatti. theory is this: “Here, the task of man is to el-
Born in Rome in 1980, Tosatti is one of Italy’s evate himself towards a full awareness of the
most promising contemporary artists. Since incredible height of the human spirit. This is
2005, his prolific body of work has been shown a land to walk, a point of departure. Whoever
in over 30 solo shows in Italy and abroad. In reaches this place understands that their mis-
2016, Tosatti finished a seven-part cycle of sion is to come back to testify the existence of
site-specific installations in Naples called that region of the spirit. And to show the way.”
Sette Stagioni dello Spirito. Pictured is the final
22 23Corriere DUCO dear juliet, you’ve got mail
“Deep down, everyone feels that somehow, despite the heartbreaks, the disappointments, the
fears and the uncertainties, love remains an absolutely essential part of life. It’s universal.”
Giovanna Tamassia, Director
Dear Juliet,
you’ve got mail
The original star-crossed lover is now the
ultimate agony aunt
“Dear Juliet, My name is Bob. My hope is brides, unfaithful husbands, forbidden lovers, says Tamassia’s daughter, Giovanna, the club’s
that I will find the kind of love that dreams are adventurous Don Juans and feisty femmes fa- current president. She shows us one of the
made of. Someone to bring out the best in me, tales. There was even a Sicilian woman in her more unusual recent examples – a teenager’s
encourage me when times are tough, and love 90s who enclosed her engagement ring, to be chemistry homework, stuffed into an envelope
me unconditionally. I’m three years old, but it’s added to the Club’s archives after seven dec- without explanation. Was the sender’s inten-
never too early to start!” ades of true love. tion poetic, perhaps? We might never know.
Bob’s handwriting is suspiciously sophisti- No one knows who sent the first letter, but it “Still, the senders often trust you with their
cated for a toddler’s. But his message is typical seems the trend caught on in the 1930s, among hearts,” Giovanna goes on, “so coming up with
of the many cries for help that arrive every day American teenagers inspired by a Hollywood replies is a serious responsibility. If this job
at the Juliet Club in Verona, the ancient town film of Shakespeare’s play. Addressed simply teaches you one thing, it is to believe in the val-
on the Adige River where Shakespeare’s epon- to “Juliet, Verona, Italy”, their missives were ue of our feelings, our capacity for love. If a love
ymous heroine fell head over heels for her Ro- redirected by the local sorting office to the affair is happy, it is happy. But no matter the
meo and both met their tragic ends. monastery that houses the anonymous stone outcome, what counts is to have a heart that is
Each year, the club receives 10,000 letters coffin long known (with little historical justifi- alive. To be in touch with your feelings. After all,
from people all over the planet, seeking ro- cation, but much touristic fanfare) as Juliet’s nothing about the future is guaranteed.”
mantic blessings for themselves or their chil- Tomb. And it was there that Ettore Solimani, A sentiment with which we’re sure Juliet
dren, or begging for assistance with their prob- the tomb’s official attendant, began collecting herself would fervently agree.
lems in love. All are addressed to Juliet herself. and responding to the messages. If visiting Verona, consider moonlighting as
And in time, every letter receives a handwrit- As news of Solimani’s work spread, the vol- one of Juliet’s secretaries yourself. Volunteers
ten reply from one of “Juliet’s secretaries”, the ume of letters increased, and in 1972, the Ju- are welcome for a day or longer. To find out
anonymous volunteers who work for the club. liet Club was founded by Giulio Tamassia to more, go to www.julietclub.com.
The letters come from places as distant help out. A non-profit organisation, the club
as Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. Among them receives support from Verona’s city council for
are stories of childhood sweethearts reunited the postage stamps. “Opening the letters, you
Images courtesy The Juliet Club
after decades, lovelorn teenagers, runaway never know quite what you are going to read,”
The Love Awards Most letters written by a single individual: 20, from a gentleman in Salerno
Country with the most beautiful handwriting: Germany
Country with the most beautiful paper: Japan
Country that sends the most letters: USA
24 25Corriere DUCO art history
Lady with an Ermine 1483-1491
Leonardo da Vinci
In a captivating lecture on historic portraiture, Jeremy it will rather let itself be taken by the hunters than take
Boudreau, Head of History of Art at the British Institute of refuge in a dirty lair, in order not to stain its purity.” There is
Florence, presents what he calls a revolutionary depar- a portrait of Elizabeth I of England from nearly a century
ture from tradition. He shares his insights on this incredi- later depicting the same animal on her lap. It was known
ble example of Florentine ingenuity with our readers: in Greek as gale and therefore could also function as a
pun on the name of the sitter, aimed at the learned circles
Can you tell us a little about this painting? What was attracted to the northern Italian courts at this time.
the occasion of its commission and who was it for?
Is there anything else about this painting that is signif-
JB: It took some time for scholars to ascertain the identity icant in terms of portraiture?
of the sitter. Today, we accept the attribution to Leonar-
do and the identity of the sitter as Cecilia Gallerani, one JB: This was perhaps the best known and most widely
of the mistresses of Ludovico Sforza, then Regent of Mi- celebrated of Leonardo’s female portraits during his life-
lan. The well-documented lives of these historical figures time - far better known than the Mona Lisa for example. It
help to estimate the date of the portrait to some time in is the subject of one of the sonnets of the court poet Ber-
the 1480s, or at least before Ludovico married Beatrice nardo Bellincioni, published in Florence in 1493, and there
d’Este in 1491. is a fascinating exchange between Gallerani and Isabella
d’Este, Marchesa of Mantua, preserved in their corre-
What is that bizarre creature in her arms? Why would spondence records regarding the portrait. In April of 1498
Leonardo use such a thing to accessorize such a Gallerani confessed to Isabella following the request to
beautiful woman? see it: “I have read your Highness’s letter, and since you
wish to see my portrait I am sending it; I would send it with
JB: It’s an ermine, the name given to a winter-coated, greater pleasure if it were more like me. But your Highness
short-tailed weasel, or stoat. Here it functions as an at- must not think that this is due to any defect in the master
tribute of the sitter and invites us to contemplate the himself, but only because the portrait was painted when I
woman’s character and virtue. The ermine is a symbol of was very young. I have since then changed altogether, so
purity and chastity. Leonardo himself recorded: “The er- much so that if you saw the picture and me together, you
mine out of moderation never eats but once in the day; would not imagine it could be meant for me.”
Hungry for knowledge Want to explore more of the fascinating history of enroll on a wide range of part-time courses and be-
Italian art and culture? With brilliant lecturers such as spoke programs that support the educational mission
Jeremy, the British Institute of Florence is the perfect of this prestigious and charming bicultural non-profit.
place to do so. Founded in 1917, it is the oldest British www.britishinstitute.it, hoa@britishinstitute.it
cultural body outside the UK. Learners of all ages can
Leonardo, Lady with an Ermine
27Corriere DUCO il pettegolezzo
Hotel Vilòn Belmond Hotel Caruso
Rome’s first finishing school for girls, founded Basta ca ce sta ‘o sole,ca c’è rimasto ‘o mare,
by the Princess Adelaide Borghese in 1845 na nénna a core a core,na canzone pe’ cantá…
Chi ha avuto, ha avuto, ha avuto…chi ha dato, ha
Villa Le Maschere dato, ha dato…scurdámmoce ‘o ppassato,sim-
A villa mo ‘e Napule paisá!…
Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum Hotel d’Inghilterra
A monastery Ndo se beve e ‘ndo se magna nun esiste mai
lagna - Where one person can eat, so can two!
Il Palazzetto
A private house Palazzo Victoria
Ani e goti mai contarli
Il Borro Toscana
A private noble estate
Hotels that have Hotel Pitrizza
Il Pettegolezzo
employees work- Benvinutu - Welcome
Hotel Santa Caterina
A 19th century villa ing at the property La Posta Vecchia Hotel
Omo de panza, omo de sostanza (Uomo ro-
Relais La Corte dei Papi over 20 years or busto, uomo forte) - Robust man (with a big
Italians tell everything
The 17th century home of the Papi family stomach), strong man
more:
J.K. Rome Hotel Il Pellicano
The University of Architecture of Rome N’porto Santi a prua - I don’t care
More than 20 years – up to six em-
Il Sereno LAGO DI Como Casa Angelina
A villa ployees: Rosa Alpina, Hotel Villa Athena, P’apparà amma apparì, p’apparì amma apparà
Hotel d’Inghilterra, Helvetia & Bristol, Palazzo
Hotels exhibiting at DUCO Chalet del Sogno Victoria, Hotel Il Pellicano, SINA Brufani, L’Al- Villa Cora
It was built from scratch, ground zero bereta, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Icchhè ci vah ci hole.
59% Seasonal Ciasa Salares, Masseria San Domenico, Grand
41% Open all year Bulgari Hotel Milano SINA Brufani
A monastery Hotel et de Milan, Hotel Byron, Grand Hotel Umbria: il cuore verde d’Italia
66% Family owned Cocumella
47% Historic properties Masseria San Domenico Villa La Massa
A 15th century watchtower built by the Knights More than 20 years – more than 15 S’ha a dì d’anda’? Tu m’ha a dì indo - Are we
of Malta employees: Il San Pietro di Positano, Grand going? You have to tell me where
Hotel Miramare, Palazzo Avino, Le Sirenuse
Fonteverde ME Milan Il Duca
The 17th century palace of the Grand Duke of and Grand Hotel Tremezzo Stà su de dos
Tuscany
More than 45 years – One employee L’Albereta
Hotel Byron working in the same building : J.K. Lè mèi nà, chè dì ‘ndòm/ Franciacorta (Bres-
Art Nouveau residence of the Duke of Zoagli Place Capri cia)
Villa Cora Ca’Sagredo Hotel Borgo Pignano Capri Tiberio Palace
Aristocratic residence The residence of the Sagredo family 18th century residence L’ammore nun s’accatta e nun se venne - Love
cannot be purchased nor sold
If your hotel was Il Salviatino La Peschiera Grand Hotel Cocumella
A villa dating back to the 15th century An old fishing hatchery, once owned by the
repurposed from King of Naples
A Jesuit monastery Dear Italian Hotel- Hotel Lungarno
Nella botte piccola ci sta il vino buono
an old building, Villa La Massa
A country home for an aristocratic Florentine Palazzo Avino
Villa E Palazzo Aminta Hotel & SPA iers, please share
A 19th century villa Portrait Roma
what was it before? family of the Medici period 12th century villa a phrase from your Tutte le strade portano a Roma
L’Albereta Le Sirenuse region’s dialect. Hotel Lido Palace
A private villa Holiday home of the Sersale family Quando el Baldo el gh’à el capèl o che vén brut
o che vén bèl
Hotel Villa Athena Portrait RomA Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa
Ancient noble villa A private home 12th century castle and farmhouse Palazzo Margherita
HOTEL DE RUSSIE Do mang jun’ mang’n doij’ - Where one can eat,
Belmond Hotel Caruso Palazzo Margherita J.K. Place Capri A chi tocca nun se ‘ngrugna so can two!
11th century palazzo An 18thcentury villa, built by the Margherita 19th century villa
family HOTEL SAVOY Rosa Alpina
Hotel d’Inghilterra L’Andana I’ gioco vole i’ seguito! Al n’è nia de plö bél che ti ciarè ala Enrosadira
Guesthouse for the Princess of Torlonia, who Hotel Eden The private villa of the Grand Duke of Tuscany
still live in the palazzo opposite A private villa VERDURA RESORT
Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli Amùri, biddizzi e dinari ‘un si ponnu ammuc-
Palazzo Victoria Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco A 19th century villa ciàri
14th century palazzo A medieval village, inhabited until the 1960s
Park Hyatt Milan J.K Place Firenze
La Posta Vecchia HOTEL Palazzo Montemartini A bank Mangiare il fumo alle schiacciate. Eat the
A villa built by Prince Orsini in 1640 on top of A private palazzo later used as public offices smoke of the the schiacciata (a kind of Floren-
the remains of the Roman city of Alsium Aldrovandi Villa Borghese tine bread).
Villa Spalletti Trivelli A private religious school
Casa Angelina A private villa Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Italian-style pensione Quant el San Prim el met el capel mola la ranza
e ciappa sü al restellCorriere DUCO il pettegolezzo
Hotel Eden Hotel Santa Caterina bar with tons of red roses, red balloons, a vio- helicopter, a guest once hovered down in one only English, and his grandfather spoke only
Dannamo? Ma che te stai annventà? Anna- Il giorno del giudizio, per gli amalfitani che an- lin player and the singer Pupo, who performed directly in front of our main entrance, madly VERDURA RESORT the local dialect!
mose a fa na buffata ... dranno in paradiso sara’ un giorno come tutti “Sarà perchè ti amo”. gesticulating to ask us where he could park it. A guest from the US told a staff member,
gli atri
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco In the end, he had to land nearby and come by Pierfilippo, that she had come to Sicily to dis- Grand Hotel et de Milan
Senza lilleri un si lallera Ciasa Salares Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa taxi instead. cover her roots, as her grandmother was born The first baseplate gramophone record in the
Noscta Ciasa de familia é n post de pesc y li- A few weeks after the opening, a guest pro- in a little town two hours from Verdura. To her history of music was made at the Grand Hotel
Palazzo Montemartini grËza tl cör dles Dolomites posed to his fiancée by filling the private ter- Fonteverde surprise, it turned out Pierfilippo was born in et de Milan, in the suite now known as number
Ce la cantiamo e ce la suoniamo! race of our Royal Suite with roses. Her answer A lady who was staying with us once took the the same town. He helped her to access the 306. The great tenor Enrico Caruso sang ten
Relais La Corte dei Papi
Aman Venice A tavola n’se ‘nvecchia e vino fa buon sangue was yes! wrong lift and ended up stepping out into the documents related to her family tree – and it arias.
Magna e bevi che la vita xe un lampo - Eat and main lobby instead of her own room. She was turned out that they were cousins.
drink that ‘cause life is very short J.K. Place Roma L’Andana in her underwear, and the lobby was crowded HOTEL DE RUSSIE
Che famo stasera? - What are we doing to- We organised a 1000-candle dinner for a guest with people. A guest who arrived in a Bentley asked the
Villa Spalletti Trivelli night? who was proposing to his fiancée. concierge to service the car in time for his de-
A chi tocca ‘n se ‘ngrugna
Fonteverde Hotel Byron Wow! stories parture a couple of days later. The Concierge
Hotel Principe di Savoia Un ti mette in cammino se la bocca un sa di After shooting Quantum of Solace, the actor drove it to Calais and took it across the Chan-
O te mangiet la minestra o te saltet dala fine- vino - Don’t get started if you haven’t drunk Daniel Craig spent a week at the hotel. He told nel to London, where the work was done – and
stra - Either you eat the soup or you jump out some wine Funny stories us he badly wanted not to be disturbed by jour- Hotel d’Inghilterra then drove it back to Rome, arriving just as the
the window nalists. Unfortunately, it was the anniversary of We recently hosted an artist who is the son of client’s stay drew to its end.
Grand Hotel Miramare a famous Italian composer, and he suddenly
La Peschiera Sciûsciâ e sciorbî no se pêu - You can’t blow the Italian Air Force Display Team that week,
Palazzo Victoria started performing for our guests on the piano
Ce ‘nge n’am’á sscí, sciamanínne, ce non ‘nge and inhale at the same time and planes kept flying past the hotel. It took us HOTEL SAVOY
The Palazzo Victoria’s décor is so wonderful as we were having an aperitif. The audience re-
n’am’á sscí, non ‘nge ne sime scénne! a great deal of effort to persuade Mr Craig they A recent guest from America wanted to find an
that guests often wish they could take it home. ally appreciated it!
Grand Hotel et de Milan were not full of paparazzi intent on spying on Italian friend with whom she had been to uni-
Palazzo Avino Milan l’è on gran Milan - Milano is a great city One guest once packed a lamp from his room
him. versity in Florence in the 1970s, but with whom
O’ sole mio sta n’front a te! in his suitcase, explaining he wanted a souvenir Palazzo Margherita
Hotel Byron she had lost touch 40 years ago. Our concierge
of the hotel. Last year, after eating at our Dine-in Kitchen for
Le Sirenuse La lingua non ha l’osse ma le fa senti’ - The Fontelunga Hotel & Villas managed to locate the friend, and invited her
Chist’è ‘o paese d’ ‘o sole, tongue has no bones but can break the bones A guest’s husband was snoring so much she three days in a row, one of our guests returned to the hotel. Both women were extremely hap-
Hotel Il Pellicano to it on the morning of his departure, and treat-
chist’è ‘o paese d’ ‘o mare, went round the rooms offering valium to the py. It was a surprise reunion!
chist’è ‘o paese addó’ tutt’ ‘e pparole, Borgo Pignano Some people passing the hotel by boat once ed our chef and all the other kitchen staff to a
other guests to help them sleep.
só’ doce o só’ amare, Chi beve vino prima della minestra saluta il swam across to us, hoping to buy bottles of beautiful rendition of an Italian aria. He was an
só’ sempe parole d’ammore. medico dalla finestra wine. They forgot their money would get wet,
GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO amazing lyrical singer!
and decided to stay for some time, while it
Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa Grand Hotel Cocumella Our mascot Bobo is a big teddy bear who sits
dried on the beach terrace.
Che ci ‘a ci ‘ole Vir o mare quant è bell! at the top of the hill in our beautiful park. One
day the son of a guest brought him to the re- Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
L’Andana Hotel Villa & Palazzo Aminta L’Albereta A guest came to the reception at 2am with his
Non si puo’ ave’ la botte piena e la moglie bria- Val püsè na bóna làpa, che na bóna sàpa ception, explaining that he thought perhaps luggage to tell us he had fought with his wife
A babysitter travelling with a wealthy fami-
ca/ Maremma another guest had left him behind. Needless to and wanted another room. Being a small re-
ly was driven crazy when the children tried to
Fontelunga Hotel & Villas say, we rewarded him with a little Bobo bear of sort, we had very few options – but managed to
leave the room from the balcony to avoid being accommodate him in a villa by the golf course
Park Hyatt Milan Alò citti - Lets go boys his own, as a souvenir of his time at the hotel.
Milan l’è un gran Milan. seen by her. – just about as far away from his wife’s room as
Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a luxury he could possibly be!
Aldrovandi Villa BorghesE collection hotel Portrait Firenze
E daje! Se l’è minga suppa l’è pan bagnàa - Whether it’s A Russian pop star, Mitya Fomin, shot a music The Westin Excelsior Rome
soup it’s wet bread, meaning “get to the point”! video at the hotel involving a hawk – perhaps
Cute stories In 1960, the hotel was used as set for two
Relais & Chateaux Villa CrespI
Lou Salomé, donna tra le più affascinanti della the most elegant avian visitor in our history. scenes of Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita. And in
“belle époque”) soggiornò per qualche gior- La Posta Vecchia Hotel 2008, it was used again as a set for Nine, the
no ad Orta, facendo innamorare il filosofo, Rosa Alpina We have a regular guest who brings home- American sequel of Fellini’s film, directed by
Nietzsche. A guest once complained vociferously that Rob Marshall.
made biscuits for the staff every year. He takes
there were too many waves in our indoor pool photos of himself with the staff too, and sends
Capri Palace
O buon tiemp s aspett miez a’ pezz Tell us a story – which was quite mystifying, since he was the each of them a copy upon arriving home. Palazzo Avino
only person in the water. A couple who were staying with us for their
Il San Pietro di Positano about a guest honeymoon took a boat ride, and the bride ac-
Armani Hotel Milano
A bona campana se sente ‘a luntano - The Aman Venice cidentally dropped her engagement ring into
good bell can be heard from very far A little boy who loved all things magical was
A guest insisted that we make a parking space celebrating his birthday at our restaurant. We the sea. Antonio, our front office manager, sent
Hotel Vilòn for his car on Saint Mark’s Square. arranged for a wizard to come to the restau- a scuba diver out – and, amazingly, he found it.
A chi tocca’n se’ ngrugna - Don’t get mad, if it rant to meet and greet him, and then perform
happens to you, it happens to you! Tomorrow Hotel Principe di Savoia some amazing tricks for him and his family. He Capri Palace
will happen to somebody else We shut off a whole floor because a client We once welcomed two guests with 140 piec-
Romantic Stories wanted to go for a run around the corridors.
loved every minute of it.
es of luggage between them for a three-night
Villa Le Maschere
Tu sei come la gallina mugellese: l’ha cent’anni Ciasa Salares stay.
e la dimostra un mese... La Peschiera Back in the 1970s, the roads around the hotel
Belmond Hotel Caruso Masseria San Domenico
We once had a guest who couldn’t sleep be- were so snowy that it was sometimes impos-
Il Castelfalfi We organised a marriage proposal with a An Australian guest came to the hotel once
cause he felt afraid of being shipwrecked. sible to get out. A young lady gave birth here,
Icché ci vah ci hole! - We must do what is need- treasure hunt in our garden. to trace his family’s roots in Puglia. We helped
ed! helped by another guest and Mr Wieser. Today,
Villa Le Maschere the son born to her that day is one of our loyal him track down his Puglian grandfather, and
Capri Tiberio Palace
In the days before we had a place to land by guests, and comes with his family every year. organised a family reunion. The guest spoke
There was an engagement party in our JackyCorriere DUCO florence through your eyes
Show me Florence
through your eyes
Memories, dreams and perspectives from inside the
Renaissance city, by the most respected hoteliers in town
Marco Milocco
Il Salviatino
Riccardo Balconi
Simone Giorgi Hotel Ville Sull’Arno Patrizio Cipollini Giancarlo Rizzi Mr. Milocco, how did you end up in your
current role?
Villa Cora Mr. Balconi, in your opinion what is the
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Hotel Savoy
Well, I was born in the picturesque area of San
most beautiful area of Florence and why?
Mr. Giorgi, if you could live at one museum, Mr. Cipollini, how did you end up in Flor- Mr. Rizzi, where should we go for the best Frediano in Florence. As a child I remem-
monument, church or other historic build- ence? views in Florence? ber playing football in the Cestello square
Definitely Piazzale Michelangelo. From there
ing, which would you choose? and looking across the river at The Westin
you can see the whole town under your feet
Originally I am from a small village near Lucca. I’m particularly fond of the Piazzale Michel- Excelsior and the Grand Hotel, now The St.
and, during sunset, it’s like looking at a paint-
I would probably go for the Pitti Palace. I’m I moved to Florence back in 2007 for the angelo and the quiet space around the San Regis. I thought to myself—one day I’d love to
ing. Very romantic!
imagining it as my private residence on a opening of this wonderful Four Seasons Hotel, Miniato Abbey just above it. In May, you must sneak in and see what happens on the inside.
summer day. I would walk through the Boboli that happened in June 2008. Since then, I also go through the Bardini Gardens and see In March of 2000, I was working at both! Then
Gardens immersed in nature, and at night I’d
If you could spend one night in any muse- Emanuele Manfroi have been in love with this city. the beautiful roses and irises, then onto the after a long experience as GM, I became a
um, church, historic building or monument
gaze up at the Tuscan sky, contemplating the Forte Belvedere and down the beautiful street CEO.
stars.
in Florence, where would it be? Belmond Villa San Michele If you could spend a night in one museum of Costa San Giorgio.
or monument in Florence, which one would
Pitti Palace. It was the residence of the major Mr. Manfroi, where should we go to feel
you pick?
noble Florentine families - from the Medici to really Florentine?
the Savoia. Sleeping in a palace full of history
Palazzo Vecchio. It’s the pulsing heart of the
and stories would be amazing. The Oltrarno district. I love art and this area is
city and still active as the City Hall building.
the heart of traditional and contemporary art
combined. It’s full of narrow streets that con-
tain the studios of artists and artisans, vintage
boutiques.... The vibe is exquisite.
32 33Corriere DUCO florence through your eyes
David Foschi
Hotel Bernini Palace Stefano Venturi
Claudio Meli Valeriano Antonioli Mr. Foschi, you come from Florence. Can Villa La Massa
you share a favorite memory from your
J.K. Place Firenze Lungarno Collection childhood in the city? Mr. Venturi, where should we spend our
last night in Florence?
Mr. Melli, can you take us back to your Mr. Antonioli, your favorite thing about Yes. Back in the 1970s, in order to play in the
youth in Florence? How did your love for
Emiliano Fucarino Florence is...? Cascine park, we had to cross the Arno river Definitely at San Miniato al Monte, located
this city grow? Hotel Helvetia & Bristol on an old public ferry called a “chiatta”, a in one of the highest points of the city, which
The infinite views and perspectives it offers, wooden flat-bottomed boat. The boat captain offers a fantastic view. It is one of the finest
I remember when I was a child, my father took depending on your mood or
Valentino Bertolini would pull it from one side to the other using Romanesque buildings in Tuscany and one of
Mr. Fucarino, can you tell us a favorite
me to explore all of Florence’s art treasures desire. a rope fastened to both shores. It was pure the most scenic churches in Italy. Worth the
place to visit? Maybe something a little The St. Regis & The Westin Ex-
together. It was so inspiring to be raised in the unexpected? magic for me and my friends. Now there’s a climb.
cradle of the Renaissance. This surely con- If you could spend one night in any muse- celsior pedestrian walkway so the experience isn’t
tributed to my passion for “la grande bellezza”. The Spedale degli Innocenti. It’s so full of emo- um, church, historic building or monument quite as exciting!
tions. Built by Brunelleschi in the 1400s, it’s in Florence, where would it be? Mr. Bertolini, how can we get a glimpse at
What is your current favorite museum? the first Renaissance building constructed as the real Florence?
an orphanage. It was supposed to be a happy The Vasari Corridor. To be surrounded by
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. place for children whose families could not great men and women who lived passionately I love the whole city so it’s difficult to say. But
take care of them. I like to imagine this beau- for their art. And the best part is that I could cycling around Florence at five or six in the
tiful building filled with the sounds of children order room service from the Hotel Continen- morning with no traffic or people around is
playing, despite their unlucky situation, and tale in the morning! a good way... At this time of the day, you can
laughing joyfully. see the city in its purest form, the real Flor-
ence. A few of my favorite areas are Piazza
San Marco, San Niccolò, and the side streets
along the Arno river.
34 35Corriere DUCO what’s going on
A Year of Living Sweetly Winter 18/19
What’s going on in Italy
Holiday Markets
Umbria Jazz Festival
Spring 2018 Held annually in Perugia since 1973, this
famous festival has attracted some of The Taming of the
Most magical of Italy’s Christmas mar-
kets are those in the Alps, in towns such
as Bressanone, Aosta and Bolzano.
Verona Opera Festival the great names in jazz, including Miles
Davis and Charles Mingus. Music fans
Shrew The latter’s square becomes a winter
Il Scoppio del Caro The world’s most famous outdoor op- should be aware that there’s a winter
wonderland, with 80 or more stalls sell-
The Bolshoi Ballet’s acclaimed produc- ing local produce, crafts and delicious
era festival is held in Verona’s wondrous jazz festival too, held in Orvieto after mulled wine.
Innocent thrills don’t come jollier than Roman amphitheatre. Spectators tradi- tion of Shakespeare’s The Taming of
Christmas.
this traditional happening in Florence on tionally light small candles (mocoleto) the Shrew, with music by Shostakovich,
Easter Sunday, when a cart stuffed with comes to La Scala in Milan. Choreog- 24 November – 06 January
at dusk as shows begin. This year’s pro-
fireworks is parked outside the cathe- Mille Miglia gramme includes productions of Car-
13 – 22 July
rapher Jean-Christophe Maillot mixes
dral and lit with flints taken from Jerusa- big, classic Bolshoi lifts and jumps with
lem during the First Crusade. Boom! Design fans and petrolheads alike will
men, Aida and Turandot.
a subtle naturalism.
Opening Night,
love this thousand-mile vintage car
22 June – 01 September
Open Air Concerts Lyric Season, La Scala
01 April race, which starts and ends in Brescia. 11 – 13 September
Almost as beautiful as the landscape In August, Italians like to head to the The opening of La Scala’s lyric season
through which it passes are the vehicles seaside or the country. Follow in their falls on the feast day of St. Ambrose, Mi-
footsteps, escaping the heat and dust
Un Lago di Cioccolato involved – Bugattis, Alfa Romeos and lan’s patron saint. Step into your tuxedo
others, all made before 1957. of the cities for the breezy beauty of the Milan Fashion Week and don your jewels to marvel at vocal
As spring begins, master chocolatiers Taormina Opera great lakes – Como, Garda, Maggiore splendour on this most glamorous of
16 – 19 May and the rest – which see a lovely series It isn’t the first of the Big Four fashion evenings in the world’s greatest opera
from all over Italy descend on the beau- Festival of outdoor summer concerts. weeks each Autumn (New York and house.
tiful town of Cernobbio on the shores
of Lake Como to show off their craft. London come first, Paris later), but Milan
Commanding breathtaking views of
Come for tastings, demonstrations, and Pitti Uomo Mount Etna, Taormina’s ancient Greek
Throughout August always makes a new statement. Head to 07 December
children’s events led by the great Willy Italy’s style capital for six days of non-
theatre is a great setting for opera. The
Wonka himself. No other event has done so much to lib- stop shows and parties in some of its
Sicilian town also sees a parallel festival
erate men’s style and embolden modern of theatre, music and dance – Taormina
most glamorous venues. Florence Under the
peacocks as this bi-annual Florentine
Autumm 2018
08 – 09 April
fashion week, first held in 1972. Come
Arte, featuring an impressive interna-
21 – 27 February Christmas Lights
tional cast.
for the events and parties, but also to
Milan Design Week admire the dapper gents who attend, September Think a stroll through Florence could
showing off the latest in dandyish street White Truffle Festival, never get more magical? Then head
style. to Piazza Duomo for the launch of the
Founded in 1961, Milan Design Week Venice Film Festival Alba city’s F-Light festival. Walk from the Du-
now attracts 2.000-plus international
12 – 15 Jun Spoleto Festival omo to the Oltarno, taking in epic pro-
exhibitors, making it the biggest event Founded in 1932, this is the world’s For several weeks, a heavenly aroma
of its kind in the world. Go to marvel at jections, light shows, 3D videos and light
In June, Italians usher in the summer oldest film festival, and up there with wafts through Alba in Piedmont. There
new-minted wonders in wood, steel and installations.
with a series of marvellous music festi- Cannes and Berlin in importance. Don are art and music events but it’s the truf-
light, and revel in some spectacular in- vals. Founded by the Italian-American your oversized shades and dock at the fle-infused cheese, meats, pastas and
stallations.
Summer 2018 composer Gian Carlo Menotti in 1957,
the Spoleto Festival in Umbria is among
Lido to catch a few sensational pre-
mieres and bag invitations to some of
Piedmont wines that stand out. Even
rapper Jay Z’s a fan – so you can expect
December
17 – 21 April the loveliest, encompassing opera, con- the year’s most star-studded parties. street cred too.
certs, and ballet. Insider’s favorite
02 – 12 September 06 October – 25 November
Le Strade della Naples Theatre 29 June – 15 July Patrizio Cippolini of the Four Seasons Ho-
tel, Firenze shares two tips for the coming year
Mozzarella Festival
Regata Storica Eurochocolate
Palio di Siena The Venice Carnival is justly famed, but I also
love the Viareggio Carnival in Tuscany, not far
Originally focused only on mozzarella Founded by the Italian government to Regattas have been held in Venice since In late October, Perugia’s old town from where I was born. Particularly amazing are
cheese, this culinary event has evolved emulate international drama festivals Held in Siena’s magnificent Piazza del the 13th century or before. The current transforms into an open-air chocolate the 15m-tall floats inspired by current events.
into a showcase for produce from such as Edinburgh’s, this theatrical ex- Campo, this is a series of two traditional event dates back to 1841, and includes factory. This free event brings togeth- Another of my favourite annual events is the
southern Italy in general. Join fine chefs travaganza has been held in Naples horse races in which the city’s 17 districts rowing races and an Instagram-worthy er delegates from the world’s choc- Fuori di Taste – the Taste Fair – which is held
from around the world in Paestum, near since 2008. This year’s highlights in- compete. The pageantry is spectacular, parade up the Grand Canal, featuring olate-producing countries to display during March in Florence. Foodies will love this
Naples, for tastings, workshops and clude a show from China, and lectures passion runs high among the largely lo- the Doge and others in colourful histori- their traditions, with themed events week-long event, in which amazing local pro-
demonstrations. by director Peter Brook. cal crowd, and the race itself is furious. cal costumes. such as chocolate sculpting. ducers transform the city into the Italian capital
of good eating.
23 – 24 May June - July 02 July & 16 August 02 September 19 – 28 OctoberYou can also read
