ITALIA MIA, ITALY AND ITALIAN CULTURE

An English-language magazine about Italian culture, travel, people and products, written with an Italian perspective

Read our Latest Articles about Italy and Italian Culture

Italian Movies

Mia Madre: Nanni Moretti’s Moving Film About Family, Grief and Cinema

Nanni Moretti’s Mia Madre combines family drama and filmmaking comedy in a moving portrait of grief, starring Margherita Buy and John Turturro.

Things to Do

How to Attend a Soccer Match in Italy: Tickets, Stadium Seating and Family Advice

Plan an Italian football outing with official club ticket links, advice on identification and changing fixtures, and practical guidance for seating and children.

Biographies

Francesco Guccini: Songs, Stories and the Voice of a Generation

From “Auschwitz” and “La locomotiva” to his novels and memories of Pàvana, Francesco Guccini gave generations of Italians songs to sing, question and remember.

People

The Richest Italian Singers, Actors and TV Personalities

From Maria De Filippi and Gerry Scotti to Vasco Rossi, Andrea Bocelli, Roberto Benigni and Laura Pausini, we examine the fortunes behind some of Italy's biggest entertainment names — and explain why celebrity net-worth estimates are often misleading.

Gifts & Books

10 Italian Christmas Gifts for Friends I’d Be Happy to Give

I would choose an Italian Christmas gift for a friend by thinking about the moments we share. These ten ideas bring food, coffee, cooking, design, and a little time together into the decision.

Gifts & Books

10 Books for Teens Set in Italy or Inspired by Its History

Travel through Italy in ten books for teens: historical mysteries, Renaissance fiction, a Shakespeare classic, wartime survival and contemporary romance.

Italian Movies

Rome, Open City (Roma città aperta): The Film That Changed Italian Cinema

Roberto Rossellini filmed occupied Rome while the war was still fresh. Here is why Rome, Open City remains essential, and how to find it in the U.S. or Italy.

Plan Your Trip

Why an eSIM Makes Traveling in Italy Easier: A Practical Guide to Staying Connected

A travel eSIM can put maps, tickets, messages, and bookings within reach as soon as you arrive in Italy. Here is how it works, when it makes financial sense, and what to check before buying.

Hotels & Stays

Italy’s Best Thermal Spa Towns: Where to Stay for Hot Springs and Wellness

From Lake Garda and the Maremma to Ischia and the Alps, choose the Italian thermal destination that fits your trip—and understand what your hotel booking includes.

Biographies

Lucio Dalla: The Voice of Bologna, “Caruso” and a Life Without Musical Borders

From Bologna’s jazz scene to “Caruso” and the Banana Republic concerts with Francesco De Gregori, Lucio Dalla followed a musical path entirely his own.

Nature & Outdoors

Shore Fishing in Sicily: Locations, Bait, Equipment and Rules

A practical guide to shore fishing in Sicily, covering coastal geography, realistic catches, bait, equipment, local guides and fishing requirements.

Hotels & Stays

30 Highly Rated Hotels for Short Stays in Italy: Three Choices in 10 Destinations

Three well reviewed hotel choices in each of ten Italian destinations, with location advice, useful features and clearly dated Expedia price examples.

Living in Italy

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in Italy: Traditions, Closures and What Travelers Should Know

November 1 is a national holiday in Italy; November 2 is a day of remembrance. Here is how both dates affect traditions, opening hours and travel plans.

Gifts & Books

10 Essential Books for Understanding Italian History

A reading path through Italy’s past: ten books that explain its regions, rulers, national unification, and modern political life.

LGBTQ

Popular LGBTQ+ Bars, Clubs and Gay Saunas in Italy: From North to South

A north-to-south guide to Italy’s LGBTQ+ bars, clubs and gay saunas, with current venue contacts, membership information and suggestions for your stay.

Cuisine

Italian Biodynamic Wines to Try: Producers, Bottles and Labels Explained

Understand organic, biodynamic and natural wine, then meet Italian producers offering sparkling, white, red and rosé bottles with clearly explained credentials.

Italian Cinema

Ritornato: Michael Cavalieri’s Return to His Sicilian Roots

Michael Cavalieri is an actor, writer and director whose film, RITORNATO, was recently chosen for a grant by the National Italian American Foundation.

Italian Movies

Honey (Miele): Valeria Golino’s Moving Directorial Debut

Valeria Golino’s Honey (Miele) follows a young woman whose secret work assisting terminally ill people is challenged by an unexpected encounter. Read about its story, performances, awards, and viewing options.

Unexpected Italy: Stories from My Recent Travels

The Deer That Met My Eyes Above Lake Garda

I went to a Lake Garda spa retreat with a friend for a relaxing break. In the mountains, an unexpected encounter with a deer gave me a peaceful sensation I had never felt before.

Italian Movies

Bicycle Thieves (1948): The Italian Film That Made a Stolen Bicycle Matter to the World

A stolen bicycle puts one family’s future at risk in Vittorio De Sica’s landmark of Italian neorealism. Here is why the film still matters and where to watch it.

Gifts & Books

Children’s Books

Find an Italian children’s book for every stage of reading, from colorful picture books to imaginative stories and chapter-book adventures.

Cuisine

20 Iconic Italian Dishes to Try

My introduction to 20 iconic Italian dishes explains their regional roots, what to expect on your plate, and how to choose them on an Italian restaurant menu.

Italian Movies

L’avventura: The Mystery That Changed Italian Cinema

Michelangelo Antonioni begins L’avventura with a disappearance, then turns a mystery into a searching portrait of desire, guilt, and isolation.

Italian Movies

The Leopard (Il Gattopardo): Visconti’s Sicilian Epic of Power and Change

Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard follows a Sicilian prince confronting a changing Italy. A guide to its story, cast, awards, locations, different versions and viewing options.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT, HOTEL, CAR IN ITALY WITH EXPEDIA

Discover Italy with Italia Mia

Italia Mia is an online magazine about Italy, Italian culture and everyday Italian life. Whether you are planning a journey, researching your Italian heritage, considering a move or simply fascinated by the country, you will find practical information and original articles written for an international audience.

Plan Your Journey Through Italy

Explore our Italy travel guides for inspiring destinations, suggested itineraries, transportation advice, hotels, museums and practical planning tips. Our Italian regions section travels across all 20 regions—from celebrated destinations such as Tuscany, Sicily, Puglia and Veneto to less familiar corners of Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. We look beyond the famous landmarks to introduce historic towns, beaches, mountain landscapes, archaeological sites and local traditions. Whether you want to travel through Italy by train, plan a road trip or choose the best base for a longer stay, Italia Mia can help you experience the country more confidently.

Experience Italian Culture, Food and Creativity

Italy’s identity has been shaped by centuries of art, architecture, cinema, music, literature and craftsmanship. Our Italian culture articles explore these subjects through accessible guides, detailed biographies and stories about the people and ideas that influenced Italy and the wider world. Discover the masters of Italian art, the directors and actors of Italian cinema, the traditions of Italian music and the regional dishes featured in our Italian food and cuisine section.

Living in Italy

Italy is not only a destination—it is also home. Our practical guides to living in Italy cover visas, residency, employment, healthcare, housing, taxes, retirement, bureaucracy and the real cost of everyday life. They are designed for expats, retirees, dual citizens, digital nomads and anyone considering a permanent or temporary move. You can also meet the artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers and public figures who have shaped the country in our collection of Italian biographies.

Italy Today and the Best of Made in Italy

Follow Italian news in English for selected headlines, useful context and links to authoritative sources. For Italian design, fashion and craftsmanship, browse our Italian shopping guides featuring established brands and distinctive products made or designed in Italy. From ancient Rome to contemporary Italian life, Italia Mia brings together the destinations, traditions, people and ideas that make Italy endlessly fascinating. Benvenuti—welcome to Italia Mia.