Voices of Bell'Italia

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Bharti tells us all about Verona, his city of romance and history.

We trace the steps of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and take a romantic “passeggiate lungo l'Adige”, a walk along the Adige river. We visit some impressive sights, including the Piazza delle Erbe, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, before finally ending the evening at a medieval castle. And of course, Barthi has some insider tips for us: What’s the tradition behind the carnival in Verona? What are “vini D.O.C.”? And why is there a giant bone hanging in the middle of the city?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3qzfJco

Join Sen as she couchsurfs at her friend Camilla’s place in Genoa.

We’ll get lost in the labyrinth of “caruggi” and discover fairy-tale neighborhoods, try a piece of focaccia in a historical bakery, and visit a cathedral that hides a secret – “un vero miracolo”! But that's not all. What's the “leggenda del cane di San Lorenzo”? Why are the Genoans known for being “tirchi e avidi”, stingy and greedy? And which world-famous product was invented in Genoa?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3JUYlXv

Sonia tells us about her hometown, Florence, the city of the Renaissance.

The world-famous Uffizi museum complex, “capolavori”, artistic masterpieces, and the origins of the Italian language. Florence has it all. And, Sonia has some great insider tips for all you Italy connoisseurs. She recommends a market where you can buy real leather goods, and “le peletterie”, a rooftop terrace with the most beautiful view of the city. A perfect place to end an evening! There’s also no shortage of culinary tips: What's a “lampredotto”? What makes a good “fiorentina”? And what kind of treats can you enjoy in an “enoteca”?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3CMZWvL

The perfect balance of beaches and culture make Lecce the ideal vacation destination!

Linda invites Sen over to tell her all about her hometown, and with her words she paints us a picture of lavishly decorated Baroque buildings and hidden treasures: from the profile of a woman in a facade, to the “labirinto di piccole strade”, a winding maze of alleys in the heart of the city. There’s so much to discover! What does a “caffè leccese” taste like? How is the “festa di Sant'Oronzo” celebrated? And what does it have to do with the “living room of the city”? It's hard to believe that this city of culture is nestled in the paradise between “il Mar Ionio” and “il Mar Adriatico”!

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3IGK9Az

Rebecca leads us through the alternative and elegant Brescia.

The province of Brescia is known for Lake Garda, “Il Lago di Garda”. But the city itself is a real insider tip! Rebecca shows us that Brescia has a bunch of surprises up its sleeve, “Brescia riserva grandi sorprese”! Together, we’ll discover Roman ruins, visit a medieval castle with the largest vineyard in Europe, check out a huge glacier, and spend a few quiet moments in a former monastery. And we’ll learn more, too! What’s the difference between a Pirlo and a Spritz? And where can you find the best “casoncelli al burro e salvia”?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3Mrc5ea

Adele tells us about the four nicknames of Bologna and reveals what's behind them.

“La dotta”, “la turrita”, “la rossa”, and “la grassa”. As they say, “Bologna non è mai triste”, Bologna is never sad! The oldest university in the Western world, the delicious cuisine, and the red color of its towered buildings all come together to make Bologna a truly special place. But there's more! Adele also gives us some insider tips: What should university students definitely not do before they graduate? How is Bolognese sauce really served? And what should you look out for when visiting the city's oldest “osteria”?

Don‘t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3BzluLD

Vera regales Sen with tales of Palermo while they cook arancine in Berlin!

We’ll hear all about shopping at the city’s markets and experience un’esplosione di sensazioni: an explosion of the senses! She tells us about the beautiful Arab-Norman architecture and the best beaches in town, and we even take a trip back in time: Why was Palermo “il punto di incrontro”, a meeting place for different peoples for hundreds of years? And what happened in front of the tree in Piazza Marina?

Don‘t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3uvHENi

Michele tells Sen about the contrasts of his city, Naples, over a glass of wine.

Here you’ll find modern subway stations next to archaeological remains, tons of street art, and historical monuments. Michele gives us a peek into everyday Neapolitan life, we visit the Napoli sotterranea, the Naples underground, and discover the mysteries of this city. What are the “cape ’e morte”, and what do you have to do so they bring you luck? Why is Mount Vesuvius known as the gentle giant? And which building is haunted by the ghost of its architect? Yup, we’re getting a little spooky in this one!

Don‘t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3Gnui82

Milan is known for being hectic and industrial, but Laura shows us a different angle.

She leads us through small alleys where time seems to stand still – and spills secrets about the city. What do San Francisco and the Italian capital of fashion have in common? And what about all those statues of the Virgin Mary on the skyscrapers? There's an exciting story around every corner in Milan!

Don't just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/33MOa7a

Today, Elettra is taking us on a Vespa ride through Rome, “The Eternal City”.

Along the way, we'll explore the more authentic corners of the city, while learning a few curious aspects of Italy’s capital. Why is there a cannon blast every day at noon? And are there really only seven hills in Rome? There’s a lot to discover during a day in Rome – including a few sweet surprises!

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3r9Gbsx