ItalyUpdate

The ancient custom of moving the flocks from the winter plains to the summer mountain pastures  known as the transhumance - has been revived by the Tuscany Region. A herd of over 100 sheep and cattle are being driven by 35 butteri (cowboys) from Montalto di Castro (Lazio) to Arezzo between the 11^th - 18^th September 2015 in four stages.

After a delicate two year-long restoration, one of the highlights of the Emperor Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli can be briefly visited on the 19^th and 20^th September 2015, European Heritage Day. The so-called Marittime Theatre, a circular building on an artificial island, is believed to be the favoured retreat of  the philosopher emperor,  

On the 12^th September 2015, the Papal Palace of Castelgandolfo at Lake Albano will open to the public as a museum. For centuries, the Palace served as the summer retreat for the Popes to escape from the oppressive heat of Rome.

Thursday 10^th September 2015 sees the last appointment in the series Thursday Discoveries in Siena when the Rockstars of the 18^th century will be rediscovered. Popular composers, musicians and poets of the period, such as Agostino Agazzari, Bernardino Perfetti and Vittorio Alfieri will be spotlighted in an itinerary that leads through places connected with their memory.

Carmagnola (Piemonte) stages for the 66^th year running its lively Sagra del Peperone (Sweet Pepper Festival) between the 28^th August - 6^th September 2015. Connected events stretch over a 10-day period, with a succession of cultural and gastronomic happenings that include cabaret theatre, dance, pop and jazz concerts, folklore shows, sports competitions, art exhibitions and seminars on farming issues.

           

                           

           ITALYUPDATE WILL BE BACK IN SEPTEMBER

                           Happy holidays  from all of us

Add Rome's Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian President of the Repubblic, to your list of must sees.  One of the first acts of President Mattarella on the 31^st January 2015 upon his nomination as Italy's 12^th President was to announce that the official presidential residence was to be thrown open to the public.

The wines of Puglia take over the historic Ceramic Workshops of Grottaglie (Taranto) at the end of this month, with the annual Vino è Musica (Wine is Music) appointment where visitors can sample a selection of 150 labels from 40 cellars between the 30^th -31^st July 2015.

Almost very evening throughout the months of July and August, recitals of sacred music are performed in some of Milan's most beautiful old churches during the Milano ArteMusica International Festival of Ancient Music, organized by the Cultural Association La Cappella Musicale.

It is difficult to imagine a more superb setting for one of Shakespeare's best loved tragedies Romeo and Juliet than Villa Da Porto at Montorso Vicentino. Part of the Ville Venete Festival programme, Opera in Love Romeo & Juliet, takes a fresh approach to the timeless tale of the star-crossed lovers, with the accompaniment of baritone and soprano voices to add extra atmosphere.