Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

Pizza is a must-try Italian dish, something that tastes quite different (and, generally, better) to the pizza found elsewhere in the world. As its birthplace, there is no better place to eat pizza. However, there is also a great range of regional pizza dishes that you may not have even heard about before and these are really dishes that you can't miss out on in Italy.

Sardenaira is a pizza dish from the Liguria region of Italy. It is also known as “Sardinaira” or Pizza all'Andrea, a name that comes from local hero and admiral Andrea Doria (1466-1560), who was known to be very fond of the dish. A type of pizza, which is remarkably similar to the pissaladière of southern France, it is a very popular street food throughout the region.

Although termed a pizza, some consider it more akin to a focaccia and is made up of a slice of bread with olive oil, garlic, and salted anchovy. In the city of Sanremo in western Liguria, it is also often garnished with salted sardines. As the dish predates the likes of the Margarita pizza and the Columbian Exchange, traditionally, it is made without tomatoes but many add them today.

If you are dining in Italy, you probably have a list of certain dishes that you want to try and you should do while you have the chance! Italian cuisine has travelled all over the world and is readily accessible almost everywhere and, yet, there is a difference between Italian food in Italy and abroad. Of course, sometimes, you can find highly authentic and excellent Italian restaurants abroad but there is nothing quite like enjoying Italian classics in Italy and you'll often find that they taste entirely different – if not much better!

One classic Italian dish that you will, most likely, be familiar with is panna cotta. Panna cotta, meaning literally, “cooked cream”, is a dessert made of sweetened cream that is thickened with gelatin, molded into shape and flavoured with the likes of rum, coffee and vanilla. It is often served with a coulis of berries, or a sauce of caramel or chocolate and may be covered with fruit or with liqueurs.

In the final post in this series, we are rounding up more of Milan's architectural masterpieces. While the city may have been put on the map internationally by its fashion, it has much more to offer any visitor when it comes to art and culture and, in particular, architecture.

Just find a vacation rental in Milan and follow this guide and you will find some of the city's best architectural gems that, handily, are also some of its major tourist attractions.

6. Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte

The Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, also known as the Villa Reale and the Villa Comunale, was originally built for Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso in the 18th century.

As noted in the last post, Milan is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage that is often overshadowed by its title as fashion capital of Italy. One of the areas in which the city really excels is in her architecture and there are some incredible buildings in the city from ancient churches to contemporary explorations into modern living. If you are an enthusiast or merely a normal tourist, these buildings are sure to impress. Just find a vacation rental in Milan, take note of this guide and track down the most beautiful buildings in Milan.

3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, perhaps, the most famous place to shop in Milan. The shopping centre, or mall, is located right by the Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Even if you're not buying anything, it's probably the best place you could possibly go for a little window-shopping as it is so stunningly opulent and beautiful.

Milan is Italy's fashion capital and, while it may not be as famous a cultural centre internationally as some Italian cities, it is, in fact, rich in historic and artistic heritage. The city's architecture, in particular, is incredibly fascinating. From ancient keeps to modern feats, Milan is home to some rather extraordinary buildings that are a must-see for those interested in architecture or those who have a fondness for photogenic gems to fill up their feeds. Just find a vacation rental in Milan, take note of this guide and track down the most beautiful buildings in Milan.

1. Milan's Duomo

Milan's famous gothic cathedral, or Duomo, is one of the most famous and iconic buildings in the city and a definite highlight.