What is an Onomastico, and Why is it Important? “Buon onomastico!” read a Facebook post a few years back on the page of a cherished Italian cousin, followed by several people of the same first name who were tagged with well-wishes and congratulations (auguri). I had no idea what an onomastico was, but I was…
Author: Stacy Pollard
Prayers & Piazzas: part travel guide, part travel journal, celebrating all things Italy.
A Visit to Rome’s Majestic Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Basilica di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” — Paul the Apostle, 1 Corinthians 13:13. In the early first century the Apostle Paul — one of the original followers of Jesus — was executed in Rome by order of Roman emperor Nero….
Snapshots from Italy, Ancient
Staying in the heart of Rome this summer, just due passi (“two steps”) from the center of the old empire, one word comes to mind: ancient. Leading directly to the center of ancient Rome is the Via dei Fori Imperiali, which can be translated as the Road of the Imperial Courts. This road stretches from Piazza Venezia…
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici: The Woman Behind the Treasures of Florence
And so it was that on this day in Florence in July of 1737, a day which I imagine would have been oppressive and hot as summer days can be in Tuscany, the last ruling member of the Medici family, Grand Duke Gian Gastone, died. He had been a poor representation of the once-great Medici…
Italy Gratitude List: History
To say I am grateful for the layers of history found across Italy would be quite an understatement. More accurately, I am overwhelmed with the history Italy offers in any given area. From ancient history to the Renaissance, the history that you can see and touch in Italy is at the top of my Italy…
Lake Como or Amalfi Coast? 10 Things (x2) to Consider
You may have heard the notion that in Italy the further south you go, the more intense your experience.  “If you like Italy as far south as Rome, go further south. It gets better. If Italy is getting on your nerves by the time you get to Rome, think twice about going further. Italy intensifies…
Lake Como or Amalfi Coast?
A short question I was recently asked by one of my closest friends, “which do you suggest for us: Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast?” Although seemingly straightforward, for me, a proper answer requires some weighing of options and preferences. The differences in the regions are too varied to just pick without a bit of…
Ready, Set, Go! Practical Tips for Trip Planning
There is something extremely invigorating about planning a trip abroad. But with so much information available at our fingertips, the possiblities and choices can be overwhelming. Last year, I planned my two-month “study abroad” trip to Italy on my own, which was equal parts empowering and consuming. In the process, I collected some go-to resources…
14 Places to Escape the Crowds in Florence
The historic center of Florence is just about two miles in size, but throughout the year, this area is host to approximately 10.2 million visitors, all navigating the same narrow lanes and visiting the same handful of sites. When I set up residence for a month last May, I thought I was sneaking into the…
Postcard from Portofino
Portofino is a picture perfect little town on the Ligurian coast, not too far from the larger northern port city of Genoa and an easy excursion from our home-base of Santa Margherita Ligure. The cloudy April day meant sweaters for us travelers (a novelty for those more accustomed to travel in Italy in the height…
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