Not only is Italy home to the oldest university in all of Europe and nearly the oldest in the world, il bel paese is also home to multiple universities which have been in continual operation for several centuries. Where might one find these educational treasures? And how many might there be still in operation? Here’s…
Tag: Italy
The Birth of the University: An Italian Story
This fall roughly 207 million college students will converge at universities across the world to learn, study, gather and debate with like-minded individuals in the name of higher education. As they select roommates, buy books and balance the demands of a new schedule, it understandable that many may not have medieval Europe on their minds….
Seaside
What a luxury to take a break from steamy sightseeing to enjoy one of the many beach clubs dotting the Italian shoreline. This one is in Puglia, where many Italians head for ferie in agosto — August holidays. The soft, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea kiss the craggy shoreline, and at this beach club, many…
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…
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…
Prayers & Piazzas 