DAS | Dante Alighieri Society Blog

TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement

Add Italy's Small Towns to Your Itinerary

When planning a trip to Italy, most travelers set their sights on the big names: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. And while these cities are rich in history, art, and architecture, there's an entirely different side of Italy that many miss—the small towns. Scattered across rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and hidden valleys, Italy's borghi (villages) offer a more intimate, authentic experience that captures the heart of the country in a way that busy tourist hubs simply can't.

baroque town These towns may be small in size, but they’re big on character. Picture cobblestone alleys lined with flower boxes, locals chatting over espresso in the piazza, and trattorias where nonna is still in the kitchen stirring the sauce. In towns like Orvieto in Umbria, Montepulciano in Tuscany, or Polignano a Mare in Puglia, time seems to slow down. You’re invited to savor life—literally and figuratively—with long lunches, leisurely walks, and spontaneous moments of wonder.

Getting to Know Campania, Italy

A Region of Majesty, Myth, and Mediterranean Splendor

Campania, nestled in southern Italy along the stunning Tyrrhenian coast, is a region where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture come together in unforgettable ways. From the fiery slopes of Mount Vesuvius to the crystal waters of the Amalfi Coast, Campania offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions, and world-famous cuisine.

Here are some captivating aspects of Campania:

TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement

350 Shapes of Tradition: Exploring Italy’s Incredible Variety of Pasta

pasta types

Did you know that Italy is home to more than 350 different types of pasta? That’s right—more than 350 unique shapes, each with its own name, origin, and purpose. From the familiar spaghetti and penne to the regional specialties like trofie, orecchiette, and malloreddus, pasta in Italy is far more than a meal—it's a reflection of regional identity, history, and ingenuity.

Pasta Isn’t Just Pasta

To outsiders, pasta might seem like a simple carb canvas for sauce. But for Italians, pasta is deeply tied to where you are and who you’re with. In Sicily, you might be served bucatini with sardines and wild fennel; in Apulia, the ear-shaped orecchiette are handmade and tossed with broccoli rabe. Up north in Liguria, short twisted trofie are perfectly designed to catch the creamy richness of fresh pesto.

Each shape has a story—and a sauce it loves. For example:

Getting to Know Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

A Region of Culture, Contrast, and Discovery

Nestled in Italy’s northeast corner, where the Alps meet the Adriatic Sea and Italian tradition intersects with Central European influences, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region unlike any other in Italy. Known for its multicultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and refined cuisine, this hidden gem offers a captivating experience for curious travelers seeking both authenticity and variety.

Here are some fascinating aspects of Friuli Venezia Giulia:

TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement

Tips for Learning the Italian Language

senior men bench We know the best way to learn Italian is to immerse ourselves but that is easier said than done as we can’t just move to Italy for a month or two. I have been struggling with how to become more comfortable with learning and speaking Italian while living in the US. After five years, I think I have figured out a few ideas that will keep us all challenged and provide a few methods to the madness. It goes without saying that the key is to spend time every day learning and practicing.

Here are some ways to do just that.

Jumpstart your language learning journey by enrolling in a class with the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. Our program offers a variety of valuable resources—most notably, skilled instructors who will guide you through learning materials and help you refine your pronunciation. You'll also benefit from the structure of weekly classes, keeping you motivated and engaged. Plus, your instructor will be available to answer questions and support your progress between sessions.
Meet with your fellow students outside of the classroom to practice. Not only can you meet up at fun Italian venues, but you can also simply meet just prior to class to review the lessons of the prior week. It is helpful to see where others excel and where they struggle. You will learn by helping others through their rough patches.
Read more …

Getting to Know Emilia-Romagna, Italy

A Region of Flavor, Innovation, and Heritage

Stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, Emilia-Romagna is a region in northern Italy renowned for its rich culinary legacy, vibrant cities, and deep historical roots. Often considered the heart of Italian gastronomy and culture, Emilia-Romagna offers visitors a perfect mix of tradition, artistry, and dynamic modern life.

Here are some fascinating aspects of Emilia-Romagna:

Travel Reflections: Florence, Italy

What experience was the most memorable?:

I have been to Italy numerous times - North and south - My love affair started in graduate school, through a first marriage, a second marriage and kids to now just taking friends, children and loved ones to experience the best of what I know. All I try to do now is create memories for those that I love. Navigating Italy at times is no easy task but the more I experience it and speaking Italian helps ( thank you Dante for helping me stay current in my knowledge ) the deeper I have taken all of Italy to heart. Seems that no matter where I go I find unique experiences and have developed a couple of deep friendships in the process. From a couple that own and agritourismo in Panzano in Chianti to a couple in Urbino - both of whom I now visit annually things have become more 'real' each time I go. I truly believe that one trip alone does the country a disservice. One has to go multiple times to various parts to come to understand how rich this place truly is - its history, people, food, mode of living etc.

My one ambition left if I have one in Italy is to truly understand and KNOW what 'far di niente' really means. My friends in Panzano - Italians to the hilt - tell me that being an American I will never truly know the meaning of living far di niente. They explained to me from an American perspective it is the feeling of not being obligated to do anything. In Italian it means the making of nothing. We Americans - at least me - always seem to have a wheel in the back of our mind that tells me / us we have to be doing something even when relaxing. Italians not so much. They have an ability to unplug from everything in a way I truly cannot understand. Bless them - I hope I can achieve that one day.

TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement

How Italians Really Eat Pizza
(Hint: It’s Not By the Slice)

When you imagine grabbing a slice of pizza, you might think of New York-style folds or takeaway boxes. But in Italy — the birthplace of pizza — things are very different. Pizza here is not just food; it’s a ritual.

And spoiler alert: Italians don't casually eat slices on the go. Let’s dive into how Italians really enjoy their pizza, and how you can do it like a local!

Pizza Is a Sit-Down Experience

In Italy, pizza is something you sit down to savor, not something you eat walking down the street. When Italians go out for pizza (often with family or friends), they go to a pizzeria, sit at a table, and order their own whole pizza — yes, a full, personal-sized pizza. There’s no sharing a pie unless you're specifically splitting, and no ordering by the slice (except at some pizza al taglio shops — but more on that later).

Getting to know Basilicata, Italy

A Region of Mystery, Heritage, and Natural Wonder

Basilicata, tucked between the better-known regions of Puglia, Campania, and Calabria, is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Located in the southern part of the country, this rugged and enchanting region is known for its ancient towns, dramatic landscapes, and rich traditions. With its deep-rooted history, stunning natural parks, and unique culinary flavors, Basilicata invites travelers to explore a side of Italy that remains authentically untouched.

Here are some interesting aspects of Basilicata:

Italy #1 - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance that are recognized and protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. These sites are considered to be of value to all humanity, and their preservation ensures that future generations can experience and learn from them. The World Heritage designation not only brings international recognition, but also helps safeguard these treasures through global cooperation, funding, and education.