The Italian word sferisterio derives from the Latin sphaeristerium (which is also used in English) and the Greek σφαιριστήριον and describes particular spaces used for playing a number of ball games. These include pallone col…

      It seems that Macerata is descended from Recina Helvia, a Roman site from the III-II Century BC. Before this there were other tribes who founded the first inhabited areas of the…

      The Tuscan Spa culture has ancient roots. The Etruscans and Romans used the hot springs of this region as they recognised their therapeutic qualities. This ancient custom has been confirmed by…

      Fountains have always held an irresistible fascination for us. They have combined practical functions with decorative beauty since the dawn of civilisation. Without doubt, Italy must be the best place in…

      Versilia is an area of prestigious coastal resorts in northern Tuscany which saw a flowering of the architectural style known as Art Nouveau in the last century. Fine examples are to be found among the villas, hotels and bathing…

      The history of the foundation of Ravenna has been lost over the centuries. Legend has it that the city was built by settlers from Thessaly, or more likely by the Umbrians…

          Dante Alighieri, the great Italian poet who was expelled from his hometown of Florence, died in the night between September 13 and 14, 1321 in Ravenna. He was buried…

        The last Byzantine masterpiece in Ravenna is the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. The small city, Civitas Classis on the Adriatic coast, was the port in Ravenna which hosted seafarers…