The Italian Spirit TutoringInteresting bits of history about writers and literature.
In Italy almost all tables are set with a bowl of Parmigiano Reggiano to sprinkle or a block to grate over the food. It is a fine cheese, loved all over the world. I became curious and wanted to know when Parmigiano Reggiano was born and why it is so prized. Parmigiano Reggiano was born […]
When people speak about the Italian Renaissance, they speak about greatness. They speak about Leonardo, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Alberti. They speak about painting, architecture, poetry, music, and thought. It was an age of change and creation, a rebirth of classical arts, science, and engineering. But this raises a question: if the Renaissance was a rebirth, where […]
March 8 is an important date in the global struggle for women’s rights. In many countries around the world, this day is celebrated as International Women’s Day, which in Italy is commonly known simply as Festa della Donna. It is a meaningful occasion dedicated to reflecting—both locally and globally—on the condition of women, on the […]
Why not explore some of Italy’s most underrated cities? Many of them are true artistic gems—rich in history, full of character, unforgettable culinary experiences, and an Italian spirit welcoming to visitors. You can skip Rome and Venice (they’ll forgive you!) and instead immerse yourself in the Baroque beauty of Lecce. Often called “The Florence of the […]
When people think about Italy, they often hear music: operas or ballads, or perhaps how the language flows. Italian is uniquely melodic, expressive, and full of emotion. My students tell me Italian doesn’t just communicate; it sings. For me, teaching Italian is a way of sharing history and connection. Every lesson is a bridge between […]
Most people associate opera with grand costumes, soaring arias, and dramatic love stories. But that is just one part of the Opera purpose: in Italy, opera has never been just about entertainment—it’s been a powerful voice in the country’s political history. It played an incredibly powerful role in shaping Italian political history—far beyond its reputation […]
I adore books of all kinds, old and new. I love the smell of paper and ink, and the joy of getting lost in a bookstore or a library, but here are a few special bookshops I’ve discovered over the years. Venice, ItalyTucked in the heart of Venice, Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the […]
What are literary cafés? They are places where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while being immersed in culture. In these cafés, you’re not just sipping coffee—you’re stepping into a centuries-old cultural tradition. These establishments are cultural salons where revolutionary plans were whispered, poems were born, and ideas brewed stronger than the coffee. Coffee, […]
Characters in books are often perceived as mere creations of an author, brought to life only by the words on a page. However, this view limits the true essence of what book characters represent. Books transcend the confines of their stories; they possess a life of their own, shaped by the interaction between the author’s […]
Italian literature is expansive, spanning from the days of ancient Rome to contemporary times, with countless writers capturing the essence of their eras, lives, and emotions. Literature isn’t merely a dry academic study; it’s an immersion into the depicted period, a study of language and its evolution, and an exploration of human beings. It’s the […]