Although Modica, a small late-Baroque paradise in the province of Ragusa, was reborn from the ashes of a devastating earthquake in 1693, it still has fascinating signs of its most ancient past. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002 for its historic centre which is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture.

The oldest part of Modica is on the ruins of an old castle

The city is situated on a large plateau that was once crisscrossed by two rivers. Between 1700 and 1800, Modica had 17 bridges making it look like another Venice. It also had many mills along the riverbanks, but these were gradually replaced by industrial mills as the waters were channelled to supply the city's water system. The oldest part of Modica is centred on the ruins of an ancient castle with a maze of alleyways leading to the city's highest point.

The Church of San Giorgio has a 19th-century organ

Modica is entirely built in the Baroque style; in fact, little of the previous architecture survives with the exception of the mediaeval old centre. The Mother Church of San Giorgio, which was built after the earthquake, is one of the most notable examples of this architectural style. The interior is divided into five naves and features twenty-two Corinthian columns, as well as priceless works of art and a large19th-century organ that is still in perfect working order. 

The Baroque style is omnipresent in Modica

Palazzo Polara, which is near the church of San Giorgio, is an example of  Modena’s civil architecture and there are interesting similarities between the facades of the two buildings, as  both the palace and the church are in Baroque style with elegant staircases.

Chocolate was introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century

The city is also known for its chocolate, which is made using a unique cold processing method which, according to some sources, was introduced during the Spanish dominance of Sicily in the 16th century. At that time the county of Modica was the most important feudal state in southern Italy and enjoyed  administrative autonomy.

Exploring the city of Rovigo and the Po Delta, which is a seductive water labyrinth, brings you into contact with a world where "the land does not begin and the sea does not end."

Rovigo may well be less conspicuous than other towns in the Veneto region, but it is a must-see for its appealing artistic, cultural and environmental attractions.

Vittorio Emanuele Square Rovigo

Medieval architecture and fortifications

The architectural evidence along the city streets tells of a settlement that began as an Episcopal feud to which were then added many monuments and palaces during the Middle Ages. The Torre Donà tower, which is the city's emblem, and the Torre Mozza which are the remains of the ancient medieval fortifications can still be admired today.

The Accademia dei Concordi is an important art gallery

Signaling traces of Venetian days, in the city centre we find the elegant Palazzo Roncale, while Palazzo Roverella marks the peak of the affirmation of Ferrara-Emilian architecture in Rovigo. The Poverella Palace, which has been restored, is the new home of the Accademia dei Concordi art gallery, one of the most important in the Veneto region and a venue for prestigious contemporary exhibitions.

Churches and bell towers

Of particular interest is the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso, known as the Rotonda due to its octagonal plan, which is flanked by the Longhena bell tower. 

Not far away we come to the Duomo, which was the first church to be built in Rovigo and which was enlarged and rebuilt several times until it became the current 18th-century building which houses an important art collection.

A museum dedicated to rural civilizations

If you are looking for a quiet corner, you can visit the Monastero Olivetano di San Bartolomeo, which is a delightful an oasis of peace and ideal for a contemplative break. To get to know Rovigo and its traditions, a visit to the Museo dei Grandi Fiumi (Museum of the Great Rivers) is a must. It is dedicated to the history of the rural civilizations that were suspended between land and water and had strong links to the rhythms of the river Po and the nearby sea.

The Po Delta is Europe’s largest wetland

The Po Delta is a complex territory, and for this reason it is perhaps not easy to explore. It is in fact a water labyrinth, a place where "the land does not begin and the sea does not end." These are places of strong contrasts that convey seduction, magic and wonder. An immense expanse representing the largest wetland area in Europe and in the Mediterranean, it covers 786 square kilometres of which more than 120 are protected as a regional park. 

A unique and ancient landscape

The delta is a nature wonderland, and its environmental aspects are closely connected with the important and continuous human interventions on the territory, which over the millennia have left significant traces on the delta’s landscape. In the variety of environments and artefacts that together create this unique landscape, there is one that is the symbol of the hard-working and courteous people of the Delta and what they have done and will continue to do to build and preserve this land: the Cà Vendramin which is home to the Regional Museum of Land Reclamation.

Ancient villages and an archaeological museum

Among the many places where nature is at its most "natural" we can list the coastal Botanical Garden of Porto Caleri, the Golena di Cà Pisani, the fossil dunes, and the Bocche di Po Nature Reserve. Inland you can find fascinating ancient villages, such as the historic centre of the city of Adria, which gave its name to the Adriatic Sea and is home to the National Archaeological Museum with Etruscan, Celtic, Greek and Roman finds. Also of interest are Loreo, a former stronghold of the Republic of Venice, and San Basilio an ancient stopping post on the Via Popilia, which is now a popular tourist attraction. 

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The central Italian Emilia region is famous for its charcuterie and prosciutto and is widely known as the Kingdom of Parma Ham. It comprises the territories of three cities: Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia.

Three cities, three provinces, a single territory where food, nature and culture meet. https://www.visitemilia.com  It also produces other incomparable specialties like Culatello di Zibello and Piacentini cured meats. On the Parma hills the Salumificio Conti in Langhirano guides lovers of good food through the stages of the production process of Parma Ham, immersing visitors in a whirlwind of scents in the aging cellars, and ending with a tasting of selected products.  http://www.contiprosciutti.it

Experiential tastings of charcuterie 

To get to know Piacentini cured meats, stop at the Salumificio La Rocca in Castell'Arquato, along the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori Piacentini wine and flavour trail. This leads visitors to the production departments of the award-winning coppa air-cured pork, pancetta bacon and salami: experiential tours with tastings that also allow you to experience life in the Middle Ages.  https://www.salumificiolarocca.com 

Famous salamis and Zibello’s Culatello cured ham

A short walk from the Po River, in Zibello and Polesine Parmense they produce Culatello di Zibello and other masterpieces of local cuisine. With Artemilia Tours, you can find out all about local pig breeds, vegetable gardens and vineyards, and discover how Culatello, Fiocco, Spalla di San Secondo and Strolghino salami sare made. And you will conclude the visit with a delicious tasting or lunch.  https://artemilia.it

Domenico Muratore is the new hotel manager of the Tornabuoni in Florence (Unbound Collection by Hyatt).

Born in Rome, Muratore began his career in the hospitality industry in the Eternal City, as F&B manager at the Hotel de Russie, after which he moved to the Park Hyatt in Milan, again in the F&B division, then taking over the same role at the InterContinental De La Ville in Rome. Before moving to Florence, he was F&B hotel manager at the Westin Excelsior in Rome for almost ten years.

“A 5-star luxury hotel with a strong personality”

“I am honoured to join the Tornabuoni team, especially at a time when tourism in Florence is experiencing a strong recovery - says Muratore - this is a dynamic 5-star luxury hotel with a strong personality.”

The Tornabuoni will have five F&B outlets

It is probably no coincidence that the F&BB management of this 62-room hotel in the 14th-century Palazzo Minerbetti has been entrusted to a figure with strong experience in the field. When fully operational, the hotel will have five F&B outlets, including the two recently inaugurated Magnifico Restaurant and Cafè. The new additions will be the Lucie Gourmet on the rooftop,  the La Cave and the Butterfly Terrace, which will make its debut next spring.

It is a €300 - 400 million deal according to rumours leaked by the Winenews website. Chiara and Massimo Ferragamo, son of Salvatore and Wanda, founders of one of the most famous global luxury fashion houses, have sold the Castiglion del Bosco estate, famous for the resort managed by Rosewood and for the production of Brunello di Montalcino wine. 

A private 18-hole golf club designed by Tom Weiskopf

In addition to the five-star resort, the hamlet includes 2,000 hectares of land, 62 of which are vineyards, as well as a private 18-hole golf club, designed by British Open champion Tom Weiskopf. The operation was announced by the Italian company in an official note, in which it merely points out that the new owner is represented by "an important international family office."

The Ferragamos remain involved with the company

"The decision to take this step," the statement continues, "was aimed at guaranteeing the future development of both the hospitality and the agricultural parts of the property and to ensure continuity. Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo remain involved in the company, and the management, starting with CEO Simone Pallesi, is also confirmed."

The resort has 19 newly-designed private suites

The resort will also continue to be managed by Rosewood, which recently announced an expansion to the property with the addition of 19 newly-designed private suites. The resort now has 53 units, 42 suites and 11 villas with private pools, as well as a spa and two restaurants.

The Hotel de Len, Aldo Melpignano’s  new Cortina d’Ampezzo property, will have 22 rooms with a contemporary design inspired by Alpine traditions, as well as a spa with views of the mountains and the valley.

There will also be a bar and a restaurant where the menus will, once again, be inspired by the traditions of the famous little resort town which is part of the Veneto region’s Dolomite Superski complex. The Hotel de Len (len means wood in the Ladin language) thus becomes the new Cortina address of the San Domenico Hotels Group.

The architectural project focuses on sustainability and wellbeing

Announced last year, the new addition to the Group is the result of an agreement between Aldo Melpignano, who is the owner of the Apulian company and the patron of Borgo Egnazia, and the owner of the Hotel Impero, as the Ampezzo hotel was called before its renovation and change of management. The architectural project is by the Venetian firm Gris+Dainese, who have focussed on sustainability and wellbeing as the leitmotiv for the property.