150th anniversary of Italian unification

March 17th 2011 marked Italy’s 150^th birthday; this surprisingly young nation being unified in 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II was crowned King of Italy. Prior to this Italy consisted of disparate autonomous regions and experienced insurrection and uprising as inhabitants rebelled against independent rulers that included the Roman Catholic Church

"Campanilismo" reinforcing the identities of small Italian communities

Despite the unification of Italy, “campanilismo” or loyalty to one’s “campanile” or bell-tower, to the local community and traditions is alive and well. Initially, this “localism” may appear parochial but in essence it is a positive force, such as pride in local history, culture, folklore, games, political thought, cuisine and creativity. The ties that bind communities together ensure that every area is unique and whilst it may sometimes restrict 21st century advances, it ensures that when embracing these changes, the baby is not thrown out with the bath water.

Summer 2009 - Burning the candle in Le Marche

After a hot and exhausting day doing nothing at the beach or around the pool, what better way to rejuvenate yourself than by partying at one of the many festas and events that are being held throughout the region during the Spring, Summer and Autumn months.

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Hiking, Walking and Eating your way through Le Marche

Summer is in full swing here in Le Marche, the cherries, plums and pears have been and gone, the first fig harvest has just been devoured (try fig, chilli and marcaspone pasta- sounds weird but its a real pick me up!) and we are now picking an abundance of herbs, salad, rocket tomatoes, squash, aubergine and zucchini for guests at the villa. Much of our time has been spent pickling and bottling the produce into jams, chutneys and pickles.