Stories
Here you’ll find all of my stories categorized by region. Stories about major cities, including Rome, Milan and Naples, are grouped separately. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try searching here or contact me.
Museo della Forma Urbis: discover the marble map of ancient Rome
Are you exploring a new city? Then, chances are you're using a mobile app or a traditional folded map to find your way around. Whether digital or paper, maps have become an integral part of our daily lives. We've grown so accustomed to using them …
Area Sacra di Largo Argentina: holy site, murder scene and cat sanctuary
Have you visited Rome before? If so, chances are you've stumbled upon the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina at some point. This intriguing square, a mere stone's throw away from the Pantheon, lies several meters below the present street …
Monteriggioni: one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of Florence or Siena? Then why not visit Monteriggioni?! Though really small, this enchanting Tuscan town has everything to guarantee a relaxing, yet unforgettable, day trip …
Scoppio del Carro: an explosive Easter Sunday in Florence
After attending the Procession of the Dead Christ in Gubbio, I hopped on a train to Florence, where another ceremony awaited me. I’m talking about the Scorpio del Carro, also known as the ‘Explosion of the Cart.’
Tuscany: a brief history lesson
When you think of Tuscany, the first images that come to mind are probably the region's rolling hills, cypress rows, green vineyards, and cities like Florence of Pisa. It should be enough to …
Assisi: a complete guide through the birthplace of San Francesco
My first visit to Umbria and the city of Assisi was back in 2017. A year before that, I had already caught a glimpse of the region. It was winter …
Strait of Messina: taking the train-ferry to Calabria
Not too long ago, I shared the story of my first trip to Sicily and my experience of taking the overnight ferry from Naples to Palermo. Arriving on the island felt like stepping into a whole new world …
Poggioreale: Italy’s most charming ghost town
Italy counts several abandoned villages from which all life has disappeared. Most of them result from natural disasters or a lack of social-/economic perspective. Often these ghost towns are located in remarkable locations …
Erice: Sicily’s ancient hilltop town
From atop a 751 meters high plateau, Erice towers over western Sicily. The medieval village is characterized by charismatic narrow streets, gray stone houses, and many old churches …
Grotta Mangiapane: a fascinating cave settlement
During one of my trips to Sicily, I drove from San Vito lo Capo to Erice. Along the way, I decided to take an 'off the beaten path' side trip and discovered a rather unique attraction: the Grotta Mangiapane …
San Vito lo Capo: the Sicilian Caribbean
For me, Sicily has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: a rich history, delicious food, beautiful nature, and some of Italy's most beautiful beaches. One of these beautiful beaches can be found in San Vito lo Capo …
Duomo di Monreale: masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture
Planning to visit Sicily? Then don't forget to add Monreale to your itinerary. Monreale is located just outside the city of Palermo and is best known for its cathedral with extraordinary mosaics …
Off to Sicily: taking the overnight ferry from Naples to Palermo
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, had always been a destination I dreamt of visiting. Finally, in 2017, I had the opportunity to set foot on the enchanting island for the first time. …
Trinacria: the symbol of Sicily
Have you visited Sicily? Then you must have noticed the island's distinctive symbol. It consists of three bent legs, three stalks of wheat, and a strange-looking female head. The symbol is displayed everywhere …
Sicily: a brief history lesson
The island of Sicily is both the largest region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been conquered and ruled by many …
Duomo di Orvieto: Golden Lily of Italian cathedrals
The Duomo di Orvieto was, without a doubt, the highlight of my visit to the city. You can easily spot this landmark from afar, standing proudly on the isolated tufa plateau on which Orvieto is built …
Orvieto: Umbrian hilltop gem
Orvieto is definitely one of my favorite places in Umbria. The town is perched on top of a steep tufa hill that rises amid the verdant landscape. But the beautiful location of the city …
Nera River Park: hike through the Green Heart of Italy
The Marmore Falls in southern Umbria attract thousands of visitors every year. But did you know the falls are part of an even larger park? The Parco Fluviale del Nera, or Nera River Park …
Marmore Falls: Europe’s tallest man-made waterfall
Traces of ancient Roman ingenuity can be found all over Italy. Roads, bridges, aqueducts, amphitheaters, you name it. However, a completely different Roman invention can be found in southern Umbria …
Terni: city of love and steel
Terni is the second-largest city in Umbria and is located in the region's south. Unlike many of Umbria's medieval towns, Terni's layout and architecture are mainly modern. This is the result …