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.
Train-ferry from Sicily to Calabria: crossing the Strait of Messina
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 …
Hike to Eremo delle Carceri: the isolated hermitage
Interested in the life of San Francesco di Assisi, or simply want to enjoy Umbria's nature? I can recommend a hike to the Eremo delle Carceri. The Eremo delle Carceri is a hermitage …
Basilica di San Francesco: masterpiece of human creative genius
Like many towns in Umbria, the medieval city of Assisi is built on a hillslope. From miles away, you can see the city rise from the slopes of Monte Subasio. One building in particular will immediately …
Spoleto: medieval town packed with Roman history
If you ask me, Spoleto is one of the most beautiful places in Umbria. The green surroundings and the mix of remnants from its Roman and medieval pasts make this town unique …
Trevi: Umbria’s capital of olive oil
Between Foligno and Spoleto, the medieval town of Trevi rises from the slopes of Monte Serano. Most of the town is densely built around the hilltop, offering you some of the best views in Umbria …
Spello: Umbria’s most colorful town
Sometimes people ask me whether the many medieval streets make the Umbrian villages look gray or drab. Personally, I don't think so. In my opinion, they make Umbrian towns look unique and …
Procession of the Dead Christ: commemorating Jesus' sacrifice
The Dead Christ Procession is one of Gubbio's most important religious events. Its origins trace back to medieval times, particularly around the 13th century. During this period, religious dramas and reenactments were common forms of expression aimed at bringing biblical stories and liturgical events more alive. The Processione del Cristo Morto is what remains of these dramas.