Italy

A gondola, piled high with books, sits in the middle of the shop.

Why Does This Bookstore Keep Its Books in Bathtubs?

Venice's Libreria Acqua Alta keeps its books in bathtubs, gondolas and canoes—and not just for show

Matera’s paleolithic past has made it a thriving tourist destination: It is competing with cities like Siena and Ravenna to be the European Capital of Culture 2019.

How Matera Went From Ancient Civilization to Slum to a Hidden Gem

Once the “shame of Italy,” the ancient warren of natural caves in Matera may be Europe’s most dramatic story of rebirth

Troops encountered ruin across Europe (in Palermo, the bombed-out church of Sant’Ignazio). In that city, recalled war correspondent Richard Tregaskis, “buildings were smashed into the street as far as one could see.”

How the Monuments Men Saved Italy’s Treasures

As Allied Forces fought the Nazis for control of Europe, an unlikely unit of American and British art experts waged a shadow campaign

Sewage Water Reveals Community’s Illegal Drug Habits

Sewage analyses in the US found the highest levels of methamphetamines to date, but revealed that cocaine use in the US seems on par with that in Europe

The zocalo in Oaxaca, Mexico, blocks away from the Hotel Las Golondrinas

For a Happy Hotel Experience, Take the Middle Road

Neither too luxurious nor too austere, mid-range inns are often a great choice for travelers. Here are some of my favorites in Europe, Mexico and Morocco

View from Piazza Garibaldi in Rome

In Rome, a New Museum Worth Celebrating

A Roman museum devoted to 19th century hero Giuseppe Garibaldi is a bright spot amid the gloomy news from Italy

During gladiatorial games in the arena, a vast network of man-powered machinery made animals and scenery appear from beneath a wooden floor as if by magic.

Secrets of the Colosseum

A German archaeologist has finally deciphered the Roman amphitheater's amazing underground labyrinth

Rick Steves' Europe: Venice, Italy

Piazza San Marco—the storied square punctuated by its 11th century basilica—endures as an awe-inspiring portal to the city’s many splendors

Rick Steves' Europe: Florence, Italy

In Florence, Michelangelo's masterpiece epitomizes the heroic power and surpassing artistry of the Renaissance

Rick Steves' Europe: Cinque Terre, Italy

Italy's answer to the French Riviera offers swimming, hiking, romance and relaxation along the Mediterranean

Rick Steves' Europe: Rome, Italy

An after-dark walk takes in the Eternal City’s most famous fountains, grand palaces, a soaring temple, candlelit outdoor cafes and street musicians

St. Mark’s Basilica (above) reflects the apogee of Venetian influence: gilded ornamentation, including equine figures looted from Constantinople in 1204, caused it to be known as the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold).

Venice, Italy

Vernazza was once nicknamed "Little Venice" due to the series of romantic bridges that connected the two sides of the town before the main road was built.

A Guided Walking Tour of Vernazza

Introduce yourself to this village in Italy’s Cinque Terre through its characteristic town squares

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What To Eat in Italy

You can easily spend hours observing the teen scene in Naples.

Naples: Italy in the Extreme

The unpredictable Italian city always has a secret or quirky attraction hidden among its many ancient streets

The chef at this Tuscan restaurant doubles as a butcher—he cuts the steak before he grills it.

Tuning In to Tasty Italy

There are theories about eating out in Italy that can improve any meal

Piccolo Lagazuoi as seen from Cinque Torre, an Italian position overlooking the front line

Climbing the Via Ferrata

In Italy’s Dolomites, a Hike Through World War I History

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The Art of Pizza

Cooking up the world's most authentic pie in Naples, Italy

At the height of the season, there isn't a table to be had in Positano's elegant restaurants. Fresh seafood reigns, often served in a broth called "acqua pazza" made with garlic, oil, parsley, white wine and small tomatoes, washed down with wine from grapes cultivated in the terraced vineyards that line the cliffs.

Snapshot: Amalfi Coast

A virtual vacation to southern Italy's historic and charming seaside

"If global warming's worst predictions come true in 100 years," says Fabio Carrera, "the real issue is preserving Venice as a liveable place—not stopping the occasional tide from coming in."

Venice's Uncertainty

A new floodgate system should protect the city from high tides—unless climate change interferes

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