Discover Italy

Sicily

The largest Mediterranean island, Sicily’s economy is predominantly agricultural with almost 75 percent of the land used for cultivating crops such as olives, almonds, pistachios, wheat durum, barley and grapes. Sicily is also the largest citrus fruit producer in Italy.

Mount Etna

You’ll experience a striking contrast of scenery as blackened lava rock forming the mountain’s peak gives way to slopes covered with vineyards and nut groves. Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes.

Valley of the Temples

Located near the southern coast, this archeological wonder dating back to the fifth century B.C., features eight Doric-style temples and many other walkable ruins. Valley of the Temples boasts the largest and most well-preserved Greek architectural sites outside of Greece.

Lifestyle & Culture

Sicilan traditions and culture have had little influence from the mainland, resulting in a very family-centric lifestyle. All family events, especially first communions, weddings and funerals, are the cornerstone of Sicilian life, attended by large groups of extended family. Of course, food often takes center stage at these gatherings.

The Food of Sicily

Commonly referred to as “God's kitchen,” Sicilian cuisine frequently includes garlic, tomatoes, spicy peperoncino and lots of olive oil. A typical dish from the mountain regions is rustic, slow-cooked and highlights vegetables. In coastal areas, seafood—swordfish and tuna—takes center stage.

Emilia-Romagna

A lesser-known region, Emilia-Romagna consists of nine provinces, spanning Northern Italy from the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Apennine Mountains in the southwest. This great expanse of land lends to cultural, climatic and culinary diversity across the region. We’ll focus on the province of Bologna, the region's capital, and the hometown of Barilla’s Executive Chef Lorenzo Boni.

Piazza Maggiore

To experience the depth and history of Bologna a trip to Piazza Maggiore (large square) is a must. The heart of the city, the large open-aired square is surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring sites in Bologna:

• Palazzo D’Accursio
• Palazzo del Podestá
• Basílica of St. Petronio
• Piazza del Nettuno, featuring the famous Statue of Neptune

Asinelli and Garisenda

These twin towers, located in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana are noticeably the tallest towers in Bologna. Also, notable: they lean more than Pisa. For a sweeping view of Bologna, climb the 498 stairs of Asinelli.

Lifestyle & Culture

In contrast to the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere of Sicily, Bologna is a vibrant metropolis of culture built on a rich heritage of music, theater, art and dance. Home to University of Bologna, the city’s culture is infused with a liberal and academic atmosphere driven by a lively student body. The University of Bologna is not only the oldest university in Europe (founded in 1088 AD), but is one of the largest with a student population close to 100,000.

The Food of Bologna

The cuisine of Emilia-Romagna’s capital is as steeped in rich cultural traditions as the city itself, earning Bologna the title of “Italy's gastronomic capital.” The city that gave us mortadella sausage is also the birthplace of the rich and decadent Bolognese.