Welcome fellow Italophiles. If you have a passion for visiting and learning about ITALY, a county rich in history, culture, natural splendor and gastronomic delights, In Love With Italy™ is for you! It’s an additional service we hope our friends and visitors will enjoy. List of all In Love With Italy™ editions and credits appear at the bottom of this page.
Did you know?
Italy’s monarchy was ended on 2 June 1946 by a close and disputed referendum however the descendants of Vittorio Emmanuele II, King of Italy, are still a part of Italian society and appear in the news regularly. Some political parties support the Italian monarchy and the “Italia Reale” (Royal Italy) is their official publication. The House of Savoy reigned in Italy, the Kingdom of Sardinia and parts of France and Switzerland for almost 1,000 years. They intermarried with the royals of other countries for centuries. Victor Emmanuel, Crown Prince of Italy and 44th in the House of Savoia dynasty, is known to royalists as Prince Vittorio Emanuele IV (Pictured to the right. Portrait of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, Prince of Naples and hereditary Head of the House of Savoy. He is wearing the dynastic orders of The Most Holy Annunciation and of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. He also wears the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. ) Until 2002 the Italian Constitution forbid male heirs of the throne to set foot on Italian soil. Prince Emmanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice and son of Vittorio Emmanuele IV and Marina Doria, married French actress Clotilde Courau on 25 September 2003 in Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome, (Wedding photo to the right) the same church where in 1896 his great-grandfather, King Vittorio Emanuele III married Princess Elena Petrovich Njegosh, daughter of the King of Montenegro. Prince Albert of Monaco served as best man. Their baby, Vittoria Cristina Adelaide Chiara Maria di Savoia, was born in 2003. The Savoia family reside in Corsica and Geneva. Italian royals are allowed to visit Italy now and there are measures being considered to allow them to live in Italy again. The Savoia family returned to Italy on 23 December 2002 for a private audience with Pope John Paul II and it was Vittorio Emmanuele’s first time in Italy since he was nine years old. Italy’s last reigning female monarch, Queen Maria José di Savoia, daughter of King Albert of Belgium, died in Geneva on 27 January 2001 at the age of 94. Queen Maria José was a staunch supporter of the Allies and the partisan movement in Italy during World War II along with her husband, King Umberto II who died in 1983. The former Queen worked through Vatican diplomatic channels in attempts to broker a peace treaty between Italy and the U.S. before 1943.
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Famous Italian
Roberto Benigni. He was born on 27 October 1952 in the Tuscan town of Misericordia. Writer, director, producer and star of the tragicomedy “La Vita É Bella” (“Life Is Beautiful” 1997. Filmed in Cortona and Arezzo by Miramax Films). Benigni and the film were awarded Best Film and Best Actor by the European Film Awards and 3 Oscars in 1999 (Best leading actor, Best foreign language film and best music by Nicola Piovani) among 7 Oscar nominations, in addition to 49 international awards. He played the lead role of Ivo Salvani in Federico Fellini’s “La Voce della Luna” (“The Voice of the Moon” 1990). In 1986 he starred with Walter Matthau in “Il Piccolo Diavolo” (“The Little Devil”) and was the star of “”Johnny Stecchino” (“Johnny Toothpick” 1991). Fellini planned to remake “Pinocchio” as a collaboration with Benigni and he died before it could be launched. Benigni was anxious to oversee the project which became his fabulous fairy tale “Pinocchio” in 2002 which he starred in and directed. Roberto Benigni has played in 27 films, written 13 and directed nine. He is a gifted improvisatory poet and it’s entertaining to hear him recite Dante’s “Divina Commedia” (“Divine Comedy”) by memory.
New proverb
All'orso paion belli i suoi orsacchiotti: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A Greek proverb repeated by Sophia Loren and followed with: “ Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. ”
Place to visit
Cernobbio, Lake Como. Lago di Como, which lies at the foot of the Alps, is a celestial vacation resort. Opulent villas of the rich and famous adorn its alluring shorelines with some of the most awe-inspiring views in the world. "This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty," remarked Percy Bysshe Shelley. For over 2,000 years, poets from Virgil and Catullus to Tennyson and Longfellow have raved about the lakes of Lombardy, but it’s impossible to do justice when describing the spectacular beauty of Lake Como without visiting and understanding it. The lake is 28 miles long and never more than 2 miles wide. Private boats and ferries travel up and down the lake, offering views of the most important villas, such as Villa d'Este, Guido Monzino’s Villa del Balbianello, Villa Serbelloni--a gorgeous property of the Rockefeller Foundation, Villa Pizzo and Villa Carlotta.
Winston Churchill enjoyed staying at Lake Como and spent a long painting holiday there in 1945.
From the pier of the scenic town of Cernobbio, a boat ride of less than two hours transports visitors on a beautiful journey Northeast to Bellagio, "Pearl of the Lake" and one of the most picturesque villages of Lake Como.
 Restaurant
La Veranda at Villa d’Este, with special attention of manager Emiglio Vantadori and his seasoned team, offers an experience fit for royalty! In fact, members of the House of Savoia, reigning monarchy for 999 years, often dine at this venerable institution. This five star restaurant overlooks the gardens and lake which resemble a dream. It is refined and elegant. Jacket and ties required in the evening . Glassed-in windows electrically controlled disappear into the ground in spring and summer. During the summer guests may dine on the patio near Lake Como where drinks and appetizers are served in a sublime setting. The main entrée is presented by 3-4 tuxedo-clad waiters who dramatically remove silver domes from the plates in unison revealing such Italian haute cuisine as lobster au gratin with spicy bread, vegetable tagline with porcini mushrooms, green and white fettuccini and filet of perch from the lake. Squisito soufflés and crepes made tableside. World-class wine list. Michelin recommended. Cernobbio, Lago di Como 22012 Italia. Telephone 031.3481 FAX 031.348.844 info@villadeste.it |
http://www.villadeste.it/t1_thehotel_dining_veranda.html
 Hotel
Villa d’Este. “The precise location of heaven on earth has never been established but it may very well be right here,” said Herb Caen (1916-1997), influential Pulitzer prize-winning columnist for the “San Francisco Chronicle” for four decades. The Editor of In Love With Italy™ and our family have been fortunate to celebrate several special occasions at Villa d’Este over the years and we could not agree more with Herb Caen! It’s difficult to imagine how the entire experience at Villa d’Este could be more enchanting. Well-appointed guest rooms and plush suites with lake views. Floating pool on the lake, indoor pool with hydro massage and a spa that’s an oasis of relaxation. In terms of sheer luxury, Villa d’Este has few if any competitors. The magnificence of a bygone era is maintained intact. Villa d’Este simply added all the up-to-date facilities. Upon emerging from the revolving doors you feel the cares of the modern world slip away and the warm greetings of the  staff make you feel at home. The history of Villa d’Este goes back 564 years when nuns sought refuge from a civil war and built a convent on the grounds. Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio of Como chose the venue as his private summer residence. Years later Princess of Wales Caroline of Brunswick, estranged wife of England’s King George IV, owned the villa and named it “Villa d’Este” after one of her d’Este ancestors. Other residents and guests through the centuries have included Jesuits, a czarina of Russia, royalty, presidents, generals, European aristocrats, Verdi, Rossini, Byron, Puccini, Mark Twain, Elizabeth Taylor, Douglas Fairbanks, Mel Gibson, Sharon Stone, George Clooney, the Versace family, King Leopold of Belgium, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Federico Fellini, Evita Peron, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, Herb Caen, Alfred Hitchcock and many other luminaries. It is often called “Hollywoodiano on Lago di Como”. Michelin rates the property top class comfort and says: “ With the enchanting backdrop of the vast park sloping down to the lake, stands a wonderful 16th Century villa. Since 1873 this villa has been at the pinnacle of Italian elegance and comfort: like stepping into a fairy tale.” Cernobbio, Lago di Como 22012 Italia. Telephone 031.3481 FAX 031.348.844 info@villadeste.it | http://www.villadeste.it/t0_thehotel.html
 Winery
   Gaja. Barbaresco, CN, Cuneo. Barbaresco’s designer label confirms its status as a first-order international star as well as one of Italy’s finest cellars. No other winery can boast such a stable of extraordinary wines that are so outstandingly consistent in terms of style, character and personality. Our Borsalino hats off to the dynamic Angelo Gaja, fourth generation winemaker. He is credited with turning a small family wine business into a company that produces a wine coveted around the globe with a near-cult following. (Pictured to the right ) The three stars are from Gambero Rosso and indicates Gaja has won 35 Three Glass awards, more than any other winery in Italy—one star for each grouping of ten Three Glass designation. La Cantina di Gaja was founded in the 1850’s. Born in Alba in 1940, Angelo attended the world-acclaimed Enological Institute of Alba where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in enology. Gaja also earned a master's degree in economics from the University of Torino. Angelo and his wife Lucia live in Barbaresco with their son and two daughters. Lucia plays an active role in the daily management of the Gaja Winery. “Angelo Gaja is wine´s first producer-manager-communicator, with his desire and determination to achieve top qualities, unflagging commitment and constant effort, ability to innovate and great communicational talents. This was and is Angelo Gaja, who is capable of offering wines with exceptional analytical caliber, of giving flair and elegance to Barbaresco, which, until he stepped in, had merely been a less-appreciated cousin to Barolo,” said San Pellegrino in a tribute to wine innovators.
 Wine
Barbaresco 2001. Tre bichiere or three glasses. “This Barbaresco is a marvel of concentration combined with elegance. The nose opens on ripe fruit notes that gradually give way to spice, balsam and oak in a crescendo of depth. The warm palate is simply enormous. Well supported by alcohol, it echoes the opening aromas on the very long finish ” says Gambero Rosso, the world’s leading guide of Italian wines for over 18 years.
  
“Italian Wines 2005”, Gambero Rosso and Slow Food Editore, page 37
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New In Love With Italy™ communiqués are emailed every month as a complimentary service to Sette Angeli customers. We invite you to visit the online showroom of exquisite, hand painted Deruta creations – the ceramics of Italy at www.setteangeli.com Viva Italia!
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© 2004-2006 Sette Angeli “Seven Angels”, LLC. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Le parole “Sette Angeli-Seven Angels” ed il disegno associato sono marchi di Sette Angeli "Seven Angels”, LLC. Le parole “In Love With Italy” ed il disegno associato sono marchi di Sette Angeli "Seven Angels”, LLC.
In Love With Italy™ - List of All Editions:
- Vol VII, No. 1
- Vol VII, No. 2
- Vol VII, No. 3
- Vol VII, No. 4
- Vol VII, No. 5
- Vol VII, No. 6
- Vol VII, No. 7
- Vol VII, No. 8
- Vol VII, No. 9
- Vol VII, No. 10
- Vol VII, No. 11
- Vol VII, No. 12
- Vol VII, No. 13
- Vol VII, No. 14
- Vol VII, No. 15
- Vol VII, No. 16
- Vol VII, No. 17
- Vol VII, No. 18
- Vol VII, No. 19
- Vol VII, No. 20: In Heaven with SEVEN and Seven Angels
- Vol VII, No. 21: The Heavenly Angels - Sette Angeli - Seven Angels
In Love With Italy™ Index >>
In Love With Italy™ Directory >>
Vol. VII № 13 Source Notes and Credits
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Vittorio Emanuele IV di Savoia – House of Savoy
- Roberto Benigni
- All'orso paion belli i suoi orsacchiotti: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
- Cernobbio – Lago di Como – Lake Como
- La Veranda, Villa d’Este
- Villa d’Este
- Gaja – Barbaresco 2001 – Angelo Gaja
Vittorio Emanuele IV di Savoia – House of Savoy
Roberto Benigni
All'orso paion belli i suoi orsacchiotti: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Cernobbio – Lago di Como – Lake Como
- Cernobbio – Lago di Como – Lake Como. Villa d’Este photo and partial description of Lake Como: http://www.villadeste.it/t0_thelake.html
- Lago di Como - Comune di Cernobbio: http://www.comune.cernobbio.co.it/it/main/index.php
- Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello of Guido Monzino: http://www.fondoambiente.it/luoghi/Balbianell/
- Lake Como : Villa Serbelloni owned by the Rockefeller Foundation : http://www.milanostyle.com/08/lagodicomo.shtml
- Lake Como : Villa Serbelloni owned by the Rockefeller Foundation – New York Times: website
- Lake Como and Sir Winston Churchill-Churchill visit to Lake Como in 1945: Winston Churchill enjoyed staying at Lake Como and spent a long painting holiday there after losing a re-election bid as Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1945. Source: The Churchill Centre: http://www.winstonchurchill.org If you’re a Winston Churchill fan, consider joining The Churchill Centre as a member. The mission is to impress Churchill's wisdom and relevance firmly on future generations and they have a good time doing it. As a member you’ll enjoy the award winning quarterly, “Finest Hour”, periodic “Chartwell Bulletin”, 100% access to material on their website at http://www.winstonchurchill.org , local, national and international, events in five countries, and discounted books and memorabilia. Telephone toll free: 888-WSC-1874 during business hours weekdays eastern time or use the membership application on the website.
La Veranda, Villa d’Este
Villa d’Este
Gaja – Barbaresco 2001 – Angelo Gaja
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HERB CAEN 3 April 1916-1 February 1997. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the “San Francisco Chronicle” for four decades. Herb Caen was the voice and conscience of San Francisco.
Herb Caen has one of the most beautiful walks in the city named after him - the Port Promenade from China Basin to the Wharf. In June 1996, the Port Commission approved christening this portion of the promenade "Herb Caen Way..." in honor of Herb's special place in San Francisco's consciousness. |
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