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 ranks high on many “top” lists: Considering that Italy is only the 22 nd most populated nation and the 73rd largest in terms of land mass, its people hold many impressive top-ten rankings. Italy boasts a long tradition of innovation, inventions, a rich reservoir of creative human talent and world-class ratings in numerous categories.
- 1st in production of wine ( Italy produces 8 billion bottles of vino a year with some of the most popular and highest rated wines anywhere. Italy consumes the most wine per capita—an average of 54 litres per person every year)
- 1st in number of varieties of wine (over 5,000 varieties produced and many of them for as long as 4,000 years)
- 4th most visited country in the world with 41 million tourists per year (only 9 million less than USA which ranks second to France)
- 6th in number of computers, 8th in number of internet users & 10th in number of cell phones (The tiny Republic of San Marino which lies within Italy’s borders, has the 10th wealthiest economy per capita and ranks 1st per capita internationally for number of computer users--708 per 1,000 people own a computer)
- 8th highest in number of university students (The oldest and one of the best universities in the world is Università di Bologna - University of Bologna founded in 1088)
- 1st in the world in marble exports ( Italy supplies 40% of the U.S. marble exports)
- 2nd highest internationally for homeownership (78% of Italians own their own homes)
- 6th for number of Olympic medals (478); 4th place in number of gold medals for Sydney 2000
- 4th for electric generation power and ability
- 2nd in the world for olive oil production ( Spain is first; Italy produced 509,000 tons of olive oil in 2002-2003)
- 8th in military expenditures; 14th largest army with 185,000 military personnel
- 8th in world for number of Nobel laureates
- 5th in global economic importance ( Italy is a G7 economic power with the USA, France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom and Canada; for G8, abovementioned 7 plus Russia)
- 9th highest GDP (gross domestic product: $1.07 trillion in value of goods produced in 2004)
- 7th largest exporter of all goods
- 4th in world for number of billionaires ( Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s Prime Minister is the 35th richest man in the world with $7 billion)
- 16th highest in economic aid given to developing nations
- 1st for number of physicians per 1,000 people
- 10th highest life expectancy (average age is 79.54 years: San Marino’s is the 2nd highest at 81.53 years)
- 7th in life expectancy of healthy years (average 71 years without major health issues; Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world)
- 2nd in health systems (World Health Organization ranking; France is first)
- 3rd highest health system performance
- 2nd for number of elderly living with their children. In Italy the family is paramount.
- 10th nation for number of Mt. Everest ascents (23 from 1953-2001. One of them led by famed explorer Guido Monzino: 5-7 May 1973.)
- 3rd highest in organic cropland (1,230,000 hectares)
- 11th in overall miles of highways
- 1st for pasta production ( Italy is the world’s leading consumer, producer and exporter of pasta. Yearly pasta consumption of 33 kg/person. Annual production of 4.1 million tons.)
 Italy ranks low in the following areas in categories where it’s desirable to be at or near the bottom of the nations’ list: number of prisoners, crimes with firearms, number of rapes, suicide rate, drug offences, divorce rate, fast food consumption, obesity and teen pregnancy.
 Famous Italian
Santa Caterina di Siena - Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s most famous and powerful women in religion, public affairs and literature. She was born on 25 March 1347 in Siena, the 23rd child out of 25 (her twin, the 24th, died at birth); her parents were Giacomo di Benincasa, a cloth-dyer, and his wife, Lapa. At the age of seven she felt a calling and made a vow to serve Christ. When 16 Catherine began to wear the habit of the Dominican Tertiaries. She is especially well known for the discipline of fasting . Scholar Rudolph Bell descibes her life as a powerful example of faith in his book “Holy Anorexia” written in 1985. Catherine tended to the sick and served the poor. She wrote letters to men and women in authority, especially begging for peace between the republics and principalities of Italy and for the return of the papacy from Avignon to Rome. Catherine's public influence reached great heights because of her deep spirituality and strong convictions. She had a detailed correspondence with Pope Gregory XI , also asking him to reform the clergy . In June of 1376 the Republic of Florence sent her to Avignon, France to make peace with the Papal States. She impressed the Pope so much that he returned his administration to Rome in January of 1377. Caterina’s 300 letters are considered one of the great works of early Tuscan literature and her poems are widely published. Her major work is the “Dialogue of Divine Providence”. She died on 29 April 1380 in Rome and is buried in the Church of Saint Maria sopra Minerva. She was canonized in 1461 and has been the co-patron saint of Italy with Saint Francis of Assisi for many centuries. Pope Paul VI bestowed on her in 1970 the title of Doctor of the Church , the first woman ever to receive this honor. In 1999 Pope John Paul II made her one of Europe's patron saints. She is one of the most influential women of Christendom.
New phrase
I geni s'incontrano: Great minds think alike
Place to visit
Florence, with its breathtaking sunsets over the Arno river, its art treasures and gourmet pleasures, make it one of the world’s most loved cities. Firenze is alluring in a way that few places are which explains why it’s a mecca for travelers. Florence is the capital city of the region of Tuscany and from 1865 to 1871 it was also the seat of government for the Kingdom of Italy. Florence's recorded history began with the establishment of Florentia in 59 BC. A center of  medieval European trade and finance , the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its fine art and Cosimo de' Medici was the first Medici family member to exert influence in Firenze. Cosimo was succeeded by his son Piero , followed by Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo de’ Medici in 1469. Lorenzo was a great patron of the arts, commissioning works by Michelangelo , Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. The Medici family dominated politics in Florence for 250 year and led cultural and artistic achievements equaled only by Athens in the golden age. The Medici’s intermarried with most royal families in Europe. Another important Florentine was Niccolò Machiavelli, author of “The Prince” and creator of modern political science. The symbol of Florence is the red fleur-de-luce (Flower of light or lily flower and Fleur-de-lys in French. Adopted by King Phillip of France and it is a symbol associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary.) Places to visit: Ponte Vecchio, first constructed by the Etruscans, is well known for the multitude of shops built on it. Palace San Lorenzo, which has become a monument to the Medici family. The Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art galleries in the world. Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno which houses Michelangelo's Statue of David. There is a replica of David (“Davide” in Italian) in front of the Palazzo della Signoria, an impressive and delightful piazza. Be sure to see the original David. The unfinished works of Michaelengelo, huge slabs of partially chiseled marble, line the walkway as you approach the magnificent David and they are equally awe-inspiring. Michelangelo personally selected most of the marble (his favorite brand was statuario) for his works in the mines of Carrara the oldest industrial site of any kind internationally. It’s been in constant use for over 2,000 years and the 400 quarries of Carrara, world capital of marble, produce more than 200,000 tons of marble every year—the largest and best quality of marble anywhere. The rivers surrounding Carrara are white from the marble dust. Pitti Palace is lavishly decorated with the Medici family's private collection. Adjoining the palace are the Boboli Gardens, elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures. The wondrous Santa Croce  Church, started by St. Francis of Assisi, contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli and many other notables. The crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as "The Duomo ". The magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The nearby Campanile Tower (by Ambrogio Bondone Giotto 1267-1337) and the Baptistery of San Giovanni (St. John) are other highlights. Across from the Duomo are the grandiose bronze doors of Lorenzo Ghiberti. Born Lorenzo di Cione Ghiberti in 1378, he became a favorite son of Firenze. The North Doors took him 21 years to complete. These gilded bronze doors have 28 panels each capturing biblical scenes from the New Testament which the master artiste created from 1404-1424. Ghiberti then spent the next 29 years working on a  second door for the East entrance with 10 panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Michelangelo was in awe and so admired the gates that he nicknamed them The Gates of Paradise and the name remains almost 600 years later. (Three photographs: Full view of Gates of Paradise; close-up of Queen of Sheba and Solomon on the Doors of Paradiso and a self-portrait of Ghiberti which serves as a small tribute to the master sculptor.) A Latin inscription appears on one of the doors: "Look at this beautiful work that I have made." Ghiberti was one of seven artists to vie for the commission of the original door. He began the masterpieces when he was only 25 and worked for almost 50 years to complete both crowning accomplishments. After finishing the two doors a friend observed them in amazement and said it must have given Ghiberti tremendous pride to say “These are my creations”. The master artistè died on 1 December 1455 in Florence.
 Ristorante
Le Fonticine. Founded in 1959 by Mamma Bruna Grazia and named after the 16th Century fountain Le Fonticine by Luca della Robbia on the street outside. Mamma Bruna’s tradition of outstanding Tuscan, Emilia-Romagna cuisine is carried on by her daughter Gianna and son-in-law Silvano Bruci and their son Gianpiero. They extend a warm family welcome to their guests. Their two-thumbs-way-up specialty is the tortelloni “nostra moda” con salsa rosa (homemade ricotta-cheese-stuffed pasta with pomodoro and cream sauce). Mouthwatering papparadelle al cinghialle (homemade wide pasta noodles in a wild boar sauce), taglierini fonticine con salsa tartufo e funghi (thin homemade noodles with truffles and mushroom sauce), marvelous zuppa di verdure (vegetable soup), frittata campagnoloa (mixed vegetable omelet with sausage), bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), succulent eggplant, spinach and funghi (mushrooms) for antipasti (appetizers) or side plates. Mascarpone (cream), meringa (meringue) and zuccotto (Florentine ice cream cake) are all sublime. Tables in the back are preferred d. Silvano, Gianna and Gianpiero’s meals, prepared by the their talented chefs, Nicola Dolfi and Fabrizio Angilella, would make Mamma Bruna proud and you’ll be glad you dined at Le Fonticine. Warm ambiance in a comfortable setting where modern paintings abound. Reservations recommended. Closed Sundays and Mondays and 25 July-25 August every year) Located near the Mercato (market) San Lorenzo and Mercato Centrale at the Porto di Tabernacle: Via Nazionale 79 Rosso, Firenze 50123. Tel. 055.282.106. email: info@lefonticine.com | http://www.lefonticine.com/
Hotel
Grand Hotel & La Pace ***** in Montecatini Terme (21 miles Northwest of Florence). Built in 1870, it’s a masterpiece of Tuscan architecture, lavishly furnished with priceless  antiques. Attentive service in the tradition of the past harmoniously complements the hotel’s contemporary comforts, spa facilities and surrounded by rolling meadows and parkland. The natural spas at Montecatini date back to the 14th Century, are peaceful and relaxing and make for perfect resting places. Enjoy a glass of enriched water or take the plunge for the full treatment. At the Grand Hotel & La Pace and in Montecatini Terme you'll be in illustrious company. Previous visitors include Giuseppe Verdi, Gioacchino Rossini, Giacomo Puccini, Princess Grace, Orson Welles, Eros Ramazzotti, Clark Gable, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Spencer Tracy, Audrey Hepburn, Prince Ranier, Clark Gable, Lady Clementine Churchill, Madame Curie, Randolph Hearst, King Vittorio Emanuele III, King Saud and other assorted European royalty. At Grand Hotel & La Pace’s health center, as in the Roman establishments many years ago, you'll find a gymnasium, water baths of different temperatures and a professional beauty farm where you can get massages, purifying treatments with sea plant and natural herb extracts, mud and everything you need in order to find the aesthetic harmony of your body. Hotel Director Rolando Disperati and his staff provide an idyllic setting and first class service for rejuvenation and relaxation. Gastronomy is an essential part of staying at Grand Hotel & La Pace and Alvaro Bartoli leads a talented team to prepare the best of Tuscan and international cuisine. According to the guest's needs it is possible to prepare personal and diet menus. Michelin rates this property highly and adds: “Historic, prestigious Belle Époque hotel, considered one of the finest hotels in Italy, offers a high-level of quality and services; park with flowers and heated swimming pool. The restaurant also features noteworthy Art Nouveau cuisine.” Open April through October. Via Della Torretta 1, Montecatini Terme, PT Pistoia 51016. Telephone: 0572.9240 FAX: 0572.78451 info@grandhotellapace.it | http://www.grandhotellapace.it/
  Winery
  Castello di Fonterutoli. Castellina in Chianti, SI, Siena. Today, after six centuries, the Mazzei family is still committed to the cultivation of the vine and the production of fine wine. The first documents concerning the Mazzei, who originated in the winemaking zone of Carmignano just to the west of Florence, date to the beginning of the 11th century. Filippo Mazzei (1730-1816; portrait to the left) was a significant historical figure. A restless globetrotter, wine merchant, trained surgeon, intellectual and scholar, he was invited by his friend Thomas Jefferson, at the end of the 18th century, to plant a vineyard near Monticello in Virginia. He arrived at the estate with a group of Tuscan vine-dressers and planted the first vineyard in Virginia. "I thank you for your kindness and generosity," George Washington noted in a letter to Mazzei, dated 1 July 1779 and sent from New Windsor. "Concerning the cultivation of the vine, I am happy to hear that your vineyard is prospering so well." Filippo Mazzei bought 400 acres of land next to Monticello and Thomas Jefferson gave him  2,000 more as a gift. Mazzei was generous as well, introducing Italian horticulture to America and he brought from Italy olive pits, two hundred different kinds of Italian cherries and trees of apricots, almonds, raspberries and strawberries. Jefferson spoke to Mazzei in fluent Italian and the two became close friends. Mazzei contributed these famous words to the Declaration of Independence: “All men are by nature equally free and independent.” Mazzei participated in the American Revolutionary War and the political life of the new country. He was even involved in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Mazzei has been described as "an American patriot” and was honored on a U.S. postage stamp. Our gratitude to Filippo’s descendants, Lapo Mazzei and his sons Francesco and Filippo (Family portrait to the left) and wine maker Carlo Ferrini, for continuing the fine wine-making tradition since 1435 that produces such consistently stellar wines! Two stars indicates 20 Three Glass awards which places Castello di Fonterutoli in the top six most award- winning wineries in La Repubblica Italiana.
Wine
Castello di Fonterutoli 2001. Tre bichiere or three glasses. “Obviously, the flagship Chianti Classico Castello di Fonterutoli 2001 is fantastic. In fact, it’s one of the finest wines of that vintage. As powerful and concentrated on the nose as it is on the palate, it still manages to be elegant. Tight-knit, but not dusty, tannins contribute to a dense, aristocratic mouthfeel, ” says Gambero Rosso, the world’s authoritative guide of Italian wines for over 18 years.
“Italian Wines 2005”, Gambero Rosso and Slow Food Editore, page 506
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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 № 17 Source Notes and Credits
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Italy Rates Highly
- Catherine of Siena – Santa Caterina di Siena
- I geni s'incontrano - Great minds think alike
- Firenze – Florence and Lorenzo Ghiberti
- Ristorante Le Fonticine, Firenze
- Grand Hotel & La Pace, Montecatini Terme
- Castello di Fonterutoli – Castello di Fonterutoli 2001 – Filippo Mazzei
Italy Rates Highly
Catherine of Siena – Santa Caterina di Siena
Firenze – Florence and Lorenzo Ghiberti
I geni s'incontrano - Great minds think alike
Ristorante Le Fonticine
Grand Hotel & La Pace, Montecatini Terme
Castello di Fonterutoli – Castello di Fonterutoli 2001 – Filippo Mazzei
- Castello di Fonterutoli – Castello di Fonterutoli 2001: http://www.fonterutoli.it/default1.htm
- Castello di Fonterutoli – Castello di Fonterutoli 2001: Family History – Filippo Mazzei to Lapo Mazzei Family: http://www.fonterutoli.it/eng/famiglia/main_fr_famiglia.htm
- Castello di Fonterutoli - Filipo Mazzei: “Passage to Liberty -The Story of Italian Immigration and the Rebirth of America”, by A. Kenneth Ciongoli and Jay Parini. Regan Books – Harper Collins Publisher. 2002. ISBN 0060089024
- “Italian Wines 2005”, Gambero Rosso & Slow Food Editore. Editors Daniele Cernilli & Gigi Piumatti. Roma, 2005. page 506
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