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Background: Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

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By AJSchlarb
June 11th 2009

A Great Trip and Good Eats Europe » Italy » Umbria » Montone » Coldipozzo

I Tufi / Coldipozzo
Our Home

We just came back from a wonderful Spring month in Umbria. We are lucky to have a second home in the area of Coldipozzo, just below the most beautiful of Umbrian walled towns, Montone. It was just spectacular! Not to pat myself on the back, but we did bring the sun. We arrived in Rome on May 6th from Newark NJ in the early afternoon to a beautiful day. Got the car and headed toward Perugia. 2 1/2 hours later we were unlocking our front door. The area around the house was frantic with farmer activity. Summer wheat had been planted [View Full Entry]

By robinlnu
May 30th 2009

Norcia over the wild Piano Grande Europe » Italy » Umbria

On our way up these mountains
Leaving Norcia

Day six - May 30, Saturday; Norcia, Hotel Grotta Azzurra Today's hike features magnificent vistas over the wild Piano Grande, a vast plain ringed in by mountains. Here the colorful display of wildflowers is magnificent, especially during the spring and summer. You finish in the remote village of Castelluccio, which sits upon a hill in the midst of this stark beauty, from whence you are transferred back to Norica. (15 km). The next morning we awoke to a some very cool, damp air but the good news was that there weren't many clouds and it appeared we'd have plenty of sunshine, [View Full Entry]

By robinlnu
May 29th 2009

Preci to Norcia Europe » Italy » Umbria

Abbey where trail begins

Day Five Hike - May 29, Friday; from Preci to Norcia, Hotel Grotta Azzurra Our guide states: From Preci a splendid route ascends steadily to meet an ancient path winding through trees to the majestic Abbazia di San Eutizio, once one of the cradles of the Benedictine monastic order. From here, a medieval trail leads across the flank of Monte Macchialunga, through the village of Campi, and along the valley to another pass. The path finally descends via a couple of ancient villages to Norcia, the birthplace of Saint Benedict, 6th century founder of European monasticism. After breakfast we [View Full Entry]

By robinlnu
May 27th 2009

Abbazia San Petro in Valle Europe » Italy » Umbria

Abbazia San Petro in Valle

Day three - May 27, Wednesday; Ferentillo Terni, Abbazia San Petro in Valle You start the day with a transfer to the holy mountain of Monteluco and the scenic Porelle pass. From here, you head through deep woods to ascend to another panoramic pass where you join a medieval stone footpath. This beautiful trail, passing through an abandoned hamlet and a quaint village, winds uphill for more sweeping views. Weaving in and out of woodlands, you finish the hike with a steep descent from the Forca pass to the Abbazia di San Pietro. (17 km) The next days hike stated there [View Full Entry]

By robinlnu
May 25th 2009

Our Hike begins - Spoleto, Italy Europe » Italy » Umbria » Spoleto

What time is it?

Hike - Day one - May 25, Monday; Spoleto, Hotel Clitunno Today's daily itinerary states: We recommend you arrive in Spoleto by train. After your arrival, you have time to explore the town, one of Umbria's finest hilltop towns. The focal point is the fan-shaped Piazza del Duomo, site of the magnificent 12th century cathedral, with a superlative fresco cycle by Fra Fillipo Lipi. Other important monuments that you should not miss include the Roman theatre, the 14th century aqueduct and the Romanesque church of Saint Eufemia. We arrived at our next hotel, Hotel Clitunno, in Spoleto and [View Full Entry]

By robinlnu
May 24th 2009

Assisi, Italy Europe » Italy » Umbria » Assisi

The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Jeff and I had to switch trains to go to Assisi. Once again, we had to ride a bus into the town of Assisi. Fortunately, our hotel, Hotel Berti, was located just inside the city walls. We got into our room and since no one was there yet we decided to walk up the hill to the Basilica of St. Francesco. Jeff and I walked all around the Basilica and viewed the lower church as well as the upper church as well as the tombs below where St. Francis is entombed. The entire Basilica was covered with frescoes and all types [View Full Entry]

By robinlnu
May 23rd 2009

The medieval town of Gubbio Europe » Italy » Umbria » Gubbio

Hotel Bosone Palace
My view upon awakening

The bus dropped us off at the main Piazza Quaranta Martiri in Gubbio. I had directions on how to get to our hotel. We walked up a very steep, cobblestoned, road that was only wide enough for one small car. We came upon a small store that sold various important sundries and we made our first purchase of wine. Jeff wanted to buy local and so we purchased a couple bottles of red wine grown in the region. They each cost around 3 to 5 euros. We were thrilled. We also purchased some local cheese that had the regions famous black [View Full Entry]

By RobynPorter
May 22nd 2009

39 Days and Counting Europe » Italy » Umbria

Tuscany
Just seems like a dream

It's been a while since my feet touched Italian soil and I can't wait to get back. My upcoming trip has been in the works for a while but now the real fun begins. The trip no longer seems like a dream that will come to pass in some distant future. It's here now, right at my fingertips which are itching to feel the smooth surface of my plane ticket. The plans I'm putting into place actually feel they'll happen. As I reserve a cooking class I can smell the fresh cooked pasta and taste mouth-watering garlic roast beast. Yes, I [View Full Entry]

By TiffAbroad
May 8th 2009

Italy Time Europe » Italy » Umbria » Assisi

DSC03006

Hello Ms. Wallwork's class.. I am putting pictures up JUST for you guys so you better feel special :) Italy is great.. (Obviously). It is so beautiful and I have been able to see sooo much! Enjoy the pictures guys:) I wish I had more time to write but I have to get up and get ready for my last day in Italy! :( I've included pictures from all the places I have been to in Italy-Venice, Florence, Rome, and little Assisi ( Uh-see-see) See you soon!! [View Full Entry]

By Megan and Joe
May 7th 2009

Assisi & Cortona Europe » Italy » Umbria » Assisi

door steps

On Thursday we drove to Assisi and Cortona. We wanted to do more but Assisi took time to reach and we spent more time there than expected. It was the prettiest town we have seen. Very clean. The balconies of the homes all have flowers and they have a competition once a year for the best front door-balcony. We walked thru the town and made our way to the Basilica of St. Francis. For those of you that dont know, St. Francis taught equality between man, woman and animal thru Gods teachings. He is the Saint in the brown robe and [View Full Entry]

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