The 19th May 2019 marked a whole day to discover the treasures hidden in the dwellings of the historic city centre that open to the eyes of tourists and visitors between music and shows.

LECCE - For twenty-five years now, the "Cortili Aperti"  or “open courtyards” have been presented to a public of enthusiasts who, year after year, follow the event organized by the A.D.S.I. (Italian Historic Houses Association).

Under the careful direction of Alessandra Carucci and Paola Valentini, the beautiful residences of the historic centre of Lecce were revealed to the eyes of lovers and lovers of beauty of antiquity in art, sculptures, gardens and beautiful flowers in full bloom.

The evening was accompanied by music, art and poetic inspiration of the many artists who like every year, have decided to embellish the Lecce palazzo's.

The idea of ​​the event is to encourage the owners to open their "Houses" to the public and to share the hidden beauty of their gardens and courtyards which usually sit behind closed doors.

The aim of the event is to create a bond that unites owners and amateurs bringing them to a common purpose: that is, to protect the expressions of Lecce’s culture.


Italy is a nation rich in art and culture. It is right that the public and private organizations work together to protect art and therefore the beauty that permeates it’s nation and it’s cities.

Open courtyards, for a day, aspires to create this atmosphere around those who decide to take advantage of the occasion. And the people did take advantage in large numbers with the locals of Lecce leisurely walking the winding streets and enjoying its baroque architecture in its full glory.

With the feeling that it is now known that man lives better if surrounded by beauty...and Lecce certainly has that in abundance. 

We hope that you too will join us next year for this wonderful event.
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Eat well to be happy is the key theme addressed in the tour 'Good health. Intestine, conscious nutrition and biochemistry of joy " which in the following months will stop in the main Italian cities.

At the centre of the show is the precious advice of Dr. Pier Luigi Rossi, an expert in food science and hygiene and preventive medicine. The tour stops around Italy aim to reveal to the population the often underestimated relationship between the intestine, the brain and mood.

The Joy and sadness arise from what we eat:

The first step to being happy is to pay attention to our nutrition. "Joy, happiness and sadness come from what we eat and not only from the psychological, social and emotional conditions that affect us", explains the expert in his latest book 'The intestine. The sixth sense of our body'.  He explains how it is fundamental to be aware, not only of the mechanisms of the intestine, but also of the properties of the foods we eat at the table.

To explain scientifically the correlation between nutrition and mood is the presence in the intestine of some cells associated with the production of serotonin, the so-called "good mood hormone".

"Every time we ingest food in our body, a biological event takes place that starting from the intestine involves the entire organism: this process changes the intestinal bacterial composition, the cellular metabolism, the hormonal and the gene profile", explains Dr. Rossi.

What are the 'friends' of good humour?

The foods that, according to the expert, promote good humour are whole grains, plant foods, legumes and oil seeds.

Dr. Pier Luigi Rossi recalls how important it is to know how to properly feed the intestine and with it the 100 billion bacteria that "inhabit" it. The microbiotics, in fact, feed on the nutritive principles it has available and develops molecules capable of influencing the mood.

"The intestine must be known to nourish, because" it is able to modulate the voluntary and autonomous central nervous system, the immune system, the hormonal system and the entire cellular metabolism" recalls the expert.

It is well known that the Italian diet is one of the healthiest in the world but we can all benefit from a little reminder every now and again on the importance of nutrition and good quality food to our physical and emotional well being.

At the heart of The Italian School is the promotion of  0 km, organic food.  Recipes that take us back in time to traditional Southern Italian home cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients.  Why not join us on one of our Food and Wine Tours of Puglia to learn about the fantastic food and wines of this special region.  We believe it really is possible to eat your way to happiness!

Spanning Italy’s south coast, on the heel of its famous boot, Puglia’s warm climate and fertile soil make it the ideal place for farming.  The home to hundreds of olive trees dating back as far as 3,000 years Puglia has a rich farming history. It's hospitable residents give Puglia its distinctly rustic charm. 

The taste of the food is just as important as it's "genuine" nutrition to the people of Puglia.  It's delicious cuisine made from organic, local produce is the most popular kind.  The cuisine of Puglia is based around vegetables, meat and fish with a fantastic range of organic wines.  This weekend we visited a Masseria near Otranto which was buzzing with local families and Apulian cuisine at it's finest. 

​The Masseria which homes a working farm produces everything for it's restaurant organically and at 0km within it's attractive grounds.  The restaurants set menu boasts the homegrown vegetables in the antipasto to the fruits and meat right down to the wheat that is used in their handmade fresh pasta and the jam in their homemade dessert.  It's no wonder Puglia is proving so popular as a holiday destination for food and wine enthusiasts across the world.

The limited-numbers tour is fast becoming the best way to get to know a place like Puglia. With a maximum of only 8 travellers on a tour, our members enjoy a travel experience which is intimate enough to get them into that small family run Masseria's to eat with the locals and the small artisan workshop's not to be found on the main tourist tracks.  Experiences that can be enjoyed with like-minded travellers and local experienced guides.

In a region like Puglia, which is best enjoyed by car, a group tour offers the comfort of transport by local qualified drivers who know how to reach the hidden gems down the narrow winding olive tree lined roads without names.   Our customers don't only visit locations, they discover destinations, immersing themselves in another culture, indulging in the wonders of the rustic local cuisine and experiencing breathtaking moments in comfort with the added luxury of a local expert to guide their experience.  Of course Puglia can be discovered alone but it would be a pity to visit and miss the magical places known only to the locals.

​One of the many things I love about Lecce is the constant new discoveries and natural local produce.  Just when you think you know the area that you live you come across a wonderful new find.  Today for me that was “Formaggi da Rosa” the “cheese by Rosa”.  The sign pointed off the little roundabout, where goats often cross the road, down a little winding road near our house. 
 
We decided to check it out.  After a little longer than anticipated and stopping off at several wild fig trees along the way for some free organic figs we arrived at a traditional masseria.  This was not the sort of high class Masseria that is now so popular with tourists but a rustic, working, family run masseria.  There were children roaming around, tractors parked up and linen hanging on the washing line.  You really had the feeling that you were wandering into someones home.

​To the left there was a little orange building with the “Formaggi da Rosa” sign and just inside Rosa was waiting.  We found a wonderful selection of hard and soft cheeses.  On Rosa's direction we tried a selection.  For me the hard Ricotta was the star of the show.  It was salty and delicious.  For sure it was going to go perfectly with our figs!

​Just as we were about to pay we noticed some fresh eggs on the counter and asked if there were anymore. Rosa said “certo!” and left through the front door.  It didn’t take us long to realise that she had gone to take the eggs fresh from the chickens.  She returned with basket full of fresh eggs.

There is something so satisfying about buying fresh organic produce from local people.  The cheese and eggs that we bought were so fresh, organic and had travelled 0 km.  This is something that is prominent in Lecce.  There is an awareness of the environment and the health benefits of buying local organic produce.  Health and the environment is taken so seriously and the good food is protected by the people.

Zero km food (0 km food) is a concept which first appeared in Italy a few years ago. It indicates the food produced, sold and eaten locally, food which has travelled zero kilometres. It mainly refers to non-industrial fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and honey which does not go through global trade chains, therefore it does not have the big price margins and quality lost during long storage in international supermarkets.
 
0 Km food is serious business in Lecce and also has an important ecological aspect which can not be overseen.  Since there is no transport involved the environment does not suffer from direct and indirect pollution. 

It is wonderful to see the hard work and dedication of the Italian people for preserving and protecting their food sources.  Visiting these wonderful places is like stepping back in time, living a simpler life and a welcome reminder that our health and family are the most important things that we have. 

This little podcast is going to be a little bit different from the previous one. 
It will be actually composed 2 video podcast... The first one is an English version and the second one is the same version but in Italian.
We think it is a good occasion to make some practice of Listening to an Italian mother tongue. 
Hope you will like it and as usual if you have any comment we will be very happy to read them..

....and down below you can listen to the Italian version of the podcast
Happy listening

According to scientists at Leicester University, people stay healthier for longer, in Italy, compared with those in other European countries. And the differences in the Euro health league tables are really quite striking with Italy appearing first for good health.  But why is this?  Why do Italians live longer?  And why do they also seem to be happier?  There is a lot in the media about loneliness, mindfulness and stress but this seems to be something that Italians have been aware of for centuries.  

In this first podcast episode Emanuele will talk about Family in Italy which is the first Secret of Living like an Italian that we have identified..

A trip down the Prosecco Road should be on the bucket list of every sparkling wine fan.  For more reasons than the bountiful glasses of the UK’s favourite fizz – and there is a lot of it available here - the Prosecco Road is stunning in its own right. Unbelievably almost tourist-free it has a few amazing surprises tucked along its twists and turns.
Here are some of the must-see spots along the Prosecco Road.

​Fancy a sip of something fizzy on the go? Up in the hills of the Prosecco valley is a vending machine – that’s right, a vending machine – that dispenses perfectly chilled bottles of Prosecco. The hill you need to find is the famous Colline del Cartizze. Perched at the top will be a little wooden shelter, and underneath it the famed vending machine.
Here you can pick up Prosecco, glasses and a selection of tasty snacks. Settle down on one of the nearby benches and soak in the amazing view as you sip the good stuff.
There is one piece of bad news: You need an Italian ID to operate this amazing vending machine. But if you're on one of The Italian School tours we are very happy to use our ID for you to sit and enjoy a glass of bubbly Prosecco and take in this fantastic view.

​No trip down the Prosecco Road would be complete without stopping in at Osteria Senz’Oste, the “tavern without a host”.
This Prosecco Road legend is run by a local salami maker who stops by only occasionally. On most trips to this old stone cottage you’ll find a fridge stocked with bottles of Prosecco, lovely local meats and cheeses and, of course, salami! Your finds can be enjoyed on the shady terrace, which overlooks the region’s beautiful vineyards.
When it comes to the time to pay, this establishment operates on the honour system. You simply pay what you owe at a self-service till and leave!
Note that the Osteria Senz’Oste can be difficult to find, so plan ahead and ask for directions at nearby San Stefano.

​You can’t go to the Prosecco Road without visiting a winery or two. The wineries producing the Prosecco Superiore are situated right in the middle of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG region, where the highest quality Prosecco's are produced.
You can visit these artisan wineries by appointment only all year round and partake in a tasting in their wine cellars.
The family run artisan wineries that make up The Italian School tours offer a magnificent range of sparkling and still wines which are produced using traditional processes which have been passed down through generations.  These high quality prosecco's are produced in small numbers so are rarely found outside of the region - you’re sure to find something you want to take home.

​The L’Anello Del Prosecco is a nature-lover’s dream come true. This 8km hiking and biking trail, whose name translates into ‘The Prosecco Ring’, starts and finishes in the sleepy village of San Pietro di Barbozza. In between it snakes through some of the region’s most spectacular small towns and past truly remarkable scenery.
A two hour walk or 45-minute cycle, it’s of medium difficulty but well worth the effort. Be sure to bring a camera; you’ll see stunning views of old churches and vineyards alike. On clear days, you can even see the city of Venice shimmering in the distance.

A visit to Conegliano can start from the Corso Vittorio Emanuele - this road was built outside the original defensive walls and known as the Refosso. Along this route you can see some important monuments such as the Church of San Rocco (17th century, with a façade in the Neoclassic style); Piazza Cima; and the Teatro dell'Accademia (Academy Theatre - a 19th century building also in the Neoclassic style).
Enter the old town of Conegliano through the Porta Dante (Dante's Gate) with the beautiful Fountain of Neptune, or the Porta Monticano.
The Cathedral in Conegliano dates from 1491 and is divided into three aisles, with curved archs.
It is very rich in important frescoes and paintings, including the renowned and evocative altarpiece by Cima from Conegliano (c.1459-c.1518) with the fine 'Virgin Mary with the child between angels and saints', and continuing with Iacopo Negretti (aka Palma il Giovane) and his Santa Caterina fresco, and the altar piece of the Saints Bonaventure and Catherine by the local painter Francesco Beccaruzzi.
Other artistic highlights in the cathedral include the 16th century 'Baptism of Christ' by Francesco Fringimelica and 'The Annunciation' by Belgian painter Ludovico Pozzoserrato.
For more information about our Prosecco Road Tour and Spa weekends click on the link below!
www.theitalianschool.co.uk/prosecco-tasting-holidays.html

According to scientists at Leicester University, people stay healthier for longer, in Italy, compared with those in other European countries. And the differences in the Euro health league tables are really quite striking with Italy appearing first for good health.  But why is this?  Why do Italians live longer?  And why do they also seem to be happier?  There is a lot in the media about loneliness, mindfulness and stress but this seems to be something that Italians have been aware of for centuries.  Social interactions are deeply ingrained into the Italians lives and they negotiate these issues with ease, and perhaps without even being fully aware that they are addressing them at all on a daily basis. Social relationships both quantity and quality have been proven to affect mental health, health behaviour, physical health, and mortality risk.  But is this secret to a longer life?  We believe it is a very important factor and it is for a combination of reasons that the Italians are living “La Dolce Vita."

1. Family values
Family is the most important thing to Italians.  They are proud of their relations and family get togethers are a treasured event.  Relatives welcome each other with open arms, kisses and an enthusiasm which never falters.  Any occasion is an opportunity to get together and eat together.  Disagreements are had of course, sometimes even often but they are aired (loudly) and openly and resolved usually just as quickly.  There is no such thing as biting your tongue and bottling it up.  Italians get things out there preventing built up bad feelings and let’s face it they are family after all so that is just fine.
 
2. If you’re going to love someone, Love Them Passionately
When an Italian falls in love they want the world to know!  Every other word they speak becomes “amore!”  They embrace each other often and with passion.  Public signs of affection are met with smiles by onlookers.  People are happy for them.  The relationships are usually long but when marriage finally arrives so does a very large wedding!  With all members of the family being invited from far and wide the love is celebrated in true Italian style with a feast fit for a king and music and dancing.
 
3. Show your emotions
Italian men do not shy away from their emotions.  Neither are emotions seen in any way to compromise their masculinity.  Emotions are there to be shared and if an Italian man or woman wants to cry then they will.  Crying, shouting and laughing are all parts of natural expression.  And why would you try to supress that right?!
 
4. Take a walk
Taking a “Passeggiata” is still the most popular past time of the Italian people.  For the young and old it’s not just taking a walk, it’s more of a wander.  A wander around the town to admire the architecture and to say hello to passing friends.  A great form of exercise it can be done before dinner to build up an appetite or after dinner to digest and maybe get a “gelato” along the way.  The “Passegiata” is done only for pleasure like most things in Italy but it has many health benefits from improving circulation to relaxation and reducing stress. 
 
5. Compliments
If somebody looks good Italians will tell them.  It doesn’t even matter if you don’t really know the person.  If the compliment is thought, it is said.  Compliments flow all day for various reasons with “bello” and “bravo” being heard all over town.  Compliments are really great for self-esteem and for feeling good about yourself too. 
 
6. Coffee 
There seems to be endless health warnings about coffee but there is no prising Italians away from their coffee. Millions of Italians rely on a morning espresso to get started so perhaps it is something to do with the way it’s being drank? More recently coffee has been claimed to prevent depression.  Because of the way it is made and its concentration, an espresso is thought to contain two to three times the number of healthy antioxidants of coffee made by other brewing methods. Outside of Italy we are pretty keen on coffee too, but 85% of the stuff we drink is instant, which is not only, arguably, disgusting, but contains few of the alleged health benefits associated with an Italian espresso.  So there it is, Espresso is the answer!
 
7. Eat well
It will come as no surprise that eating is taken very seriously in Italy.  It is at the very centre of Italian life.  But what may not be so obvious is the importance of good quality food.  Good food in the sense of healthy and wholesome food.  Food in Italy is very closely monitored by the government and the people alike.  Expectations for food to be good quality and free from nasty additives and preservatives are high.  Italians eat food for pleasure but they also understand nutrition.  They are meticulous about food combinations and eating balanced meals.  Meals are served in a series of smaller dishes with long waits in between courses.  This prevents people getting overly full and helps to aid digestion.  Fruit and vegetables are eaten when they are at their best and in season.  And this way they are also at their most delicious.
 
8. Respect your health
Italians are known for being hypochondriacs. But what is more important than our health?  They treat their bodies carefully and if they fall ill a good recovery is of upmost importance.  You would never catch an Italian with a cold “Soldiering on”.  They will be tucked up a home recovering with mamma’s homemade broth.
 
9. Get out of the house
Italians love their homes but they don’t spend much time in them.  Traditionally Italian homes do not have sofas but large dining room tables instead.  The evening is spent around the dinner table eating, chatting and being with your family.  Then after dinner they go to bed or they go for a walk.  There is no culture for sitting in front of the television.
 
10. Take it slow
Italians take the word “slow” to a whole new meaning but they don’t see it as slow.  It’s more of a take it easy. They walk slowly taking in their surroundings wandering with no particular place to go and they started the Slow Food Movement. It can be difficult for people outside of Southern Europe to adapt to this new way of life but eventually you realize just how relaxing and carefree life is if you just slow down. The days are longer as they start earlier and finish later with a good “siesta” in the afternoon to recharge the batteries after a long lunch.  Lunch can last for hours and this is a great way to de-stress and reconnect with your friends and family.  The food is wholesome and a pleasure to eat, you know while you are eating that it is nourishing you. Not like grabbing a sandwich on the go! Life is so much better if you aren’t flying through it and you take the time to really breathe it in and enjoy it.