Alex Sakalis

1 week ago | italymagazine.com | Alex Sakalis

Is San Marino a heroic ode to liberty or just a glorified souvenir shop that declared independence? My skepticism toward the world’s oldest republic — a small enclave bordered by Italy (but mostly the province of Rimini) on all sides — had put me off visiting, despite living a short train and bus ride away. The Italians I know harbor generally bad opinions of San Marino, dismissing it as a gimmick or a money laundering racket for dirty Italian money. Think Switzerland without the substance.

1 month ago | italymagazine.com | Alex Sakalis

Rome in high season can be a whirlwind of crowds, long lines and packed piazzas — but away from the well-worn paths of the Colosseum and Vatican Museums is a city brimming with unique cultural events. Though the city itself is “eternal,” certain things on the calendar run for a limited time only. Add these exhibitions in Rome to your list if you’re looking for something special to do on your next visit.

Feb 21, 2025 | italymagazine.com | Alex Sakalis

“Willkommen. Benvenuti. Welcome.” These are the three familiar greetings written on the sign at Parco Cervi, deep and high in Italy’s Dolomite region. Yet towering above them all in bold, capital letters is an enigmatic fourth phrase:“BËGNODÜS!” it practically screams. “TL PARCH DI CERF TL ALTA BADIA!” Keen linguists might recognize it as a Romance language, and those familiar with Italian can likely infer its meaning.

Feb 2, 2025 | italymagazine.com | Alex Sakalis

Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera — one of the world’s most venerable art museums — is expanding. Under director Angelo Crespi, the preeminent home of Italian Old Masters aims to become a flagship of modern and contemporary art. And with the recent inauguration of its new modern collection at Palazzo Citterio, it’s at least partially succeeded. It’s been a long time coming.

Nov 26, 2024 | italymagazine.com | Alex Sakalis

The Dolomites are written about frequently, but you’ll rarely see any mention of their only real city, Bolzano; if you do, it’s usually in relation to the famous annual Christmas market, which kicks into gear later this week. But the city is much more than a mere backdrop for merry holiday vendors.