Learn how to vacation as the Italians do!
Relax in the Countryside and Farmhouses/Relax in campagna e in un agriturismo
Guest Speaker: Marco Evangelista, Director of Journeys by Central Holidays
Discover the beauty of the Italian countryside, rolling hills, charming farmhouses, and the essence of the simplistic living with us! We will virtually travel across iconic areas of Italy but also the lesser-known relaxing countryside.
Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat.
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Celebrating Naples: A Journey Through History Presented by Anita Sanseverino
Naples is a city filled with art treasures, churches of magnificent design, palazzi, an ancient centro storico, the magnificent seafront area called Lungomare with its majestic view of Mount Vesuvius, and many other historic and artistic sights.
Naples has been called “the stepchild of Italy” - and Anita Sanseverino is determined to change that undeserved perception.
“When you say to most people that you are going to Naples, they say, “Oh, don’t go there, it’s dangerous,” she said. “Aside from the fact that it is not true, the irony of this statement is that none of the people who say this have ever been there!”
Anita is certain that her fascinating lecture and beautiful photographs will ensure that Naples is on the priority list of people who plan to travel to Italy, just as much as Venice, Florence and Rome.
She will highlight the illustrious history of this once-royal kingdom dating back to its origins as the Greek city of Partenope. She will discuss the various rulers and dynasties that occupied Naples, and why unification might not have been the best thing to happen to this former kingdom.
Anita will share her personal experiences in Naples, especially with its generous citizens. “When people talk about Italians and their characteristics, they are unknowingly talking specifically about Neapolitans,” she said. “As much as Italians in general are known for their love of food, music, of life in general, these qualities are 10-fold in Neapolitans. They are the quintessential Italians.”
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Italy’s Best Kept Wine Secrets: How To Spice Up Your Wine Rack For The Fall Walking through pumpkin patches. Cutting oven-roasted Turkey. Pulling checkered flannel out of your closet. Every season has its style. So does wine… In this wine class, author and importer Tony Margiotta will show you how to pair 4 delicious Italian wines with food for the Fall season. You won’t believe how easy it is once it’s revealed to you! You’ll discover:- How To Pair Food & Wine In The Fall
- A White Wine That Can Outlive Some Reds
- A Daring Wine Pairing With Turkey
- The People’s Wine In Piemonte
- When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do With This Timeless Classic
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“Festa della Repubblica”: How Italy Became a Republic Presented by Francesco Ranci The “Festa della Repubblica” is celebrated on June 2nd because on that very day, in 1946, the Italian people went to the polls. For the first time after 20 years of Fascism, after World War II had largely destroyed the country, they had an important choice to make. “Monarchia” or “Repubblica” ? Women were also allowed to vote, for the first time in Italian history, and so they did. Credit is usually given to Alcide De Gasperi for the remarkably consequential decision to call the entire population to a vote on such a huge and controversial issue. The choice was “Repubblica” by a close margin, and King Umberto II went into exile. In this presentation, we will look into the significance of this turning point in Italian history, for internal stability and international prestige. The message De Gasperi wanted to convey through the June 2nd referendum was that Italy could, and should be considered a trustworthy partner by the U.S. and their allies, now facing the Cold War against the Soviet Union. In 1950, official celebrations included the Italian Army’s parade in Rome. In 1961, the parade was joined by the “Frecce Tricolori”. -
Part 2: Primo Levi (1919-1987), a Holocaust survivor. How can one find the words to describe the trauma and agony suffered at Auschwitz after one’s humanity has been taken away? For Primo Levi, a Holocaust survivor, the real drama was finding the appropriate language to describe the horrors and unspeakable events he encountered while imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz during World War II. Levi wanted to tell a story that embodied the living testimony for millions of people who did not survive to talk about their own experience. He had a burning desire to be the spokesperson for those who were mercilessly exterminated. In this virtual presentation, we will explore Levi’s life; how Italian Jews saw themselves vis-à-vis the rise of fascism; his experience at Auschwitz; and his commitment to keep alive the narrative of the Holocaust, lest we forget. -
Four-Part Series: “If you are not indifferent...Part 1. Commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a Book Presentation “It Happened in Italy, Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust” presented by Elizabeth Bettina. Imagine Elizabeth Bettina’s surprise when she discovered that her grandmother’s village had a secret: over a half century ago, many of Campagna’s residents defied the Nazis and risked their lives to shelter and save hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. What followed her discovery became an adventure as she uncovered fascinating untold stories of Jews in Italy during World War II and the many Italians who risked everything to save them. It is a work that brings to light the little-known history of how approximately 80% of Jews in Italy were saved during the Holocaust. -
Artemisia Gentileschi: The only known female follower of Caravaggio Presented by Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka For the excellence of her art Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1652-3) is today among the most prominent Italian Baroque painters, male or female. In male dominated art world this girl, born in Rome, was the first female professional painter who obtained high honors: she was the first woman member of the celebrated Florentine Art Academy; THE MEDiCI FAMILY AND THE KINGS OF SPAIN AND ENGLAND commissioned paintings from her. In spite of accomplishments and fame during her lifetime for almost three centuries oblivion and silence hid her artwork. Recent scholarly research gave Artemisia well deserved place in art history. In most of her paintings she did not conform to or imitated style or topics that were traditional at the time. Her subjects were women from the Bible and the history, women victims who suffered, but who were determined and active in taking their destiny into their own hands. Paintings with such topics required radically different treatment and Artemisia created and introduced dramatic and original depiction of her heroines that, with exception of Caravaggio, was rarely seen in European art. Artemisia’s style and choice of the subjects might have been influenced by her painful experience as a survivor and innocent victim of a rape. A public scandal that ensued almost ruined her reputation as a painter. In this presentation we will hear about her hard life and see her most famous paintings. -
BOOK PRESENTATION: CELIBATE: A MEMOIR Presented by Maria Giura (Author) Join us as Maria Giura reads from her memoir Celibate, a story about her years-long relationship with a priest and her tumultuous journey toward authentic love. She’ll read excerpts in the contexts of eros and agape and will weave in anecdotes about writing. Books will be available for sale and signing or can be purchased in advance online at Amazon or B&N. -
BOOK PRESENTATION: LAST STOP ON THE SIX Presented by Patricia Dunn (Author)
To purchase the book, click here.
Can you ever really go home again? Theresa Angela Campanosi is about to find out in LAST STOP ON THE 6, a hilarious, hard-hitting and big-hearted novel that brings to mind the movie ‘A Bronx Tale.’ Dunn’s novel tells the story of Angela, who navigates love, guilt, and red gravy as she learns the price of living in the past.
After a decade as a political activist in California, Angela is back in her childhood home about to topple her family’s tower of secrets: the truth about her brother’s accident, impending marriage and subsequent disappearance, her alcoholic father’s fall off the wagon, and her former boyfriend’s recovery from heroin addiction. And most of all, why Fat Freddie is tormenting her family.
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Bye-Bye Winter … Hello Spring!
Learn the best gardening tips for getting your garden ready for the season!
In this short presentation, professional Landscape Designer and Garden Coach Carmen De Vito shares her best advice for preparing your garden for a successful growing season. Whether you have a small plot or an acre of space, you will learn gardening practices that will boost your confidence. You will be able to plan and plant a garden that brings you joy and is good for you and for the environment.
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Celebrating Dante Alighieri: The man, the era he lived in, and his impact on Western civilization Presented by Prof. Louis Leonini Homer, Dante and Shakespeare are considered giants of world literature. Of all three, however, Dante's Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time. In this lecture, Professor Louis Leonini will defend this critique as he takes you back in time to explore Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), his romantic poetry, his study of Italian dialects (De Vulgari), and Florentine Italian - which later became what is now called Standard Italian. We can often judge a man and his work by his admirers. The professor will tell how Boccaccio and Michelangelo idolized Dante, and Petrarch, Chaucer, Milton, and Shelley were strongly influenced by him. Botticelli made drawings for the Divine Comedy, and William Blake (a 19th century English romantic poet) actually learned Italian so he could read Dante's great work in the original. This lecture will examine what motivated Dante's great work, how it was written, and its impact even today, 700 years after his death. -
Celebrating Dante Alighieri: Spectacular Illustrations of Dante's Inferno Presented by Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka
Much has been said about the great influence and impact that Dante Alighieri’s masterpiece - Divine Comedy - had on the Italian language and on Italian and world literature. Dante’s decision to write not in Latin, but in the dialect of his native Florence, contributed to the linguistic unification of Italy several centuries before its political unification. In addition, the literary value of Dante’s masterpiece inspired many writers and poets around the world.
Less is mentioned about artworks inspired by Dante’s trilogy. Many painters, sculptors and composers, throughout centuries, were emotionally and artistically affected and moved by the episodes in Divine Comedy, especially the tragic destiny of sinners in Hell, the place of immense, eternal pain and suffering. Perhaps Dante never envisioned that his picturesque descriptions would be transferred to another media such as drawing, painting, sculpture and music.
In this presentation, we will see some of the most remarkable episodes from Hell, illustrated by artists from the 15th to 20th century: Botticelli, Zuccaro, Sardano, Dore’, Blake, Rodin and Dali. Dante’s poetic words inspired their creative imagination, and they depicted faithfully and in detail Dante’s vision of Hell’s horrors and his emotional reaction
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Celebrating the history and scenic beauty of Campania Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm Featuring Anita Sanseverino and Louis Barrella
Campania felix translates to “happy countryside,” which is what the early Romans called this region in southwestern Italy. This area was settled long before the Romans - even before the Greeks! Join Anita Sanseverino and Lou Barella as they celebrate the history and scenic beauty of the Campania region.
Learn about Magna Graecia, Partenopea, the Kingdom of Naples, the maritime Republic of Amalfi with its beautiful coast … these are just some of the highlights that Anita will describe in her presentation. Enjoy Anita’s photographs, and a video created by Lou Barella to further enhance your appreciation for this beautiful region of Italy.
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Celebrating the Neapolitan Presepio A Christmas Tradition in the Italian American Community by Anita Sanseverino & Lou Barrella Get ready to begin the Holy Day Season at Casa Belvedere! Explore the origins of the Neapolitan Presepio tradition and its endurance by talented artisans who create this art form, both of old and of today. This lecture and video presentation will feature photos taken in the shops of Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in churches and homes throughout the metropolitan area. They portray a variety of expression that keeps the Presepio a vibrant symbol of Christmas. Appropriate music sung by Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, among others, will enhance your visual enjoyment. -
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Dante’s Inferno The Passion of Love, as seen in Dante’s V Canto of the Inferno Maria Bonavita, in collaboration with actress Giusy Lo Schiavo joining us live from Rome, Italy, invites you to descend to Dante’s second circle of the Inferno to experience the intense passion of love between Paolo and Francesca, who allowed themselves to be swept away by carnal love. -
How Italian Are You? Discover if you qualify for Italian citizenship and what its benefits can mean for you! Presented by Carla Megale Di Tommaso
When someone asks, “Are you Italian?,” you probably answer “Yes!” Whether you are a native citizen of Italy or not, being Italian is part of who you are. And Italy is in your blood - more than you may know.
Italy’s Jure Sanguinis - a “Blood Law” - gives you the legal right to inherit citizenship from your parents or grandparents, regardless of where you were born.
What about your children? Does being an Italian citizen, even with a valid passport, mean your children are also Italian? Probably, but only if Italian authorities have a record of their birth.
And what if you’re married to an Italian citizen? You’ve grown to love Italy, you love to visit, you dream of retiring in Italy. Being married to an Italian gives you a good chance of acquiring Italian citizenship along with all its rights and benefits.
Some of you may just want to know more about your Italian ancestors, to discover details that will unlock mysteries about their lives. Answers may be found by searching township archives in Italy. They contain centuries of certificates of birth, of marriage and of death; they even record recurring names, changed names and other surprising, little-known facts.
All these different scenarios require different procedures that can seem dauntingly complicated. In fact, they are not simple. They entail knowing the requisite documents and correct sequence for obtaining them that will lead to certification of Italian citizenship.
If your life goals include becoming an Italian citizen or having your important life events recorded in Italy, check out this special presentation.
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Everyone knows Italians speak with their hands. However, many people think that they are just waving their hands and arms in the air while speaking. This is not true. There are at least 250 gestures with very specific meanings, that Italians use when speaking about certain things. Eloquent in their movements, Italians can offer a wealth of information without saying a word! Join Anita Sanseverino and Lou Leonini on January 19 in an informative and entertaining presentation to learn not only what these gestures mean, but also why, more than any other people, did they become so much a part of the Italian way of communicating. -
Italy: The World’s Lifestyle Superpower Italians have always been masters of reinvention. In this fascinating exploration of post World War II Italy, we will explore how the country rose from the ashes and devastation to transform from the face of Il Duce to La Dolce Vita, and how “Brand Italy” came to conquer the world through its passion and excellence in the realms of film, fashion and design, gastronomy, and viticulture. The program will be presented virtually by lecturer and award-winning author Carla Gambescia, who has been an advertising and marketing executive, entrepreneur and restaurateur. She co-created the Giro del Gelato bike tour which won OUTSIDE Magazine’s "Best Trip in Western Europe." -
La Settimana Santa: Holy Week and Easter Traditions Presented by Anne RobichaudIn Assisi on Good Friday night, locals and clergy begin La Processione del Cristo Morto, beginning at the Cathedral of San Rufino and following a statue of the Sorrowful Mother to the Basilica di San Francesco, where La Madonna meets her Son.On Easter Sunday, Umbrians feast (logicamente!) on “Blessed Food” before Mass. A decadent breakfast includes robust red wine; Torta di Pasqua, a savory cheese bread, often topped with homemade salami, prosciutto and/or capocollo; hard-boiled eggs drizzled with the family’s olive oil and a bit of lemon juice squeezed on top; and sweet cakes with sprinkles. The ingredients used to make these foods are blessed by local priests on Holy Saturday afternoon, making them literally “Blessed Foods.”This presentation was recorded live from Assisi to explore ancient traditions connected to Holy Week. -
Celebrating Women History Month Live from Italy: Meet Italian Real Estate Guru Nikki Taylor For Women’s History Month, join us on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 pm as Nikki Taylor, an Italian Real Estate Guru and CEO of Italy Property Consulting, shares her invaluable expertise when it comes to buying property in Italy. Nikki will walk us through the real-life scenarios of purchasing overseas. She will share the best spots to invest in Italy right now and why it is crucial to obtain independent specialist advice when thinking of purchasing property in Italy. If you are thinking of making the leap and purchasing a home to live “la dolce vita,” this is an event you won’t want to miss. -
A special two-part virtual series. Presented by Carla Gambescia
Part 1: Humanizing Art - Giotto di Bondone
Considered to be the "Father of the Renaissance," Giotto di Bondone was one of the earliest artists to paint more realistic figures rather than the flat, stylized, decorative images of the medieval and Byzantine periods. Like his contemporaries Dante and Boccaccio, his art drew from life with its attention to natural representations of the human form and emotional realism and expression. Recognized in his own time as a revolutionary, Giotto’s work was transformative in opening the door to the Renaissance. According to Giorgio Vasari, it was Giotto who restored the link between art and nature. Join us for an in-depth exploration of Giotto’s fresco cycle of the Arena Chapel in Padua (an easy day trip from Venice), considered to be his greatest work
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A special two-part virtual series presented by Carla Gambescia
Part 2: Art as Propaganda in Baroque Rome Two of the 17th century’s most drama-loving artists, painter Caravaggio and sculptor Bernini, both pushed their respective mediums to new heights while working in Rome under a series of surprisingly artistically adventurous popes. Both are synonymous with the Baroque era. "Bad boy" Caravaggio had to flee Rome after he killed a man in a brawl, while Bernini died an old man, beloved in his adopted home. We will compare and contrast their art and legacies and explore the broader political and artistic milieu in which they were working. We will also learn the role their respective artistic genius played in furthering the Counter-Reformation, as well as art, photography and cinema today. -
Plant in the Fall & Put the Garden to BED! Fall is a great time to PLAN and PLANT the garden and get a head start on next year’s growth ! In this presentation, garden designer Carmen DeVito of www.gardencult.com will give you ideas on what and how to plant in Fall as well as guidance on how to prepare the garden for Winter. She will share her favorite plants for Fall/ Winter color as well her favorite Bulbs for Spring bloom and share some time tested techniques to save you time and expense when you do your fall clean up. -
Make great Prosecco cocktails from the comfort of your own home—and learn about the world’s most popular Italian bubbly with drinks author Amy Zavatto Do you know the difference between Prosecco and Champagne? Have you ever seen the stunning, hand-harvested, near vertical Cartizze vineyards of Prosecco’s DOCG region in the Veneto? Did you know that paying attention to a few simple (but sometimes cleverly hidden!) words on a Prosecco label can make you more savvy when selecting just the right sparkling for your occasion? Are you ready to be convinced that bubbles make everything (especially cocktails) better?! Let's virtually tour the effervescent world of Prosecco with wine and spirits journalist and Staten Island resident Amy Zavatto, the author of Prosecco Made Me Do It: 60 Seriously Sparkling Cocktails. Shewill take you on a sparkling tour through the effervescent world of Prosecco, from where and how its made, its fascinating history, to (most important!) how to properly pop a bottle and to use it to make several great cocktails for any celebration. From the comfort of your own ghome, join in the bubbly fun as Amy teaches you about the world's most popular sparkling wine, and helps you to find a few new favorite bubble-based tipples with which to toast this holiday season. -
Puglia: Better Than The Caribbean! Presented by Anita Sanseverino and Lou Barrella Puglia, until recently, was one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Puglia has everything: castles, fortresses, lighthouses, an abundance of seascapes in rainbow colors, beaches and rock formations that resemble moonscapes, caves formed over millions of years, landscapes and gardens and flowering trees, blinding white limestone buildings, and above all, olive trees with roots that go back a thousand years! Join Anita Sanseverino and Lou Barella in learning about this fascinating region, through Anita’s personal experiences in traveling throughout the Salento coast. See the unique beauty as photographed by Anita and made vividly alive by Lou’s genius for putting photos and music together to create a magical video which creates a lively experience, both knowledgeable and entertaining. -
The Italian Garden: From Pompei to Today ON DEMAND What makes a garden “Italian”? And how can you add elements of a classic Italian gardens to your landscape? Garden Designer and Horticulturist Carmen DeVito founder of www.Gardencult.com delves into these questions while taking you on a very personal tour of her favorite gardens in Italy and the United States. Carmen is a native of Italy and has created gardens throughout the New York City region. She will share a bit of Garden History, Mythology, and the “Idea” of the Italian Garden in literature and art from Roman times to the present day. You will learn about the classic plants as well as design and decorative elements that will inspire you to add an Italian flavor to your own gardens. -
Trivia Night – A Carnevale Evening in Venice, with Carla Gambescia Venice, the most enchanting and improbable of cities, has given us many "gifts” such as Mardi Gras, the delicious Bellini cocktail, delectable carpaccio served in fine restaurants – and so much more! In an engaging question-and-answer virtual session led by award-winning author and cultural expert Carla Gambescia, discover little-known backstories of the canal city often called La Serenissima; its opulent, often decadent, and captivating history; and the inventiveness of its residents. Carla is author of “La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z,” a Silver Prize winner of Best Travel Book of the Year. The book is an eclectic compendium of all things Italian and a joyful celebration of why we love Italy and, of course, Venice! -
Special Holocaust Series: “If you are not indifferent, things can be different.” Part 5: Meet the Survivors and Their Families Moderated by Author Elizabeth Bettina
Join us via Zoom to meet Holocaust survivors who were saved because Italians risked their lives to help them. They hid them, provided fake documents and gave them food and shelter.
Hear words of gratitude from those who lived through one of the worst times in history and see living examples of the famous quote in the Talmud, "When you save one life, it is as if you saved the entire world."
Help shine a light on this important part of history, how approximately 80% of the Jews in Italy survived the Holocaust, because individuals chose to take action and see them as "cristiani come noi" - people just like us.
If you missed Parts 1 and 2 of the “If you are not indifferent, things can be different” series, watch it on demand via Casa Belvedere’s website:
Click here for Part One: “It Happened in Italy – Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust” presented by author Elizabeth Bettina.
Click here for Part Two: Primo Levi, a Holocaust survivor committed to keep alive the narrative of the Holocaust, lest we forget. Presented by Prof. Francesco Bonavita.
This event is presented in partnership with:
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Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! At the Lakes/ I laghi Italiani Guest speaker: Annamaria Sorrentino, President & Founder of Shop Wine and Dine Who hasn’t heard of Lake Garda or Lake Como? Italy is blessed with many other amazing lakes, each providing a glimpse of their special characteristics and beauty. Our virtual journey will take us to the Region of Piemonte’s most famous lakes, each with very unique and distinct attributes, cuisine, and wine cultures. Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Il Palio di Siena A four-day cultural sporting extravaganza, Il Palio culminates in the world’s most thrilling horse race and takes place twice every summer — on July 2 and August 16. Though canceled this year, you can experience its colorful pageantry virtually through stunning photographs taken at last year’s race. Author, lecturer and photographer Carla Gambescia will explain the history behind the race which lasts a mere 75- 90 seconds but represents the climax of a fiercely competitive all-consuming year-round rivalry between the 17 contrade (districts) of Siena. Carla will aslo touch on some of the gorgeously preserved highlights of Siena, where the Middle Ages seem to survive in the architecture as well as the civic spirit Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! In the Mountains in the summer/ In Montagna d’estate Guest speaker: Annamaria Sorrentino, President & Founder of Shop Wine and Dine Italy is home to mountain ranges with majestic and breathtaking views in the North and also all along the “boot” going south. While trail-walking or hiking on one of the many mountains, you will be amazed by the overwhelming beauty of the summer landscape. The Italian Alps offer an alternative version of Italian culture, influenced by the neighboring countries of France and Germany. It is very unique and not to be missed while vacationing in Italy! Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
A Mangiare: A Cultural History for Foodies. with Carla Gambescia Test your knowledge about Italian cuisine while discovering little-known facts and the origin stories behind some of the Italian cuisine's most iconic ingredients and dishes. An interactive and entertaining "salon" exploring Italy's culinary heritage from antiquity to the present day. Even the most sophisticated Italophile and foodie will come away with new insights! -
From Boxer to Barista: A Story of Love and the Fine Art of Italian Coffee! Hear the story of Vincenzo Imparato, former Professional Boxer and Italian super-middleweight Champion of Italy and founder of Si Espresso. Along with his business partner and wife, Adriana they will talk about life in Italy, the art of Italian coffee and life lessons of his boxing career which spans 30+ years. In this presentation, meet these two Staten Islanders who are very passionate about their work, life and the art of coffee! -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Guest speaker: Mara De Matteo, author, writer, blogger, and Italian language instructor Modena Have you ever heard of Modena? Located in in the region Emilia-Romagna, it is a little jewel of city life and small town living at once. Elegant, rich in history, lively in a gentle way, it is welcoming and warm with the golden hue of most of its buildings, sophisticated, with adorable small shops and cafes under exquisite portici. Not to mention the food! One of the best cuisines in Italy, starting with puffy and flaky gnocchi, delectable sour cherry crostate, legendary hand-made tortellini, and plenty of excellent, slightly fizzy Lambrusco. Lovely, very centrally-located, Modena should definitely be on the list of your next trip to Italy. Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
Raphael Santi/Sanzio - Celebrating His Art 500 Years After His Death Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael, all three known by their first names, are considered the greatest masters of Italian High Renaissance. Raphael created his own recognizable style -serene celestial beauty of religious paintings – but learned from, and absorbed, also Leonardo’s sophistication and Michelangelo’s sculptural monumentality. An extremely prolific painter and architect, Raphael produced in his short life 183 paintings and numerous architectural drawings. His paintings are admired for their incomparable beauty, harmony, and balance of the composition. The most famous are many delicate depictions of the Virgin Mary with Christ and a series of large frescoes in Vatican Palace, known as Raphael Rooms. The two iconic cherubs from his painting The Sistine Madonna became globally famous. For the last 6 years of his life, he was in love with a baker’s daughter, Margherita Luti. Probably secretly married to her because of their different social status, he portrayed in two famous paintings as “Veiled Lady” and “La Fornarina”, the second one nude from the hips up. The legends abound about his sudden, early death, at the age of 37; from excessive erotic indulgence with his mistress to medical errors and/or poisoning by his rivals in artistic circles. After an elaborate funeral ceremony -his coffin carried by four cardinals-, he was buried, at his own request, inside the Pantheon, in Rome. -
Vito Pietanza and Rosa Riccio Pietanza were both born in Mola di Bari (Puglia) Italy. They arrived in NYC at young ages and lived in a community in Red Hook Brooklyn (later to become Carroll Gardens). Vito’s family celebrates a long tradition in agriculture. Soon after Vito and Rosa were married (and later with their 3 children) they would spend a few weeks during the summer in Mola on the Pietanza family farm. It then became a tradition for them to spend several hours a day engaging in the almond harvest. Via photos and videos, Vito and Rosa want to share with you their love and passion for the almond harvest and for everything “Almond”.