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Art of Loving Italy

Art of Loving Italy

Art & Beauty are all around us.

Blog

Borgo a Mozzano—the place to find the Devil on All Saints Day in Italy

At the end of October, Americans celebrate Halloween, but the Italians celebrate All Saints Day. Halloween is a relatively new “imported” holiday for the Italians, and traditional Italians thumb their noses at the “Trick or Treat” or “Dolcetto o Scherzetto” scene. They prefer to save dressing up for … [Read more...] about Borgo a Mozzano—the place to find the Devil on All Saints Day in Italy

Etiquette of the Italian kiss

In Italy, it is a common practice to greet someone with a light kiss on both their cheeks. This is true even if you are just newly acquainted or if you have known someone for quite a long time. At an Italian social event, you can just imagine that half the time is spent kissing people, hello, and … [Read more...] about Etiquette of the Italian kiss

Who was Garibaldi and who did he love?

One of the most famous and mythical stories in history is that between Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi. The event that changed their lives took place on July 21, 1839. While he was in South America to fight alongside the separatists of the Rio Grande, Garibaldi, during an inspection in the small town … [Read more...] about Who was Garibaldi and who did he love?

Fiera del Libro San Francisco Celebrates Italian Cultural week

It is my extreme pleasure to speak at the Fiera del LibroThe Italian Book Fairat the invitation of Libreria Pino & l’Istituto Italiano Cultura in San Francisco The book fair falls during Italian Culture Week and celebrates the Italian language and culture through books. It seems appropriate, … [Read more...] about Fiera del Libro San Francisco Celebrates Italian Cultural week

Leonardo’s advice—Sketch everything you see

“Now…let me see, where do I start? Yes, well…naturally an artist must begin by carefully studying all the inconsequential things around them—horses, gears, muscles, cats, dogs, noses, fingers, and toes. Look closely. Let nothing escape your inquisitive eye.” This is the advice Leonardo da Vinci … [Read more...] about Leonardo’s advice—Sketch everything you see

Giorgio Vasari First Art Historian

Have you heard of Giorgio Vasari? He was an Italian painter, architect, writer, and historian. But, most importantly he is famous for one particular written work called “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects.” He is considered the “father” of art … [Read more...] about Giorgio Vasari First Art Historian

Ponte Vecchio Florence’s Historical Bridge

It seems the Ponte Vecchio in Florence is always in the news for one reason or another! Are you familiar with the famous landmark? Have you walked across one of the original Florentine bridges that connect the Oltrarno to the city center? At the foot of the bridge, it is said Dante waited each … [Read more...] about Ponte Vecchio Florence’s Historical Bridge

Meeting Sophia Loren! A dream comes true!

It is really quite remarkable! Last Saturday evening I had the pleasure of meeting Sophia Loren! Days later and I am still walking on air. After all, we are talking about one of Italy’s film icons! The leading lady of Italia! This crazy girl… ME…actually kissed Miss Loren on both cheeks, in the … [Read more...] about Meeting Sophia Loren! A dream comes true!

La Ciociara (Two Women) – A film starring Sophia Loren

To read this post in Italian, please visit the Matta Blog. Click here. La Ciociara (in English: Two Women) is a film starring Sophia Loren. I've been hosting a film festival of Sophia Loren's film recently and I began with this one which is one of my all-time favorites. The film is a revelatory … [Read more...] about La Ciociara (Two Women) – A film starring Sophia Loren

An Art Blog is Born!

The Art of Loving Italy is a website about art, but it is also a mentality. It is a way of seeing the world and all the beauty in it. Are you curious about art? Did you study Art in school — loved it — but now can't remember the difference between Renaissance and Baroque? Do you … [Read more...] about An Art Blog is Born!

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Immagini un mondo in cui sai come usare la preposi Immagini un mondo in cui sai come usare la preposizioni italiane “Di”: Matta Set Number 7

You can say that I am a dreamer, but I hope you will join me because we need to learn the Italian preposition "di." 

Just as the Fab Four's songs are filled with catchy melodies, learning the Italian preposition “di” can be an adventure full of surprises, linguistic quirks, and delightful expressions. 

In this new set of Italian prepositions that take “di” we will cover: Immaginare di, smettere di, terminare di, finire di, cercare di, avere bisogno di

#ItalianPrepositions #ItalianPreposizioneA #learnItalian #StudentessaMatta #StudentessaMattaRocksItalianStudies #StudentessaMattaOnline #ItalianwithStudentessaMatta #ItalianONLINELessons #learnItalian #LearnItalianOnline #PreposizioneDI #ItalianPrepositionDi #BisognoDi #SmettereDi
Darsi del Lei o Darci del tu! — Italian Formal a Darsi del Lei o Darci del tu! — Italian Formal and informal modes of address 

Salve! Buona giornata! Buongiorno! Come sta? Come stai?? Come state??? 

Hello! Good day! Good morning! How are you? 

Oggi scopriamo di più sui due modi fondamentali di rivolgersi ad una persona che dà forma alle interazioni sociali in Italia - la forma formale del “LEI” e l'amichevole “TU.” 

Today we will discover more about the two fundamental ways of addressing a person that shape all social interactions in Italy - the formal form of the “LEI” and the friendly “TU.”

#InformalItalian #FormalItalian #LeiForm #TuForm #LearnItalian #StudentessaMatta #DarciDelTu
Great News! You can still sign up and participate Great News! You can still sign up and participate in this year’s 2023 Studentessa Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs.

There is even time to still enroll in the 2023 Matta and Arezzo June program that a is coming up next month!

Just imagine strolling through the charming streets of Lucca, sitting in the stands in Piazza Grande in Arezzo watching the Giostra del Saracino, or indulging in a homemade pasta dish while taking in the breathtaking views of Montepulciano. 

In addition to being a cultural experience, every day, you will have the chance to have lively conversations with guides, native speakers, and fellow students as you discover the country’s beauties with passionate students like you. 

La Studentessa Matta’s small-group language programs are highly effective, with group lessons taught by professional teachers from her partner schools and afternoon activities designed to encourage you to keep practicing your Italian. It is a fun, engaging learning approach that is always fresh and entertaining!

Join me in Italy this year to learn Italian! Sign up on the www.StudentessaMatta.com website. Links in Bio.

#StudentessaMatta #LearnItalianItaly #StudyItalianArezzo #LearnItalianLucca #LearnItalianMontepulciano #IlSasso #CulturaItalianaArezzo #luccaitalianschool
The magical wizarding world of Italian preposition The magical wizarding world of Italian prepositions: Matta Set Number 6

The magical wizarding world of Italian prepositions: Matta Set Number 6. Le preposizioni italiane sono magiche perché possono dare vita alle tue parole con un tocco di stregoneria linguistica! In this new set of Italian prepositions that take “a” we will cover: Ubbidire a, Aggiungere a, Costringere a, Capitare a, Permettere a, Nascondere a. Expression “Darla a bere a”

#LearnItalian #StudentessaMatta #ItalianPrepositions #PreposizioniItaliane #PracticeItalian
Introducing a new Italian Homestay language vacati Introducing a new Italian Homestay language vacation in Pavia with Anna and Giulia

Get to know Anna, who offers a homestay in Pavia in the lake region. For several years, Anna has opened her home to foreign language students that come to Italy to immerse themselves in Italian culture and improve their language skills. Through an Italian homestay Vacation, with Anna, in Pavia, you can immerse yourself in the language, learn about the local culture, and get a personalized learning experience tailored just for you. Plus, you'll have a supportive family, like Anna's sister Chiara, to show you the ropes and help you navigate this beautiful city. And the best part? You'll live like an Italian, eating delicious food and making lifelong memories. So what are you waiting for? Let's go to Pavia and have the time of our lives!

#ItalianLanguageHomestay #Pavia #ItalianHomestayPavia #LearnInItaly #StudentessaMattaHomestay #StudentessaMatta #ItalianLanguageLearningProgram #StudyItalianItaly#learnItalian
Wine tasting party! Una degustazione di vino! Wine tasting party! Una degustazione di vino!
Everything, Everyone, Everywhere, all at Once: the Everything, Everyone, Everywhere, all at Once: the Italian adjective TUTTO

Let's take a closer look at the Italian word “TUTTO.” By itself, TUTTO means EVERYTHING. It is also an adjective and must agree with the gender and the number of the modifier noun. There are also many expressions using tutto that are helpful to know that will make you sound like a madre lingua. Read a little story using all the forms of Tutto to understand better when and how to use this Italian adjective that can mean Everything, Everyone, Everywhere, All at Once!!

#Tutto #ItalianAdjectiveTutto #StudentessaMatta #learnItalian #LearnItalianOnline

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