Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
In Matera, various epochs shake hands, as Alberto Angela put it. Matera continues to amaze us with what's hidden underneath the piazza of the Baroque quarter: Il Piano.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Living conditions were so different at the time of the cave dwellings. Imagine having a mule and rabbits running around the house! The government eventually put a stop to this type of dwelling, and much was gained, but much was lost. On the other hand, people had to live somewhere. The Civita, the oldest part of Matera, filled up quickly around the imposing cathedral, and there was no more room for building houses.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
We see the inside of house built into the rock. It is fascinating to learn how families coped with the problems of water, humidity, and cramped quarters.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
We enter a fascinating church carved right into the rock: the Church of the Madonna di Idris. There are some surprising discoveries awaiting us.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Matera is all about caves and grottoes. There were many natural caves that were expanded to be used as dwellings and churches, and other man-made grottoes as well.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Alberto Angela us takes back in time, to a city that came about in a totally different way: splendid Matera in Basilicata. It's definitely worth a trip.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
We leave the Royal Palace of Caserta and head towards Cilento in Campania where there is a huge Benedictine monastery. When we see the term convento, we might assume it is a convent for nuns, but in Italian, un convento can be a religious community for either monks or nuns (or both).
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Exploring the gardens further, we come upon a grotto, as well as what looks like an ancient Roman site, replete with original statues. It was all part of Vanvitelli's plan.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
If we thought the interior of the Royal Palace of Caserta was amazing, we should get ready for even more amazement as we go outside and see the spectacular park — a true capolavoro (masterpiece) — which Luigi Vanvitelli, architect and engineer, designed, giving water the starring role.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The narrator makes us aware of the vast number of people necessary to run the Palace. We visit the most intimate place in the Palace: the queen's dressing room and bathroom. It is fascinating to learn all the ways in which it was outfitted to both pamper and protect the queen.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Alberto Angela takes us from the public throne room to the private chambers of the Royal Palace. In order to obtain the desired wall coverings, a whole complex was built for manufacturing silk. It's still operating today. Incredibile!
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
We visit the magnificent, immense Throne Room, with its small but elegant throne, and vaulted, frescoed ceiling.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
It's hard to fathom the scale of this royal palace. We learn how many workers it took and how long it took to build. The grand staircase is of amazing dimensions, and, when seen from the top, our host seems like a small dot at the bottom of it.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Alberto Angela, well-known presenter of historical TV documentaries, takes us on a journey to discover some of the "wonders" — both man-made and natural — of this "treasure peninsula" called Italy. The journey begins at the Royal Palace in Caserta.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Vittorio Umiltà Anzen was a lawyer who passed away in 2012. He loved Palermo and was proud of his house, which he shows us complete with private chapel and rooftop garden.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
A visit to a sumptuous palace in Palermo which incorporates a variety of styles, from the Gothic to the Baroque.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
"Sunshine for Palestine" has set in motion an innovative project for teaching the latest scientific theories to young people, and it has been enormously successful.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Besides working as a journalist, Francesca is involved in some international projects for sustainability. Here, she tells about a hospital in Gaza.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
In this last episode, we bid farewell to the Aeolian Islands, a fascinating place for its spectacular natural beauty.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Because they are difficult to reach--lying off the main sea routes--the islands of Filicudi and Alicudi have maintained their natural beauty.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Whether you want to explore the edges of the volcanic craters, visit the marine caves, or even get a mud bath for your aches and pains, the Aeolian island of Vulcano has plenty to offer!
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
As its name Vulcano implies, this Aeolian island boasts three volcanic centers. Because of its natural beauty and geological interest, it has become an important tourist destination. In ancient times it was held as an important place, figuring in both Greek and Roman mythology.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The island of Lipari is famous for having one of Italy's most important archaeological museums. This is largely because of the numerous shipwrecks that have been excavated. A particularly evocative aspect of Lipari is the presence of sea stacks that emerge from the water in a variety of shapes.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Pumice stone has been mined for years on the Aeolians. Divers went there to explore the effect on marine life.
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