Daniela explains three situations in which the remote past may be used and gives us examples of each situation. But don't worry, this tense is not mandatory and Daniela suggests the passato prossimo (present perfect) as a valid alternative. Note: The passato prossimo is constructed like the English present perfect tense (with a helping verb and past participle), but is used more like the English past simple.

Laura Pausini, in concert, sings a song about the wrenching difficulties of a long-distance relationship. The music and lyrics were written by Biagio Antonacci.

Daniela explains how to conjugate the remote past of the verbs avere (to have) and prendere (to take).

The amazing landscapes in this video were filmed on the volcanic island of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands off of Africa.

Modugno appears in this vintage clip on the Ed Sullivan Show and sings what is probably the most popular Italian song ever. Franco Migliacci, the songwriter, was inspired to write the song by the paintings of Marc Chagall.

Marika and Anna go through the list of ingredients needed to make a Ligurian specialty — pasta with pesto sauce.

The video is filmed in Rome and shows some of the best-loved fountains and monuments.

A tic tac ad developed for the Milan Expo, showcasing new flavors. Tic tac is owned by the Ferrero Group, a multinational corporation based in Piedmont. Ferrero also owns the much-loved Nutella brand.

Daniela discusses the verbs finire [to finish] and essere [to be] in the remote past tense.

The incomparable Mina sings a Lucio Battisti - Mogol love song.

Daniela starts her four-part series on the passato remoto [remote or absolute past] verb tense. This tense is broadly used in the south of Italy, and infrequently in the north.

Arianna shows us the outside market near San Lorenzo, and we discover where the train station got its long name Santa Maria Novella. Arianna also gives us some important information about how to get to and from the airports of Pisa and Florence.

Nek, the Italian singer who is renowned in Italy and in Spanish-speaking countries, covers a song that Mina first performed. The music was written by Ennio Morricone, known above all for his film composing.

Anna and Marika prepare the deliciously rich potato and cheese crisp that was a specialty of Friuli woodsmen.

You don't need much to make this recipe from the north of Italy. It's best with aged cheese, however, and even leftover rinds will do. Anna and Marika tell us about the ingredients and utensils necessary.