Voices of Bell'Italia Babbel

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Bharti tells us all about Verona, his city of romance and history.

We trace the steps of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and take a romantic “passeggiate lungo l'Adige”, a walk along the Adige river. We visit some impressive sights, including the Piazza delle Erbe, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, before finally ending the evening at a medieval castle. And of course, Barthi has some insider tips for us: What’s the tradition behind the carnival in Verona? What are “vini D.O.C.”? And why is there a giant bone hanging in the middle of the city?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3qzfJco

Join Sen as she couchsurfs at her friend Camilla’s place in Genoa.

We’ll get lost in the labyrinth of “caruggi” and discover fairy-tale neighborhoods, try a piece of focaccia in a historical bakery, and visit a cathedral that hides a secret – “un vero miracolo”! But that's not all. What's the “leggenda del cane di San Lorenzo”? Why are the Genoans known for being “tirchi e avidi”, stingy and greedy? And which world-famous product was invented in Genoa?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3JUYlXv

Sonia tells us about her hometown, Florence, the city of the Renaissance.

The world-famous Uffizi museum complex, “capolavori”, artistic masterpieces, and the origins of the Italian language. Florence has it all. And, Sonia has some great insider tips for all you Italy connoisseurs. She recommends a market where you can buy real leather goods, and “le peletterie”, a rooftop terrace with the most beautiful view of the city. A perfect place to end an evening! There’s also no shortage of culinary tips: What's a “lampredotto”? What makes a good “fiorentina”? And what kind of treats can you enjoy in an “enoteca”?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3CMZWvL

The perfect balance of beaches and culture make Lecce the ideal vacation destination!

Linda invites Sen over to tell her all about her hometown, and with her words she paints us a picture of lavishly decorated Baroque buildings and hidden treasures: from the profile of a woman in a facade, to the “labirinto di piccole strade”, a winding maze of alleys in the heart of the city. There’s so much to discover! What does a “caffè leccese” taste like? How is the “festa di Sant'Oronzo” celebrated? And what does it have to do with the “living room of the city”? It's hard to believe that this city of culture is nestled in the paradise between “il Mar Ionio” and “il Mar Adriatico”!

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3IGK9Az

Rebecca leads us through the alternative and elegant Brescia.

The province of Brescia is known for Lake Garda, “Il Lago di Garda”. But the city itself is a real insider tip! Rebecca shows us that Brescia has a bunch of surprises up its sleeve, “Brescia riserva grandi sorprese”! Together, we’ll discover Roman ruins, visit a medieval castle with the largest vineyard in Europe, check out a huge glacier, and spend a few quiet moments in a former monastery. And we’ll learn more, too! What’s the difference between a Pirlo and a Spritz? And where can you find the best “casoncelli al burro e salvia”?

Don’t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3Mrc5ea

Adele tells us about the four nicknames of Bologna and reveals what's behind them.

“La dotta”, “la turrita”, “la rossa”, and “la grassa”. As they say, “Bologna non è mai triste”, Bologna is never sad! The oldest university in the Western world, the delicious cuisine, and the red color of its towered buildings all come together to make Bologna a truly special place. But there's more! Adele also gives us some insider tips: What should university students definitely not do before they graduate? How is Bolognese sauce really served? And what should you look out for when visiting the city's oldest “osteria”?

Don‘t just listen, read along! You can find the dynamic transcript and other extras for this episode here: https://bit.ly/3BzluLD