106 episodes

Italy is the best. Art, Fashion, Food, Design, Innovation, Heritage, you name it, the Bel Paese is built on millennia of creativity and is teaming with innovators. Ciao Bella and host Erica Firpo talks with the creative forces behind Italy today - artists, designers, chefs, experts and aficionados. Cocktail conversations and behind-the-scenes visits that will make you want to pack your bags and go!

Ciao Bella Erica Firpo

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 45 Ratings

Italy is the best. Art, Fashion, Food, Design, Innovation, Heritage, you name it, the Bel Paese is built on millennia of creativity and is teaming with innovators. Ciao Bella and host Erica Firpo talks with the creative forces behind Italy today - artists, designers, chefs, experts and aficionados. Cocktail conversations and behind-the-scenes visits that will make you want to pack your bags and go!

    Inside Casa Triple F: Federica Formilli Fendi's Vintage Haven

    Inside Casa Triple F: Federica Formilli Fendi's Vintage Haven

    In the heart of Rome's Trastevere neighborhood is an enclave of amazign interior design. Triple F  is Federica Formilli Fendi's passion project and should be national treasure. For years, Fendi has sought out vintage design pieces, and now she shares them with the public. Join Erica as she talks with Federica about her lifelong passion for vintage furniture and her unique ability to mix different styles have created a dynamic, ever-evolving space at Triple F. Learn about the historic building's artistic past, Federica's background at Fendi, and the exquisite pieces that make Triple F a treasure trove of design. 
     
    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 
    INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

    TWITTER  @moscerina

     

    • 28 min
    Bringing contemporary art to Palermo with Francesco Pantaleone

    Bringing contemporary art to Palermo with Francesco Pantaleone

    “If you build it, they will come”; even if you have to fly them in yourself. This was Francesco Pantaleone’s mentality as he returned to his native Palermo after years in New York City to launch the city’s first contemporary art gallery. In this episode, Erica and Francesco talk about building an out-this-world constellation of contemporary art and artists in Palermo
     
    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 
    INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

    TWITTER  @moscerina

     

    • 30 min
    Walks with Stephen Oddo

    Walks with Stephen Oddo

    All roads lead to Rome, or start from here in the case of Walks, Italy's leader in small group tours. In this episode of Ciao Bella, Erica sits down with Stephen Oddo, co-founder and CEO of Walks, a tourism empire that marries modern “digitourism” with classic small group tours. Steven talks about entrepreneurship, the Walks philosophy, and how his company is collaborating with local communities in Rome and around the world to fight the effects of overtourism. 
    3 Essential Walks Tours
    Pristine Sistine Premium Colosseum with Roman Forum and Palatine Rome in a Day 
    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 
    INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

    TWITTER  @moscerina

     

    • 37 min
    Family Business Banfi Style

    Family Business Banfi Style

    From Italy to America and back again, for Cristina Mariani May, co-CEO of Banfi, the wine business is 100% Italian and American. With a 100 year-old grasp on importing Italian goods to America, Banfi has also been producing one of the top Brunellos for nearlly five decades. In this episode, Erica heads to Castello Banfi near Montalcino to talk family business and Tuscan heritage with Cristina.
     
    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 
    INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

    TWITTER  @moscerina

     
     

    • 37 min
    Talk Como to Me at Bellagio's Villa Serbelloni

    Talk Como to Me at Bellagio's Villa Serbelloni

    Growing up in a historic five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Como, Jan Bucher is no stranger to the complexities and curiosities of luxury hospitality. As general manager of Bellagio’s Villa Serbelloni, Jan has accepted the four-generations-old torch that is running one of Como’s, and accordingly, the world’s, grandest hotels. Join Erica and Jan for a conversation on Clooney, culture and Como.

     
    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 
    INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

    TWITTER  @moscerina

     

    • 41 min
    The Lady in the Palazzo at Venice's Violino d'Oro

    The Lady in the Palazzo at Venice's Violino d'Oro

    Sara Maestrelli shares the journey from creation to design of Violino d'Oro, her family's new hotel in Venice. Hosts Erica Firpo  talks with Sara Maestrelli about the intricate process of transforming historical buildings into modern hospitality spaces while preserving their heritage.Tune in to discover the secrets behind the lady in the palazzo and the art of creating a home away from home in the heart of Venice.
     
    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella 
    INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

    TWITTER  @moscerina

     



     

     





     

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
45 Ratings

45 Ratings

downinke ,

Fun and entertaining

I loved the Debbie Travis and Thea Duncan episodes but all are fun, educational and a sneak peak into Italy from here in Texas. I only wish it was more frequent!

sre you there ,

Great!

Erica—
Look forward to listening to your podcast.
You are full of information and deliver your podcast with great enthusiasm!
Thank you and Ciao Bella

VincentB68 ,

Thank you!

Thanks for making us travel in the Bel Paese, meet fantastic people and feel immersed in the Italian culture.

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