Med school

‘The Monocle Book of Italy’ is our grand tour of the nation’s best design, business, food and fashion. Here its editor, Chiara Rimella, holds forth on the challenges and charms of cataloguing her home nation’s best bits.
National treasures

Italy has gifted the world so many great things but what are the quintessential qualities of the country itself? From sociable swimming hubs to unfussy mealtimes and enviable urban spaces, we choose our 10 favourite traits that define an often misunderstood nation. For more on the best places in which to enjoy these experiences and many more, we suggest that ‘The Monocle Book of Italy’ be your guide.
Wandering stars

Italy is constantly on the move, by every mode of transport imaginable. There is a unifying theme however: elegant design and utility go hand in hand here like nowhere else, as evidenced by our book’s profiles of some of its defining makers and marques. Here are a few of our favourites.
Making a scene

Italy’s cultural output is largely defined by the theatrical. After all, opera – that most melodramatic of art forms – is a very Italian affair. In ‘The Monocle Book of Italy’ we profile the very best of the country’s galleries, cinemas, magazines, books, radio and TV. As a taster, here are our five favourite museums, a round-up of the papers and a few must-see films, all set to an Italo-pop soundtrack.
Brick by brick

There’s no better way to understand Italy’s architecture than with a stroll through its cities, which are imbued with layer upon layer of history. The Romans, after all, were responsible for many of the fundamentals of urban life we’re now accustomed to, from roads to arches, domes and even concrete. Here are a few of the structures, both ancient and modern, that we marvel at in ‘The Monocle Book of Italy’.
On the make

‘The Monocle Book of Italy’ charts Italian design from coffee cups to cars and shop signs to logos. Here we share some highlights that define the nation’s playful take on making it.
Top of the shops

From the merchants of the Middle Ages to today’s leading fashion brands and specialist shops, Italians have long excelled in the art of retail. We share some of our favourites.
Perfect pantry

Italian food is probably the world’s best but to match the country’s top chefs, you’ll need the right ingredients to hand. To round off our book preview we share some Italian staples.

F&B... / Global

Perfect pantry

Italian food is probably the world’s best but to match the country’s top chefs, you’ll need the right ingredients to hand. To round off our book preview we share some Italian staples.

From left to right (top).

1.
Michele Portoghese bucatini pasta

2.
I Sapori di Corbara tinned tomatoes

3.
Pan di Stelle biscuits

4.
Sanbittèr soft drink

5.
Campari aperitivo

6.
Fratelli Contorno caponata sauce

7.
Don Antonio sauce

8.
Sai sea salt

9.
Tartufi Morra truffle oil

10.
Riso Riccò rice

11.
Lavazza coffee

12.
Mutti passata

13.
Cipriani bellini

14.
Ringo biscuits

15.
Palmera tinned tuna

16.
Pastiglie Leone pastille sweets

17.
Luglio olive oil

From left to right (bottom).

18.
Flott anchovies

19.
Punt e Mes vermouth

20.
Peroni beer

21.
Riseria Capittini rice

22.
Baci chocolates

23.
Pavesini biscuits

24.
Metelliana tinned cherry tomatoes

25.
Acqua Panna water

26.
Fabbri mint syrup

27.
Davide Barbero chocolate

28.
Caffarel Gianduia chocolates

29.
Olio Barbera olive oil

30.
Narello artichoke hearts

31.
Ciomod chocolate bar

32.
Aperol aperitivo

33.
La Grande Ruota polenta

34.
Star stock cubes

Why nonna knows best

by Chiara Rimella

Many Italians are custodians of recipes involving minuscule but vital variations on classic dishes; it goes without saying that each purports their nonna’s lasagne to be the best. The idea of a family eating dinner at separate times is anathema. There’s something sacred about setting the table, taking a seat and focusing on the food and company. Even midweek meals are prepared with creativity and flair; an invitation to somebody’s house is an occasion for the host to show off the best from their everyday repertoire. Compliments are to be doled out plentifully, while enormous second helpings should always be accepted. Abundance goes hand in hand with affection. Pizza, pasta and Italian wine might have become staples from Singapore to São Paulo but isn’t it time that the rest of us took notice of how Italians eat? Seasonal food, enjoyed together, at a table – a sensible diet that would work the world over.

Buy a copy today

monocle roamed the length of the nation and The Monocle Book of Italy is the result of our dedicated reporting. Join us as we throw down our towels at the best beaches, call in at vineyards, furniture fairs and maybe even a disco or two. See Italy through a whole new lens. The book, published by Thames & Hudson, is available now from monocle.com/shop.

Editor’s letter

The opener

Brunello Cucinelli

Pup stars

My cabinet

Power ahead

After the blast

Diplomacy Briefing

Politics Briefing

Defence Briefing

Cities Briefing

Between the lines

Field work

How to impress

Business Briefing

The truth hunters

Life in motion

Sound effects

Good form

Design Briefing

The Monocle Shop

Under its own steam

Food & Drink Recipes

Food & Drink Briefing

Spring it on

The best of times

Upward trends

Jacket in

Time for change

All together now

Med school

National treasures

Wandering stars

Making a scene

Brick by brick

On the make

Top of the shops

Perfect pantry

The call of the suburbs

Want more stories like these in your inbox?