italian culture
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Common currency
Naples museum showcases centuries of Italian artistry alongside Caravaggio's haunting final masterpiece, as banking giant Intesa Sanpaolo transforms former branches into cultural destinations.
New landscape
When the usual channels of shows closed, Italian curators found a new way to promote contemporary art.
Making a scene
Italy's cultural landscape extends far beyond Renaissance masterpieces, encompassing innovative contemporary spaces housed in gilded foundations, former power plants and Hadid-designed mountain bunkers.
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.
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.
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 cataloguing her home nation's best bits.
National treasures
Italy's enduring social rituals – from regimented beach clubs to twilight aperitivo – reveal a nation where tradition shapes daily life in unexpectedly charming ways.
Sound effects
Italian pop star Mahmood's Arabic-infused hit "Soldi" became the country's most-streamed song ever, challenging far-right notions of Italianness while redefining contemporary Italian music for international audiences.
Golden boot
What do Italians think makes their country special? We speak to nine prominent residents, from actors to art collectors, to find out what they love most about Italy.
