S3 E14: The Haunting Beauty of Italy’s Abandoned Towns

Did you know that a third of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Italy? In this episode, we explore the real-life Italian cities behind the Bard’s most iconic works. From fair Verona to the canals of Venice, we’ll visit the spots where love, betrayal, and tragedy unfolded—and discover what you can still see today.   Read the post: Shakespeare's play set in Italy Read the post: Travel like 007: James Bond Filming Locations Read the post: Truly, Madly Venice: Guide to Italy's Water City Read the post: Unlocking the Secrets of Florence Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Visiting Rome for the first time? While the Vatican Museums are a must-see, there's so much more to explore. In this episode, I’m sharing seven incredible museums that will take you deeper into ancient history, Renaissance art, and hidden treasures beyond the usual tourist stops. From the world’s first public museum to a Renaissance palace filled with masterpieces, these spots will give you a richer understanding of Rome’s artistic and cultural legacy. Whether you love sculpture, frescoes, or grand aristocratic palaces, there’s something here for you.   Best museums in Rome Visiting Capitoline Museums in Rome Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!    

Italy has long been romanticized as a place where you can buy a crumbling villa, renovate it effortlessly, and live out your dream life under the Tuscan sun. Movies like Under the Tuscan Sun and La Dolce Villa make it seem as though buying a home in Italy is as simple as signing a contract, hiring a few friendly locals, and watching your new life fall into place. But how close is that to reality? In this episode, we break down the fantasy versus the real-life experience of purchasing and renovating a home in Italy. We explore why Italy is one of the few places portrayed this way in Hollywood, what the movies get right (and what they gloss over), and share our own firsthand experience navigating the process—bureaucracy, renovations, unexpected hurdles, and all. We’ll also touch on the practical side: the legalities of actually owning property in Italy as a foreigner, the challenges of restoring an old home, and what to expect if you’re seriously considering making this dream a reality. Whether you’re just curious about the Italian homeownership fantasy or actively thinking about buying a place in Italy, this episode will give you a dose of reality—while still keeping the dream alive.   Full post about buying a home in Italy Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!  

In this episode, we share an update on our home renovation journey. From the initial plans to the latest progress, we’ll take you through what’s been done, the surprises we’ve encountered along the way and what’s still ahead. We’ll talk about the renovation process, our experience working with contractors, the challenges of making design decisions, and what we’ve learned so far. Whether you’re planning your own home reno or just love hearing about the ups and downs of transforming a space, tune in for our honest take on the experience.   Full post about buying a home in Italy Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Italy is a wine lover’s paradise, with diverse regions producing everything from bold reds to crisp whites and elegant sparkling wines. In this episode, we take you through Italy’s top wine regions, including Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and beyond. We'll explore their most famous wines, what makes them unique, and how to best experience them when visiting Italy. We’ll also share our tips for wine tasting in Italy, visiting vineyards during harvest season, attending wine festivals, and pairing regional wines with local cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just beginning your Italian wine journey, this episode will inspire you to sip, savour, and explore Italy’s incredible wine culture.   Read now: Italian wine regions guide Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!  

In this episode, we take you on a journey through the must-visit ancient ruins in Campania, Italy. From the world-famous ruins of Pompeii to the lesser-known gems of Stabiae and Oplontis, the Campania region is home to some of the most well-preserved and historically significant archaeological sites in the world. We discuss why this region has so many ancient ruins and take you through some of our favourite archeological sites, like Herculaneum and Paestum. From the grandeur of Paestum's Greek temples and the ancient luxury of Baia's submerged villas to lesser-known places like Benevento. Whether you're a history enthusiast or planning your next trip to Italy, this episode will guide you to the best ancient sites in Campania, offering insights into the fascinating stories and stunning ruins that still exist today.   Read now: Everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii Pompeii vs Herculaneum - which should you visit? Read about Paestum Read about the Naples underground tour Read about Benevento    Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!  

Italy is known for its vibrant cities and charming villages, but what about the places that have been left behind? In this episode, we dive into the mystery and allure of Italy’s abandoned towns and the ghostly remnants of once-thriving communities frozen in time. Italy has hundreds of abandoned towns, each with a unique story shaped by natural disasters, economic decline, and changing infrastructure. We’ll explore some of the most famous, including Craco, Civita di Bagnoregio, Pentedattilo and Roscigno Vecchia, and discuss what makes them so fascinating. We also share our experience visiting Apice Vecchio, a town left behind after an earthquake but still used for special events like the Christmas market. Finally, we’ll talk about how you can visit these hauntingly beautiful places and what to expect when exploring Italy’s forgotten villages. Whether you're a history lover, an adventurer, or just fascinated by forgotten places, this episode is packed with intriguing stories of Italy’s lost towns. Don’t forget to subscribe and join us as we uncover the secrets of these ghostly destinations.   Read the post: Exploring Abandoned Towns in Italy That Feel Frozen in Time Read now: Everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii Read about Matera and why you should visit Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   We're on social!   Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp     

Discover the magic of visiting Italy in January. In this episode, we’ll explore the unique charm of winter travel in Italy, from snowy mountain adventures in Abruzzo and Sicily to quiet coastal escapes along the Amalfi Coast.  Get insider tips on what to expect, where to go and how to enjoy Italy’s off-season like a local. Whether you’re drawn to ancient sites like Pompeii, cozy villages, or delicious winter cuisine, this episode will inspire your winter getaway.   Read the post: Why Italy in January is the best time to visit Read now: Everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii Read about Matera and why you should visit Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   We're on social!   Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp 

In this episode, we’re diving into the glamorous and action-packed world of James Bond. Like many others, 007 just can't seem to stay away from Italy. From the narrow streets of Matera to the shimmering waters of Lake Como, Italy has served as a stunning backdrop for some of Bond’s most iconic moments.   We’ll visit Venice, where Bond’s romantic interludes and high-stakes action unfold against the city’s timeless canals and Lake Como, the setting for Bond’s recovery and the epitome of luxury retreats. The journey continues in Matera, the ancient city transformed into a stage for heart-pounding car chases in No Time to Die, and Siena, where the chaos of the Palio di Siena adds a dramatic backdrop to Bond’s relentless pursuit. Finally, we’ll explore Rome, where thrilling car chases bring the Eternal City to life under the cover of night and a few other locations you might want to check out.   Whether you’re a James Bond superfan or someone who loves a theme for your Italian adventure, this episode has something for you. Hit play, and let’s step into the world of 007 as we uncover the magic of James Bond in Italy.   Read the post: Travel like 007: James Bond Filming Locations Read: Truly, Madly Venice: Guide to Italy's Water City Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   We're on social!   Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Flipboard | WhatsApp   

Step back in time to one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. In this episode, we uncover everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park. From the tragic history of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius to tips on exploring the site like a pro, we’ve got you covered.   Discover must-see highlights like the Forum, the Villa of the Mysteries, and the stunning mosaics that bring ancient Pompeii to life. Learn practical advice on tickets, guided tours, the best times to visit, and how to avoid the crowds. We’ll also share hidden gems you won’t want to miss and recommendations for nearby attractions like Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius.   Whether planning your first trip or returning to experience it anew, this episode will help you make the most of your journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tune in for a fascinating mix of history, travel tips, and insider insights to help you bring ancient Pompeii to life.   Read now: Everything you need to know about visiting Pompeii Pompeii vs Herculaneum - which should you visit? Official site for Pompeii Archaeological Park Check out 200+ phrases for tourists for your next trip Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy Italy Travel Guide Find out where to stay in Italy Discover things to do in Italy   Let’s connect! Love Italy? Check out the AmongstRomans blog and dream of Italy.  Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an episode.  Join our adventures on TikTok and Instagram.   Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!