Urban Italy - The travel guide to contemporary Italy

Mikaela Bandini’s insider Italy

Urban Italy – a new website devoted to travel, design and the discovery of an alternative Italy in all forms

Urban Italy was intended for foreigners, but it’s perfect for us Italians too

Mikaela has invented a new way to design travel

Urban Italy – the new site that takes you around Italy on the unbeaten path

Captivating content, a fresh layout and straightforward language are secrets of Urban Italy’s success

Let Milan be a riddle no more – urbanitaly.com

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𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
Powering @areaotto
@area8rooms @bisc_otto
@milkmatera
@palestra.area8

Signs you have the best job in the world: ✅You

Signs you have the best job in the world:

✅You have freedom to have crazy, wild ideas and pursue them;

✅You have the time to source the pieces of the puzzle to make your dream happen;

✅You have the opportunity to experiment, contaminate and disrupt;

✅You are surrounded by amazing people that believe in you and support your every move;

✅You have the resources to invest in new projects that have never been done before

Blessed to have all these things.
And then some.

Milk Matera.
A new hospitality concept coming soon.

@milkmatera

Casa Flash Art: a new hot spot for contemporary ar

Casa Flash Art: a new hot spot for contemporary art that is certainly going to be the news a lot in the future. The stunning artists’ residence in the Ostuni countryside, is brainchild of movers and shakers Gea Politi of Flash Art and her genius Venetian partner Christiano Seganfreddo.
The former mechanics studio has been transformed into an dynamic industrial open space to highlight the works on show - currently Eric N. Mack - as well as hosting talks, conferences and workshops related to contemporary culture.
Oversized windows let in the Apulian sunlight with breathtaking views over the secular olive groves and rough Adriatic Coast.
The complex has six rooms to host as many artists and thinkers and is another piece of the cultural puzzle that is revitalizing Apulia, helping to put the region on the heel of the boot on the map for contemporary art and culture.

AREA 8 STATE OF MIND In 1908 German scientist Kor

AREA 8 STATE OF MIND

In 1908 German scientist Korbinian Brodmann mapped out the human brain into 52 different parts, attributing AREA8 to several functions including that of handling uncertainty.
It seemed like a great name for our small pop up bar in a corner of my marketing office in Matera that I opened exactly 10 years ago today.

What started out as a tiny bar for unwinding after work has steadily grown into a serious business that has taken over my entire 400 square meter office and grown into a six digit affair.
AREA 8 has been featured in countless magazines, papers and TV shows including the New York Times T magazine, Vogue China, Elle Decor, Milk Magazine, Guardian, Figaro, considered one of Italy’s coolest bars by Conde Nast Traveler.

The space had a super XXC vintage vibe and is divided into Cinema with screenings of movies from the seventies, the Billiard Room where you eat on old pool tables from Liverpool, the Library with vintage boisserie that I bought in Amsterdam, a space age speakeasy for next level parties and our ‘superhero’ bar - where our favorite superhero is always BARMAN!
I must admit you feel more like you are in Kreuzberg or Shoreditch, not in the Sassi of Matera. The project has attracted a wonderful array of creative souls over the past years including Wes Anderson, Joachim Phoenix, Roberto Bolle, Jaden Smith, Omar Sy, Gal Gadot to do a bit of name-dropping..

Apart from the soul food and amazing cocktails and music AREA 8 has led to other super exciting projects and products, spin offs and collabs. It has introduced me to some of the most amazing people I know, led me to make some of my most stupid mistakes and challenged me in ways I never thought possible - even for a Capricorn, Angosaxon control freak like myself.
Looking back on ten long years, I feel incredibly blessed; looking forward to the next ten grateful for my partners Francesco, Mario & Gianvito with their amazing energy and passion.

So many people have contributed to making AREA8 what it is today.

AREA8 is a way of life.

#proudmika #blessed #grateful

Nestled in the heart of Favara, Sicily, the Farm C

Nestled in the heart of Favara, Sicily, the Farm Cultural Park is a vibrant cultural oasis in what was once a semi-abandoned area.
Founded by the visionary duo, Andrea Bartoli and Florinda Saieva who were motivated by a desire to halt the decline and depopulation of the area in order to create a space that would breathe new life into Favara through art and culture, improving the quality of life for their family and community while attracting artists, tourists, and creative talents from around the world.
Their vision was to show that even tiny towns off the beaten track could become vibrant centers of creativity and innovation.
Their efforts have turned Favara into a benchmark for social innovation, demonstrating the power of human creativity to address contemporary challenges and opportunities with visitors from around the globe and events that range from art exhibitions and workshops, open-air screenings and theater, pop up spaces and site specific artwork, concerts, you name it.
This year, the highlight is the transdisciplinary project titled “We have everything, we lack the rest!” involving around fifty artists, photographers, architects, designers, and creative souls. Spread across various locations in Sicily, including Favara and Mazzarino, the project aims at addressing social, economic, and environmental issues facing Sicily, such as youth migration, climate change, and stereotypes linked to the mafia.
The exhibition is spread and features a mix of art installations, performances, and interactive experiences.

#favara #FarmCulturalPark #Favara #Sicily #Art #Culture #Community #Travel #DiscoverSicily

Im super happy to say that first hospitality ventu

Im super happy to say that first hospitality venture - AREA8 ROOMS - in Nardò, way down on the boot of the heel is booming!
Guests are loving the attention to detail, the terrace and the XXC furnishings from my vintage collection.

So happy that my second venture in Matera, Italy will be ready in spring.
Watch this space!

#nardo #weareinpuglia #salento #area8rooms

Alvar Aalto’s masterpiece in Riola The Church

Alvar Aalto’s masterpiece in Riola

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Riola, a tiny town south of Bologna with just 300 inhabitants, is the only work of the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in Italy.
In 1955, Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro established a commission to create new churches around Bologna as symbols of renewal and inclusion for the suburbs. After an unsuccessful attempt by Le Corbusier, Aalto was invited to design a church in the small village of Riola.
The church’s design is profoundly influenced by the surrounding landscape of mountains, stones, and the Reno River. What sets Aalto’s work apart is his innovative use of light. He designed the church without traditional windows, opting instead for skylights on the roof. Natural light from the north reflects off the white walls, creating dynamic shapes and contrasts.
Aalto not only designed the church’s structure but also its interior furnishings, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience. The asymmetrical layout and single nave were intended to foster active participation, aligning with the Church’s call for new communication approaches in the 1950s.
However, ten years after the design was completed, there was still no sign of construction. It was then that Mario Tamburini, a local entrepreneur and owner of Grandi Lavori, stepped in and decided to build the church at his own expense.
The first Mass was celebrated on August 15th, 1977, with Elissa Aalto, Mario Tamburini, and the entire group of architects in attendance.
It sounds like a story straight out of a movie, and indeed, there is a documentary by Mara Corradi and Roberto Ronchi that tells this incredible tale.
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/aaltoriolait
#modernarchitecture #finnisharchitecture #italytravel

Step into the world of innovation and art at MAST

Step into the world of innovation and art at MAST Bologna, a stunning architectural marvel that seamlessly blends modern design with cultural heritage
Designed by the architectural firm Labics, MAST is a beacon of contemporary architecture in a sleepy residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Bologna.
The building, completed in 2013, features sleek lines, expansive glass panels, and exalting cantilevers, creating a dynamic and inviting space. The design integrates public and private areas, symbolizing a bridge between the community and the industrial complex12.
On arrival you’ll be met by Anish Kapoor’s ‘Reach’, an enormous rainbow shaped mesmerizing mirror surface that reflects the sky and city, creating a dynamic interplay between reality and illusion.
Inside a captivating collection that celebrates the intersection of art, technology, and society. From thought-provoking exhibitions to interactive installations,
Opened in 2013 by Isabella Seragnoli, the president of COESIA, a group of innovation-based industrial solutions companies. Her vision was to create a cultural and philanthropic institution that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.
#MASTBologna #ArtAndInnovation #AnishKapoor #Reach #BolognaArt #ModernArchitecture #ArtLovers

Parco dei Principi: a Giò Ponti masterpiece The

Parco dei Principi: a Giò Ponti masterpiece

The Parco dei Principi was Gio Ponti’s inaugural hotel design in 1960.
It stands on the lush, historic grounds of Villa Siracusa, a place steeped in history on a cliff in Sorrento, Amalfi coast.
Ponti’s minimalistic approach prioritized interior spaces over the external form of the building. He believed in an innovative dialogue between modernity and decoration.
The 96 guest rooms still today showcase original furnishings meticulously designed by Gio Ponti himself all in hues of blues and white and boast 96 different floor designs with hand painted white and blue tiles from nearby Vietri.

For the project Ponti collaborated with leading artistic figures like Ico Parisi and Fausto Melotti, in order to create an atmosphere that seamlessly blended art, artisanship, architecture and nature.
There is always something special about staying there, about using the original furniture and fittings that Ponti designed over 70 years ago like sleeping in the bed with wood and blue formica headboard or sitting on Cassina’s iconic Superleggera ashwood chair designed by Gio Ponti in the super minimalistic dining room with an uninterrupted breathtaking vista of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
And my personal fave the ‘Vanity’ toilet set with circular mirrors designed in 1950 -I have wanted one ever since I knew it existed!

Do make sure that you check out the salt water swimming pool as well - shape designed by Ponti again with the stunning concrete modernist diving board open during summer months.

#GioPonti #DesignHotel #Sorrento#MidCenturyModern #ItalianArchitecture #XXCdesign

Fatuaria is nestled in the picturesque countryside

Fatuaria is nestled in the picturesque countryside between the charming towns of Ceglie Messapica, Martina Franca, and Cisternino, offering one of the most panoramic views Italy has to offer. To reach this enchanting B&B, you travel along winding roads lined with stone walls and olive groves, scattered with quaint farmhouses.

The B&B is housed in a cluster of traditional cone-shaped buildings known as Trulli, originally built without mortar to be dismantled easily to avoid property taxes. The design-loving owners have infused these historic structures with an eclectic mix of Apulian artisanship and XXC Italian design pieces. Highlights include the iconic 1970’s Bocca Sofa by Studio65 for Gufram and the award-winning Retrou-vé series by Patricia Urquiola for EMU, creating a funky, fresh ambiance.

Fatuaria offers six uniquely decorated rooms and suites, some featuring private terraces and gardens. The stunning black-bottomed pool, set amidst manicured green lawns with white trulli as a backdrop, creates a surreal and serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy lunches and dinners in the garden, made with farm-to-table ingredients and a careful selection of Apulian specialties.

#fatuaria #gufram #weareinpuglia #emu #patricia_urquiola #compassod’oro #hospitality #design #boutiquehotel #travelitaly #viaggidiarchitettura

The Tarot Garden in Capalbio, Tuscany, had been on

The Tarot Garden in Capalbio, Tuscany, had been on my bucket list ever since it opened in 1998. Created by Niki de Saint Phalle, a leading figure of the 1960s Nouveau Réalisme movement known for her colorful and distinctive sculptures exploring femininity, mythology, and fantasy, and wife of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.
Spanning 14 acres, the Tarot Garden was inspired by Gaudí’s Parc Güel with construction that lasted almost 30 years. It features 22 monumental sculptures representing the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. Each sculpture is a vividly colored masterpiece embedded with mirrors and ceramics. Notable pieces include “The Empress,” which served as Saint Phalle’s home, “The Magician,” and “The High Priestess.”
The garden’s vibrant, esoteric forms and diverse materials create a fantastical environment, showcasing Saint Phalle’s visionary creativity. It’s more than a sculpture display; it’s a testament to her enduring legacy and artistic vision.

Inspired by Ragusa On a recent trip to the stunni

Inspired by Ragusa
On a recent trip to the stunning Val di Noto, I discovered the beautiful Baroque town of Ragusa in southeastern Sicily. My first impression was like Stendhal syndrome when I saw the post office, a masterpiece of rationalist architecture designed by Angiolo Mazzoni in 1931.

Then, I explored Ragusa Ibla, a rich and complex melting pot of cultures. Influenced by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman civilizations, it’s packed with Baroque buildings rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693. Not surprisingly the town gained UNESCO heritage status in 2002 together with the ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’

I had an exclusive tour with Giovanni Gurrieri, visiting palaces, theaters, and secret gardens. The highlight was the Di Quattro family's stunning home and art collection and tiny Donnafugata theatre.

Dinner at Le Scale del Gusto, a contemporary Sicilian bistro, offered killer views and excellent dishes paired with Sicilian wines. In summer, the town hosts numerous festivals and cultural activities.
I stayed at Relais Antica Badia, where local artisanship meets contemporary chic, with views of the Cathedral of Saint John.
The architecture, food, and incredibly hospitable people made this a true experience.

#ValDiNoto #RagusaIbla #Sicily #BaroqueArchitecture #TravelGoals #CulturalHeritage #SicilianCuisine

Nestled on the stunning cliffs of Sorrento, the bo

Nestled on the stunning cliffs of Sorrento, the boutique hotel offers more than just breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Marina Grande, Sorrento’s original fishing port. Housed in a family-owned building from the 1950s belonging to architect and entrepreneur Marco de Luca, La Minervetta features 12 panoramic suites decorated in their trademark stripes of red and blue, creating a funky, contemporary nautical vibe.
The huge lounge, open-plan kitchen, and common areas greet you with a vibrant and eclectic mix of design pieces that tell a story of elegance and charm. Each corner of the hotel is meticulously curated with contemporary art, vintage finds, and bespoke furnishings, with huge windows opening onto a stunning terrace decked out in bold primary colors. The decor is an eclectic mix of mostly seventies and eighties design. From colorful ceramics handmade by artisans in Vietri, selected 20th-century design pieces, unique lighting fixtures, and modern art installations, every detail reflects a bold, harmonious mix. Fornasetti, Saarinen, and Starck designs, along with unique postmodern Ettore Sottsass pieces for Memphis, stand out among the huge low-slung couches and extensive book collection.
La Minervetta has also branched out with the funkiest tiny souvenir shop filled with art and design books, colorful local ceramics, and other art pieces available for sale.
And the latest addition, right at the top of many bucket lists, is the private villa in Maratea—200 km south of Sorrento on the stunning rocky Tyrrhenian coastline: this unique villa for rent, Casa di Maratea, offers three beautifully designed bedrooms, continuing the bold red-and-blue legacy and contemporary nautical style and elegance found at La Minervetta.
#LaMinervetta #AmalfiCoast #DesignHotel #Sorrento #TravelGoals #InteriorDesign #LuxuryStay #ArtLovers #CasaDiMaratea #memphisdesign

And then out of the blue you find yourself in the

And then out of the blue you find yourself in the middle of nowhere.
Between olive groves and farm houses outside of the tiny town of Tuglie in lower Salento, Puglia.
And you bump into the most amazing pieces of architecture - a single standing ancient stone tower amazingly renovated by one of my absolute favorite studios, Portuguese Atelier Aires Mateus.

The tower is inhabited by a lovely couple from Milan that recently moved to the Apulian countryside in search of a slower, more down to earth life, and they decorated the space in amazing earth tones and super minimalistic De Padova and Boffi furnishings, but keeping as much of the original wall texture and floors as possible.
They added a square pool and are in the process of landscaping with olive trees and vineyards, and obviously a farm-to-table vegetable patch.

Studio Torre 67 is brainchild of Matilde Castellini and her partner Alessandro; morning coffee gave a whole new meaning to the week!
Thank you guys for sharing your incredible home with me!

#brilliantarchitects
#salento #weareinpuglia #interiors #salentolife #tuglie

Thank you Antonio Moramarco and stylist the occasi

Thank you Antonio Moramarco and stylist the occasion Stefano Cavalleri for including me in your new collection (and upcoming exhibit) on expats living in Matera.
Surrounded by some of my favorite vintage Italian furniture and lighting pieces from what used to be a hobby and turned into a true passion-come-obsession for the seventies and eighties.

Here a few of my fave’s in the background:
Table lamp with tassels by Gianfranco Frattini for Arte Luce;
Vittorio Dassi dining table;
Tornado chandelier by Martinelli;
Abat jour by Sabattini for Christofle;
White Giuseppe Cormio sconces for Fratelli Guzzini;
Sea urchin sculpture by Michele Iodice;
Luciano Friggerio brass & leather dining chairs;
Floor lamp by Nason for Mazzega

PS this is just one corner of my home rapidly turning into a gallery.
WATCH THIS SPACE :-)

Have you ever seen art that seems to blur the line

Have you ever seen art that seems to blur the lines between reality and imagination? Meet Edoardo Tresoldi, the brilliant Italian sculptor whose breathtaking wire mesh creations have captivated art lovers around the world. I fell in love with his work when I first saw the ‘Cathedral’ in Siponto near the southern Italian town of Foggia and recently had the chance to see his amazing site specific installation on the beach front of Reggio Calabria.
This monumental work, consisting of a colonnade of 46 classical columns made of wire mesh reaching 8 meters in height, is situated within one of the largest public spaces in Europe, under the Falcomatà promenade.

Tresoldi is renowned for his unique ability to transform industrial materials into ethereal, large-scale installations that evoke classical architecture and human forms. His works, often installed in public spaces, invite viewers to explore and interact with art in a wholly immersive way.

From the majestic “Etherea” installation at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to his stunning reconstructions of ancient ruins, Tresoldi’s art transcends time and space, blending history with contemporary aesthetics. His innovative use of wire mesh creates a delicate interplay of light and shadow, giving his sculptures a ghostly, almost holographic presence.🌙
Follow Edoardo Tresoldi’s journey and be inspired by his vision that redefines the boundaries of sculpture. His art is not just to be seen but to be experienced, offering a new perspective on the relationship between structure and transparency. 🌟
Check out his latest projects and installations on his official page and join the conversation celebrating one of Italy’s most visionary artists!
#EdoardoTresoldi #WireMeshSculpture #ContemporaryArt #ItalianArtist #ArtInPublicSpaces #InnovativeArt

Elle Dimora di Sicilia is a super new addition to

Elle Dimora di Sicilia is a super new addition to Catania’s design scene in a breathtaking spot overlooking the Roman amphitheater and the church of San Biagio right in the center of town.
The young owner, Elle, decorated what was once her family home into this stylish three roomed boutique hotel together with architect Andrea Perra. Rooms are in soft earth tones and pastels, fabrics in natural fibers and all the modcons, bathrooms are decadently luxurious from the mere size to the amenities and the insane views.
The small breakfast room has Elle’s maxi portrait-in-blue by Sicilian based artist Sergio Fiorentino mixed with pastel velvet divans and tassels. Undoubtedly the terrace takes the cake with the alice in wonderland vibe that you can enjoy any time of the day, Sicilian heat permitting.

#boutiquehotel #hospitality #sicily #catania

Scouting for new and exciting spots together with

Scouting for new and exciting spots together with Tourango way down in Salento, Apulia we landed up in the tiny town of Spongano, with its 3 689 inhabitants, is becoming the center of the world and ‘the place to be’ in on the heel of the boot with exciting hospitality projects mushrooming up.
In particular we were really keen to see the new boutique hotel i tre Bacili: a small bespoke home-away-from-home with six super minimal rooms.
The building was beautifully renovated by owner Filippo Bacile di Castiglione together with architect Marco Mantovano putting emphasis on high barrel or star vaulted ceilings and making use of subtle earth tones and hues of beige, natural fibers and materials for all the made-to-measure furniture.

The single story building dates back to the 1800’s with the generous rooms nestled among manicured green patches and courtyards where the natural beige stone contrasts strongly against the bright blue Salentino sky and black bottomed pool.
Contemporary art pieces from owners’ collection, are scattered around the common areas and courtyards.

#weareinpuglia #itrebacili #travelitaly #spongano

Spring in Salento #weareinpuglia #nardo #puglia #

Spring in Salento
#weareinpuglia #nardo #puglia #salento

Super excited to announce our pilot project AREA 8

Possibly Palermo’s best-kept secret: a haven for

Possibly Palermo’s best-kept secret: a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Forget everything you thought you knew about cannoli; this is no ordinary bakery. Accessible through a 14th-century hospice, the monastic space boasts breathtaking interiors adorned with frescoes and traditional Sicilian maiolica.
Before ascending to the rooftop terrace (no luxury of a lift here), follow the handwritten signs to the ‘pasticceria.’
Take a paper number and patiently wait in line, surrounded by the beauty of the cloister, complete with balconies, wild plants, and an 18th-century fountain by Ignazio Marabitti. The queue may grow longer as the morning unfolds, so be prepared to wait.
Inside the pasticceria awaits an array of eye candy and soul candy: cassata, marzipan bonbons, candied fruit, sweet fried pastries, and their signature next-level cannoli, crafted before your eyes with the filling of your choice. These sweets, pastries, and desserts are still handmade by the nuns every morning, playing a crucial role in sustaining the monastery.
Welcome to Dolceria - I segreti del chiostro, where every indulgence tells a story and preserves the secrets of the cloister.”
Thank you @lauraiorio for being my Louise when i’m in Thelma mode.

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