As you already understand, we will talk about souvenirs and gifts from Italy. I’ll say right away that you can start looking for information about where to find cheaper magnets and miniature Colosseum miniatures on other sites. There will also be a selection of necessary, unusual and characteristic only for Italy things for every taste and budget. Here you can stock up on gift ideas that will surprise and delight anyone. Get your notebooks ready!
Edible
Saying. To be honest, my gift lists usually start and end with food. And all because the direct association of 95% of the people I know about Italy is Italian cuisine and everything connected with it. The secret of its popularity, in my opinion, lies in the excellent quality of the products. Italians are generally obsessed with the quality of what they put on the table - environmental friendliness and seasonality are the main criteria during Sunday shopping. For those who are already drooling and chewing on a pencil, I advise you to use the latter for its intended purpose and write down a couple of necessary life hacks:
- No matter how much the shops with colorfully decorated packages of pasta and spices in the city center attract you (a tourist is like a fish - he goes for the lure), spend a couple of hours of your time going to a normal supermarket. There are many advantages: prices are several times lower, the ability to choose products to suit every taste and budget, and the beauty of the packaging is easily compensated by its ease of transportation. In any supermarket you can find vacuum-sealed cheese and meat, which significantly reduces the risk that your suitcase will smell like prosciutto and the cheese will crumble into fine dust.
- All stores in Italy operate on shorter hours than ours. Private shops close at 7 pm, and supermarkets usually close at 8–9 pm.
So, now let's talk in more detail about those product groups that arouse our greatest interest.
Cheeses
I personally am ready to serenade Italian cheeses: from milk and sourdough they manage to make hefty rounds of pure sunny happiness. There is no one type of cheese that can be recommended. There are hundreds, thousands of them on the shelves, from all regions of Italy, from every small town. However, there are undisputed leaders among them, known far beyond the boot.
- Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano|Parmigiano Reggiano(~12–30 EUR per kg.) – hard cheese with long shelf life. Everything about this cheese is perfect: creamy golden color, subtle nutty aroma, delicately piquant, moderately salty taste, light graininess. Parmesan is kept in molds for at least one year and its readiness is checked by ear by knocking on the head of the cheese with silver (Karl!) hammers. When choosing the treasured triangle, follow the “wine” rule: the older the chosen one, the better. My experience shows that in terms of price-quality ratio, cheese aged 24–36 months wins.
Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉
What can you bring as a gift from Italy, besides banal magnets and plates? Italy for me is, of course, the most delicious and high-quality products in the world, which are an excellent souvenir.
In Turin, Milan, Genoa, Rome, Bologna, Florence there are huge Eataly supermarkets specializing only in Italian delicacies.
Alcohol
I rarely bring wine from Italy to my friends, as it takes up a lot of space in my suitcase, and we drink quite a lot and 1-2 bottles are of no use at all. Plus, due to the flight, good wine can spoil.
But still, if some special occasion or good friend, with which “just give me a reason,” then I’m bringing a good aged bottle.
I advise you to buy Grappa in specialized stores (enotecas). A bottle of quality grappa costs from 25 euros, on average about 40 euros, but there are also more expensive versions.
- In Rome – Enoteca Trastevere | Bernabei dal 1933, address Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 48, 00153. Website www.bernabei.it
- In Milan - Grappa Store Milano, Via Marghera, 14, 20149. Website www.mazzetti.it
If you buy grappa in a supermarket, then under no circumstances buy it for less than 10 euros; value your health.
Pesto
Teenager
If a teenager is interested in history, then a great gift there will be a book "Rome Restored". Sold in newsstands and specialized souvenir shops at museums, it costs 14 euros.
The book shows Ancient Rome - the Colosseum, the Forums, the Pantheon, the Castle of the Angel in the format of 2000 years ago and today. A drawing reconstructed by archaeologists is superimposed on the photograph of the landmark - it is very interesting to compare. Instructive annotations are provided for the images.
If a teenage child is indifferent to history, then bring him a souvenir from the Ferrari Store. There are branded stores in Bologna, Turin, Milan, Venice, Naples and Rome.
They are usually located in the city center, for example, in Rome there is such a store next to the Pantheon in Piazza della Minerva. A Ferrari branded T-shirt costs 45 euros, a jacket from 110 euros, a cap 35 euros, a watch 60 euros.
What do you usually bring from Italy? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments.
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There are a lot of options for gifts and souvenirs that you can bring from Italy. And whether it’s food, drinks, clothing or any other trinket, you can be sure that the price will match the quality.
So what to bring from Italy? I suggest you familiarize yourself with the list of traditional goods that you should definitely buy when you are in Italy.
What products to bring from Italy
Italy is especially proud of its olive oil, which is considered one of the best in the world. It is widely used for preparing various dishes and salads. Although it can be bought in any supermarket in Russia and other CIS countries, the aroma of real virgin olive oil cannot be compared with it.
The highest quality and healthiest olive oil is considered to be Olio extravergine (first pressed).
Limoncello
If you happen to visit the south of Italy, do not forget to buy a bottle of the wonderful Limoncello liqueur. This alcoholic drink prepared from lemon zest, sugar and alcohol. As a rule, it is consumed after a heavy meal in small doses; it is believed that Limoncello promotes better digestion of food.
In specialized shops and markets you can find Limoncello in beautiful souvenir bottles that are perfectly transportable and suitable for gifts, its cost starts from 4.00 € per 0.5 liter. .
Pasta
Everyone knows that Italian pasta is one of the best in the world, so if the question arises of what to bring from Italy, then pasta is the best option in terms of price and quality. The choice of pasta in Italian supermarkets is very large; one of the best is considered pasta - Barilla and De Cecco, the Divella brand is a little cheaper.
You should be careful when choosing, since its shelf life outside the refrigerator is strictly limited.
Balsamic vinegar
Panettone
A traditional Christmas cake with candied fruits, which can be found in stores only in December and early January. Panettone cost from € 3.00 per 0.7 kg.
Canned vegetables and fruits
A very common product that is also easy to transport. The choice of canned vegetables in Italy is quite large, especially in specialized stores selling typical products - for example, the south of the country is famous for its hot peppers, from which various sauces are made with the addition of various ingredients.
And also, once you are here, do not miss the opportunity to purchase a jar of red onion jam, which is a delicacy even for Italians. Tourists also buy dried tomatoes in oil, olives and Pesto sauce in jars very well.
Chocolate and candy
Italy has a long tradition in chocolate production. As an alternative to chocolate, you can bring chocolate paste with Gianduia hazelnuts from Italy. High-quality chocolate products from Caffarel, Perugina and Venchi are beautifully packaged and are perfect for gifts. Prices vary depending on the quality and weight of the product, from €2.00 to €20.00.
Sausages
Leather products
Florence is famous for its high-quality leather goods, so if you are here you should pay attention to them. They can be found everywhere - this is leather bags, wallets, belts, jackets, trousers, vests and more.
One of Florence's leading leather goods firms is Pierotucci, which also organizes tours of its tannery.
Shoes
Italian shoes are known all over the world and are highly valued for their high quality. For example, in Rome you can find any kind of shoes, both expensive and more affordable.
Perfume
An excellent gift that you can bring from Italy will, of course, be perfume. Moreover, the choice of designer perfumes is very large and increases every season, thanks to the large fashion houses Armani, Valentino, Laura Biagiotti, Dolce & Gabbana, etc.
Perfume prices range from €50.00 per 50ml, with some exclusive scents reaching €500.00.
Pijama mobile phone accessories
Pijama makes fashionable soft cases for all Apple mobile devices. The main materials from which the covers are made are wool and cotton, their cost depending on the size is € 16.00 to € 39.00. They are currently sold in fashionable Milanese stores such as Cargo & Hi-Tech.
You can talk about Italy colorfully and tastefully. And in a nutshell, this is a country of delicious cuisine, ancient history and the arts. Of course, I want to bring home a “piece” of this Mediterranean fairy tale. What memorable gifts should you use to please yourself and your loved ones?
What experienced travelers bring from Italy
First of all, these are souvenirs, the variety of which sometimes baffles you - you want to buy everything. Connoisseurs of Italian cuisine are bringing food, sincerely regretting that they cannot load half the plane with it.
No fashionista will pass by clothing stores, especially if they are on sale. The same applies to cosmetics stores. Some people buy small household appliances in Italy.
Italian leather goods - handbags, gloves, belts - are highly valued. An excellent gift would be items made from Venetian glass, as well as miniature copies of Italian landmarks.
Thin Italian guilt and famous strong alcohol- another purchase that every tourist makes. The prices for all goods are rather high by our standards, but the gifts are worth it.
All regions of the country sell their own souvenirs that you won’t find in another city or province. Therefore, the question of what to bring from Italy as a gift depends on where you are:
All over the country you can buy magnets, boxes, funny aprons with images of antique male statues (as a gift to your husband or friend), and football paraphernalia of famous Italian clubs. Leather products are in particular demand.
An elegant business card holder or purse would be a good gift for a colleague or boss.
From Venice you can still bring antique souvenirs - embossed paper, pens with a feather, folders or envelopes with a coat of arms. They are sold in the craft district Merceria.
Rimini is famous for its masterfully executed copies of paintings by great Italian artists - these can be reproductions or drawings, with or without frames, and in all kinds of sizes. They are bought in shops, artist shops or simply at the market.
A scarf would be an excellent gift for a lady. They are always in trend and are in the wardrobe of any self-respecting woman. The range of them in Italian stores is amazing.
Goodies from Italy
When asked about what delicious things you can bring from Italy, experts will answer - All. Everything here is delicious. Gourmets bring sausages, cheeses, pastas, sauces, pastries and even cakes. And, of course, alcohol.
Wine paradise of Italy
The fertile lands of Italy will give birth to world-famous grapes, from which wines have been made since ancient times. They are famous for their delicate, refined taste. No less popular are Italian liqueurs, Campari balsam and Grappa grape vodka.
Limoncello liqueur can be bought in small souvenir bottles different shapes, they will be a great gift for friends or colleagues.
When choosing wine to suit your taste, focus on its type - dry wine - Secco, semi-dry - Abboccato, semi-sweet - Amablie, sweet - Dolce. When buying Grappa, pay attention to the age of the drink; the price of vodka depends on it. The longer the shutter speed, the more expensive it is. Buy alcohol in regular stores; in souvenir shops it is much more expensive.
Cheeses, sausages and olive oil
It is better to go to the market or small shops for these products for several reasons:
- You can always try the products there;
- The market sells cheeses and unusual farmed meat products that may not be available in the store, for example, cheese with truffles.
- When trying meat delicacies at the market, you can choose something exactly to your taste, and not what is usually brought from Italy.
The most popular types of cheese - Parmesan, similar to it, but with a milder taste Grana Padano(Grana Padano) Mozzarella(sold in the form of balls in brine), Mascarpone and specific, exclusively for the amateur, blue cheese Gorgonzola.
In small stores, your food will be vacuum packed, so you can safely carry it in your suitcase without fear of staining other things.
Italian sausages are no less popular than cheeses. The most suitable for transportation is dry-cured sausage or ham (prosciutto crudo, best of the De parma variety).
Olive oil, which is also available in our supermarkets large assortment, has a completely different taste and smell in Italy. But only if you buy it not in a store, but in small villages. It is sold in tin cans or in glass bottles.
Delicious gifts for those with a sweet tooth
World-famous Turin chocolate, Sicilian honey, marzipan - these are just a few of the sweets that you will definitely want to take home. And also - green pistachio paste di pistachio dolce, crushed licorice, almond cookies, dried taralli with different flavors.
Features of shopping and export rules
Whatever products you buy, be interested in its expiration date. Some of them do not last long (for example, Mozzarella cheese). Clothing does not have to be bought in boutiques. If you want to save money, go to outlets. It's also only sold there new clothes, but from past collections.
In early February and early September, sales begin in Italian stores.
How much can you return (taxi free):
- from clothes, jewelry, dishes and alcohol - 22%;
- from shelf-stable products - 10%;
- from perishables - 40%.
There are no special restrictions on the export of souvenirs and food products in Italy. Everything must be packed in luggage; only fragile confectionery products are allowed into the cabin.
The radiant, temperamental, sun-kissed country that has given the world so many talents makes you fall in love the first time and forever. The birthplace of brilliant painters, famous opera singers and film artists, Italy played a huge role in the development of European art. This is where the "heart" is located catholic faith The Vatican, the unique city on the water Venice, the famous La Scala. The country is also famous for its seaside resorts, beaches, hospitality and developed light industry. The extraordinary generosity of nature, multiplied by the talent and hard work of Italians, gives the world a lot of unique products and various goods. Clothes, shoes, spaghetti, wines, cheeses, olive oil highly valued on the world market. Massifs of olive groves, endless grape plantations, tangerine and orange gardens adorn the fertile land washed by 4 seas. None of the tourists have problems choosing what to bring from Italy as a gift - it is very rich.
Italians got the nickname "pasta" because of their favorite national dish. It was Italy that became the world stage for the production of products from dried dough. Today, pasta of various varieties, configurations, and colors is available in every corner of the planet. Dishes from them are prepared in almost every family. But pasta products, united by the word “pasta” (dough), have their own highlights. It would be unforgivable, while here, not to buy in quality nice gift, several types of pasta.
Long, short, curly, large, small, filled pasta is sold everywhere here. Manufacturers strive to make pasta only from durum wheat grown here. Progress in this area does not stand still. Today, new brands of products with improved health properties are being introduced.
Stores sell pasta made from legumes, which is not contraindicated for diabetics, athletes, or vegetarians. Products are packaged in beautiful paper bags, with labels indicating the manufacturer in bright letters. Barilla, Molto Bene, Ledi, Divella, Felicetti, Agnesi, Garofalo, La Molisana - this is far from full list companies with a long history. Today they produce pasta of the highest quality with seasonings, herbs, vegetables, and seafood.
Wine
It is interesting to know how the dispute between Dionysius, the Greek God of wine, and Bacchus, the wine God of Rome, would have ended if they had found out whose wine was better. But real story indicates that the Greeks at the dawn of our era called Italy Oenotria (land of wine). From this we can conclude that wine was very highly valued even in ancient times. It was Ancient Rome that became the forefather of French, Bulgarian, Hungarian and other vineyards. Modern descendants of the Romans not only preserved the secrets of winemaking, but also improved this technology.
Local wines are classified according to quality. Table wines are obtained from any grape varieties, they can be different quality. Strict controls are practiced in the production of fine wine, from the cultivation of the grapes to the completion of the process. The varieties of Tuscan red wine are world famous: Chianti, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. White wine lovers choose Vermentino, Chardonnay, Trebbiano. Each of the 6 regions producing noble drinks strives to become a quality leader. Any wine purchased in Italy will not disappoint those for whom it is intended.
Coffee
Although coffee production in Italy does not have a long history, today there are more than 800 companies in the country producing an invigorating drink. Despite the lack of their own coffee plantations, producers successfully compete even with Brazil. Many European countries, including Russia, actively import it in large quantities.
The Illi cafe company in Trieste was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illi, who in 1934 patented a system for packaging grains using inert gas. It was perfectly preserved coffee aroma. The invention gave impetus to the development of the company, and today Illy caffe is a famous brand of Italian coffee. Another 14 brands of packaged coffee are considered the most popular. The Kimbo company, which ranks 2nd, produces Arabica and Robusta blends “Gold Medical” and Macinato Fresco. The Pellini company, one of the 5 largest coffee companies, exports its products to 20 countries.
The oldest company Lavazza is famous for producing coffee blends Crema e Gusto and Qualita Oro. The Molinari company (1911) makes 86 varieties of coffee blends. Italians love the Borbon, Vergnano, and Hausbrandt coffee brands. Your loved ones will like coffee.
On plantations in the provinces of Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia and in other 9 regions, 400 varieties of olives are grown. Therefore, there are plenty of raw materials for the production of olive oil, as well as first-class craftsmen involved in the production of “ business card» states. Buying olive oil in any city is not a problem. However, it must be remembered that this useful product has a short shelf life - 1 month after opening the bottle.
When oil comes into contact with oxygen, oxidation occurs and it loses its useful qualities. When purchasing, be sure to look at the date and place of manufacture, as well as the manufacturer. Olive oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, is an excellent means of preventing cancer. Even when frying foods, dangerous carcinogens are not formed, which cannot be said about other types of oils. To please friends and relatives, it is best to buy several small bottles.
Usually the oil is packaged in dark glass bottles, which protect it from sunlight. The oil of the “extra virgin” category, obtained mechanically by cold pressing, is especially valued. “Liquid gold” is sold in almost all stores. If you happen to go on an excursion to a small agricultural company, you can buy the freshest high-quality oil there. Small manufacturers are sensitive to the manufacture of the product in order to survive in the competition.
Cheese
Italy is the record holder among other countries for cheese production. 600 varieties of this milk product are produced in the country as a whole. Some of them have received worldwide recognition and glorified local cheese makers. Parmesan and Mozzarella have captivated gourmets all over the planet with their taste. Mozzarella was traditionally made from buffalo milk in the province of Campania. Currently, this delicious cheese in the form of balls for widespread consumption is made from cow's milk.
Parmesan is unique in that it is made from milk obtained during the green grass season (April-November). The ripening period for a cheese masterpiece is almost 2 years. The shell of genuine Parmesan cheese is embossed with the name and bears the company mark. Hard cheeses are in great demand: Grana Padano (a competitor to Parmesan), Piccante, Asiago, Canestrato Pugliese (made from sheep's milk), Pecorino, etc. Among the soft varieties, the best are Scamorza, Taleggio, Fontina, Caciotta D'urbino, Crescenza, Mascarpone.
Since hard cheeses have a longer shelf life, it is better to buy hard varieties as a gift. As a rule, they are all sold in vacuum packaging, which guarantees the preservation of the quality of the product. On the eve of departure, you can purchase the unique soft Caciocavallo cheese in the form of a drop with a paraffin shell. Its unusual sweet taste goes well with mushrooms and vegetables. Why not bring the famous Gorgonzola blue cheese, with noble mold, which has stood the test of time for centuries?
Balsamic vinegar
An exquisite sweet and sour seasoning for dishes, known in Italy since the 11th century, balsamic vinegar is more popular today than ever. True gourmets try to use this unique ingredient in their home cooking to improve the taste and healthiness of their dishes. Balsamic vinegar is prepared from grape must (squeezed grape juice). From it, through long-term boiling, a syrup is obtained, which is poured into wooden barrels and kept in them for at least 3 years. The most expensive brands balsamic can be aged for 100 years.
Barrels of different volumes (from 10 to 100 liters) are made from oak, ash, chestnut, cherry, and mulberry. For the first time, balsamic vinegar was prepared in the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna region). Here, to this day, they produce it according to family recipes. During the process of fermentation and infusion, the syrup is saturated with the aroma of fruit wood, extracting all the beneficial microelements from it. For centuries, the use of this unique seasoning was the prerogative of the aristocratic nobility. A barrel of balsamic vinegar was highly regarded as a royal gift.
For some time he was considered healing balm, helping with many diseases (hence the name). In the 19th century Scientific works have appeared on the properties of vinegar to soften meat fibers, disinfect water, etc. Now balsamic vinegar has become widespread throughout the world. It is sold in 100 ml bottles with the word tradizionale written on the labels. They are not cheap: the ripening process is too long and the volume of raw materials is large. But such a gift will be truly royal.
Seasonings
Today it is no longer possible to imagine Russian cuisine without the use of herbs, seasonings and spices. But for many years, apart from onions, garlic and pepper, nothing improved the taste of the dishes. Many aromatic seasonings came to us from Europe, where they were supplied from South Africa since the times of the Roman Empire. Particular preference was given to aromatic herbs, which began to be actively cultivated in France and Italy. Today, Italians cannot imagine any food without herbal seasonings and spices.
They are offered in great abundance in all grocery stores, sold in markets and pharmacies. On market stalls you can see freshly cut herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, fennel, etc. But not everyone can bring them fresh. As a gift, it is better to buy dried spices packed in bags. There are also spices ground into powder, attractively presented in glass or plastic containers.
The unique aroma of basil will make a meat or vegetable dish or salad more refined. Oregano will be an excellent flavoring addition to first and second courses and salads. The delightful delicate scent of rosemary will enhance any product, including dessert. It is worth purchasing an original seasoning – dried tomatoes – as a delicacy. Good gift– cinnamon sticks – rolled cinnamon tree bark that can be ground and flavored into dough, drinks and desserts.
Panettone
When you first try a piece of panettone, you will understand how small our world is. The taste of this dessert will remind you of our Easter cake. The only difference is that Italians bake this confectionery product on Christmas. There are, of course, some nuances that distinguish panettone from Easter cakes. For example, in addition to the main ingredients, candied citrus fruits are added to the dough, which gives a wonderful aroma and taste to the sweet cupcake. According to tradition, they are prepared up to 30 cm high.
They look very appetizing, delighting with their golden brown crust. Bake beautiful and delicious pastries for Christmas - old tradition aristocratic circles in Italy. Today they are available to everyone. A culinary masterpiece has its own history and legendary basis. According to legend, the appearance of panettone was facilitated by the assistant chef of the noble Milanese house of Sforza, whose head was the ruler of Monaco, Ludovico il Moro.
The cook, preparing a birthday cake for a Christmas banquet, burned it. In order not to incur the wrath of the owner on his chef, Pan de Toni (that was the name of the cook) hastily made a dough from eggs, sugar, candied fruits and raisins and managed to bake it before serving dessert. The cupcake was highly appreciated by the owner, and since then they began to cook it at Christmas under the name “Panettone”, improving the recipe. They borrowed the addition of butter and yeast from representatives of the Russian community in Milan. Kulich will become pleasant surprise for loved ones.
Canned truffles
The most famous mushrooms, truffles, have long been considered a royal delicacy. Indeed, all the French kings adored them. But Italian truffles are just as famous as their French counterparts. Otherwise, here they are called diamond mushrooms, which does not correspond to their appearance. Inconspicuous tubers of irregular shape have an uneven surface of a brown or yellowish color. The dense flesh of white, cream and yellow-brown shades tastes like cheese with a garlicky smell.
In Italy, they grow in deciduous forests in loose limestone soil under the lateral roots of oaks, willows, lindens, and poplars. Their main habitat is the oak forests of Piedmont and areas bordering France. Finding underground mushrooms is a delicate matter, requiring skill and caution, which affects their exorbitant price (up to $8 thousand per 1 kg). Experienced “treasure hunters” are guided by the accumulation of flies under a tree.
Insects sense the specific smell of truffles and flock to this place. White truffles do not grow in colonies, but singly, hiding under rhizomes. You need to be very dexterous to extract the mushroom delicacy intact. The mass harvest in Piedmont begins in October, and the harvest ends with a truffle fair. Canned truffles are sold in small glass and metal jars at a price of over 1,000 rubles. Their taste is not inferior to freshly prepared mushrooms.
Chocolate
Many countries can boast of the quality of their chocolate, but the Italian dessert is in high demand. The country exports 45% of the sweet product every year to the richest European countries, India, China and Australia. Turin has been the chocolate capital of the European Union for many years. Sweet tiles are made here various brands. Modico chocolate, produced in the town of the same name in Sicily, is in particular demand. When preparing this type, they are based on the ancient Aztec recipe without heating at high temperatures.
The famous Ferrero candies, light, airy, and filled with nuts, have become a favorite delicacy in the world. Chocolate “Baki Perugino” is a symbol of lovers, an indispensable attribute of a romantic date. The dark chocolate “Amadeus Toscano” and “Toscano” won sympathy, having received awards from the Academy of Chocolate. The production was founded by a young entrepreneur, whose company produces truffles, bars, chocolate paste and bars, which have won recognition among those with a sweet tooth. If you want to surprise your family with an unusually delicious sweet, buy one of these brands of chocolate.
Prosciutto and sausages
In the variety of different meat products, Italy is not inferior to Germany. Sausages and ham (prosciutto) have long won the sympathy of foreigners. They are prepared from different types of meat: pork, beef, lamb, goat, donkey, horse meat. Poultry is also used - geese and turkey, from which salami is made.
Everyone can choose a product according to their tastes and religious canons. Prosciutto (cured ham) turns out to be very tasty and nutritious as a result of a long ripening period (300 days). Ham is also prepared by cooking in a steam oven at +70° - prosciutto cotto. Dry-cured ham lasts longer - it’s better to buy this type as a gift. Salami sausage is extremely popular, many types of which are on sale.
In addition to pepper, garlic, fennel, nutmeg, juniper berries, myrtle, and red wine are added to high-quality minced meat. The stores offer various varieties salami, from tiny sausages weighing 25 grams. up to 5 kg specimens. But the production process of this sausage is equally complex. Besides salami a good present will be “pancetta” bacon or “spek” smoked ham.
Limoncello
Just by the name it is easy to determine that this is something related to lemon. Yes, it is an alcoholic drink made using lemon zest. The recipe for making lemon liqueur, at first glance, is very simple: lemon zest is poured with alcohol, left to infuse for several days, then water and sugar are added in a certain proportion. The mixture is filtered, emulsified and bottled. The infusion method allows you to preserve all vitamins, beneficial microelements and extract essential oils contained in the zest.
The higher quality the lemons, the better the zest, which gives the liqueur an amazing aroma. The liqueur is prepared throughout Italy, but the most famous variety is produced in Sorrento. Lemons grown on volcanic soil are different large sizes and aromatic zest. Villa Massa liqueur, Liquore di limoni are elite brands made according to ancient recipes. The liqueur produced in Trentino, Bertaqnolli, has earned recognition. Popular among the people, Palinni is an inexpensive but good-tasting drink. The choice of limoncello is rich, buying it is not a problem.
Carnival masks
Remember Strauss's brilliant, witty operetta " Bat", where a wife hidden under a carnival mask makes her husband fall in love with her again? The tradition of wearing masks appeared in Venice with the advent of the Commedia del Arto - street performances. Gradually they became an indispensable attribute of the Venetian carnivals, and the tradition spread throughout Europe. Craftsmen made them light, using papier-mâché technology and all kinds of decorations.
After a long period of oblivion due to the cancellation of carnivals, masks lost popularity. The craft of making them was revived in the country in the last century (1979) along with the resumption of festive carnivals. Nowadays Carnival masks They are sold not only in Venice, but also in other cities and in online stores. Many of them are real artistic masterpieces. Typical Del Art characters are still popular: Columbine, Harlequin, Pierrot, Brighella.
In demand classic masks: Bauta, Cat, Volto, Plague Doctor, Venetian Lady, etc. Each of them has its own interpretation and history. Bauta - mask of black or white- a type of Russian Babai, a funny scarecrow for children. The appearance of the Cat is due to a Chinese who visited Venice with a cat who caught many mice. The mask you purchased is an extravagant, rare gift.
Murano glass
The invention of the ancient Egyptians, which became indispensable for human existence, acquired unique features in Italy in the form of Murano glass. It is made on the Venetian island of Murano using ancient technology, kept in strict confidence. For disclosing it, there was a death penalty; the craftsmen and members of their families were forbidden to leave the island. Colored Murano glass is made from Venetian silicate sand by hand, adding chemical elements to give different shades. There are 6 categories of Murano glass, differing in individual nuances.
Items of numerous shapes, purposes and colors go on sale: dishes, decorative vases, jewelry, lamps, Christmas decorations, watch. Murano glass is used in sculpture. Exclusive samples of products are actively purchased by collectors. Genuine specimens must bear the signature of the glassblower, the inscription “Murano Glass” in gold, and not just a pasted stamp. Stores always have a catalog of products; you can use it to navigate when purchasing something. A Murano glass decoration or figurine is a unique gift.
Scarves and ties
It's no secret how highly valued shoes and many other Italian-made goods are throughout the world. Also in great demand stylish accessories, complementing clothing: scarves, stoles, shawls. The Como region is the world capital for the production of men's mufflers, ties, women's scarves and shawls. 18 factories united in a consortium are leaders in the production of high-quality silk products. There is a huge selection of ties for every taste, neckerchiefs with and without various symbols.
Men's and women's cashmere scarves are famous for being soft, delicate and warm. The kaleidoscopic multicolor of various scarves and scarves on store shelves is amazing. Plain, bright, discreet, checkered, with ornaments, with embroidery - the eyes run wide from the enchanting spectacle. The range of prices for cute things is also great. In haute couture boutiques, all this is expensive, but in a small souvenir shop you can buy a very decent scarf or tie for very cheap. If a friend or relative football fan, he will be delighted with a scarf with the symbols of the clubs Juventus, Inter, Milan, etc.
Moleskine journal
If in the middle of the 20th century it was difficult to imagine creative person without a notebook or notepad, then today, in the age of gadgets, you can do without them. But this in no way applies to Moleskino diaries, which are still in demand. The presence of an exclusive notebook immediately increases the status of its owner. After all, these diaries are truly legendary objects, cult values. In different eras they were used by the greats of this world, from Van Gogh to Ernest Hemingway.
They trusted the beginnings and theses of future masterpieces to Moleskine diaries for many years. The famous notebooks got their name from the moleskin fabric (mole skin) used as binding. The legendary history of Moleskines ended in 1986, when the last family-owned company in France to produce notebooks closed. However, enterprising Italians from a small publishing house saved the “legend” by registering the “Moleskino” trademark in Milan. Now more than 20 types of products are produced under this logo, intended for people of various professions.
Telephone and address directories, sketchbooks, calendars, notebooks various formats and contents, laptop cases, etc. Buy suitable option You can find it in any bookstore in different cities.
Jewelry
Knowing the history of world art, it is not surprising that the descendants of the great creators Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo - the best masters jewelry making. Their products are true masterpieces made of precious metals and stones. The art of jewelry in Italy began to emerge in Great Rome and developed during the Renaissance. Today, jewelers set the tone for the whole world, creating new trends in this delicate art. Grace, noble luxury, perfection of lines and texture are the distinctive features of their jewelry.
In many areas of the country, virtuoso craftsmen work, turning cold metal into a creation that plays with life. Amazing jewelry from many famous Italian brands has won the hearts of world celebrities. The venerable communities of jewelers in Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneta, and Lombardy are trendsetters in the European Union. Some of them create top-class jewelry (Luca Carati, Fani Gioielli), some work only with silver or diamonds. Among the huge assortment of jewelry, everyone can choose the appropriate product option.
Leather products
Even at the dawn of humanity, our distant ancestors kept warm by wrapping themselves in animal skins. The instinct of self-preservation told them that it was skin and wool that would best protect them from the cold. Over the past millennia this natural material more relevant than ever. In the era of the heyday of synthetic substitutes, leather still remains at the peak of fashion and popularity. Leather products are in great demand all over the world. Excellent leather workmanship, stylishness, elegance of forms, and the general ambiance of leather jackets, bags, wallets, purses, and belts evoke sympathy in all countries.
Connoisseurs of leather items prefer the well-known company Barbarina, which produces various accessories. A wallet or purse with this logo is a luxurious gift for family and friends. The highest chic is to have leather jacket, bag and accessories from the Pierotucci company. For 40 years, the company has been manufacturing products from the finest leather, and at the same time very durable. A wide range of and the rich color range of products will allow you to become the owner of an exquisite item.
Perfume
Although the country cedes the world leadership in perfume production to France, this does not mean that the quality of Italian perfumes is inferior to their French counterparts. Even in prehistoric times, people actively experimented here with the creation of various flavoring liquids, incense and ointments. The first shops selling “fragrant water” appeared in Venice in the 16th century. Even then, competition between the two countries emerged, which continues to this day. Today, local perfumes are used along with French ones high demand in the world.
It is impossible to list all the modern perfume companies that produce exclusive perfumes fragrant with divine aromas. Fruity, woody, citrus, berry and floral notes have subtle expression, temperamental expressiveness and tenderness. Perfume from G. Armani, Prada, Bulgari, Gucci and others earned universal gratitude. Business active ladies appreciated eau de toilette Si, released by Armani in 2016. Valentino compositions are ideal for romantic dates. There is a wide choice in the colossal assortment of perfumes, both women's and men's.
Cosmetics
IN last years a lot is being done for production natural cosmetics from organic materials. It is important that prices are lower than in Russia, so you should definitely buy a couple of jars of cream or mask. The word “naturale” is printed on the packaging of such products, meaning that it contains 95% natural ingredients. 3 brands of organic cosmetics are widely known in Europe.
The Ligurian company I Provenziali, founded in 1965 by soap maker Ginasso, produces creams and balms for face and body, shampoos and shower gels, weight loss and makeup removers, scrubs, soaps, liquid and solid shea butter. Manufacturers use rose petals, almonds, aloe vera, algae, argan oil, etc. as ingredients. Consumers have appreciated the creams and masks for face, body and hair from L Erboristica.
The basis of the composition of all cosmetic products is oils: coconut, almond, argan, baobab, shea. Perfectly moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin age cream, argan oil smooths out wrinkles. Anti-cellulite creams from Guam are good. Natural ones for sale cosmetical tools and in special erbosteria stores, and in pharmacies, and in Inyerspar supermarkets.
