The July Culture Guide

Lake Como

What to do: The LacMus International Music Festival, running from July 9 to July 20, is an annual classical music festival that showcases international classical concerts in stunning lakeside venues, combining music with Italy's scenic beauty. 

What to see: The Museo del Paesaggio presents Elogio del Lago, an exhibition curated by Francesco Trippini featuring the Bordoli Crivelli Visconti Collection. The show displays rare 16th-19th century prints depicting Lake Como's historic towns, villas, and landscapes, offering a visual journey through the lake's rich history.

We recommend: Passalaqua sits in a restored 18th-century villa in the village of Moltrasio. After a meticulous three-year renovation, the property is now a 24-suite estate that’s both grand and deeply personal.

Rome

What to do: Until July 6, 2025, Palazzo Barberini presents Caravaggio 2025 in conjunction with the 2025 Jubilee. The exhibition features 24 masterpieces including the rediscovered "Ecce Homo," Roger Ballen's "Animalism" at Mattatoio exploring human-animal boundaries through photography, and "Viaggio nella Pop Art" at La Vaccheria.

What to do: Open until July 27, The Historical Infantry Museum presents Salvador Dalí: Between Art and Myth featuring over eighty works that explore the history of Surrealism.

We recommend: Palazzo Manfredi is a 17th-century villa hotel overlooking the Colosseum and ancient Ludus Magnus gladiator ruins. The property's sleek restaurant, panoramic rooftop terrace, and classic bar provide multiple venues to soak in the eternal city's grandeur.

Puglia  

What to see: Festival della Valle d'Itria is a renowned opera festival known for staging rare and obscure works in their original versions. Expect Baroque masterpieces, under-the-radar composers, and performances in atmospheric historic venues—an essential experience for the opera-curious and aficionados alike. 

Where to stay: Borgo Egnazia is a dreamlike village-style resort nestled between the Adriatic Sea and ancient olive groves, blending tradition and modernity with candlelit courtyards, serene spas, and airy limestone suites.

Where to eat: Make a stop at Masseria Moroseta, just outside Ostuni, where the minimalist farmhouse setting meets elevated Apulian cuisine—think handmade orecchiette, local burrata, and garden vegetables kissed by olive oil. 

Napoli

What to do: The Gallerie d'Italia presents French photographer and street artist JR's Who are you, Naples? JR photographed 606 Neapolitans from seven neighborhoods, creating a monumental photographic collage on Naples' Duomo façade. 

We recommend: Perched directly on the waterfront, the esteemed Grand Hotel Vesuvio has stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Capri, and the iconic Mount Vesuvius.

Where to eat: Gino Sorbillo is a legendary Neapolitan pizza dynasty that traces back to 1935, when his grandparents Luigi Sorbillo and Carolina Esposito established a modest four-table pizzeria on Via dei Tribunali, the heart of Naples' pizza scene.

Portofino

What to see: The Museo del Parco sits on hillside terraces above Portofino's famous port. For over twenty years, it has served as Italy's largest outdoor monumental sculpture museum, showcasing 120 works in bronze, marble, glass, and steel by renowned international artists including Joseph Beuys, Lucio Fontana, Arnaldo Pomodoro, and Arman.

We recommend: Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, sits directly on Portofino's picturesque harbor, surrounded by the town's iconic colorful buildings. The hotel is also within walking distance of local attractions like the historic Castello Brown.

Tuscany

What to do: The restored Medici Park in Pratolino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, becomes the stage for the MusArt Festival (July 17 - July 24), blending music and art with the beauty of Florentine hills.

Spend the afternoon at: Located at The Hoxton, Enoteca Violetta is Florence's new quintessential neighborhood wine bar where exceptional Italian wines meet authentic local flavors in an effortlessly convivial atmosphere. 

What to do: The Florence Dance Festival (June 23 to July 24) promotes the art of dance while revitalizing public spaces including Anfiteatro delle Cascine, Teatro Romano di Fiesole, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Piazza Santissima Annunziata.

We recommend: Castelfalfi sits on a hillside overlooking Tuscany's rolling countryside, blending historic charm with modern luxury. The property includes a working organic farm that produces wine and olive oil. Guests can also enjoy wine tastings, cooking classes, and authentic Tuscan experiences.

Sardinia

Where to visit: Explore Assouline's new pop-up boutique in Porto Cervo’s picturesque Waterfront Costa Smeralda.

What to see: The Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum occupies a former 16th-century convent featuring three courtyards with Renaissance architecture and displays artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the medieval period.

Where to eat: Lu Pisantinu is perched above the coastline with sweeping views of Porto Cervo. Capturing the essence of seaside dining, the interior draws inspiration directly from the surrounding waters.