The sisters bringing a rare creative energy to a 1,000-year-old castle-turned-hotel
The fashion designer finds inspiration in the landscape of his birthplace – and God in the truffle tagliatelle at La Cantina di Spello
The artist’s 19th-century villa is a statement of faith
The hilltop fortress in northern Umbria is now a lavish hotel where centuries melt away
Once staunchly leftwing region turns to the right in local election
Umbria vote expected to be chastening setback for national coalition partners
Founding family retains 51% of luxury group as it separates philanthropic activities
Change of strategy after earthquake will involve political risk
The chief of Italian fashion house Fendi tells Rachel Sanderson why the luxury brands are pouring cash into cultural heritage
From Frank Earwaker, Orvieto, Terni, Italy
Perugino emerges from the shadow of his pupil Raphael as an artist of real substance
‘Sitting in a square, human curiosity about other people can be satisfied in the most natural way’
The fashion designer has built his reputation on the principle of elevating the mundane to the transcendent. He does the same with food
Property restoration is hard work with plenty of pitfalls, but can be addictive – and rewarding
Four residences with links to best-selling authors, including Frances Mayes and the late Compton Mackenzie
A high-speed boat tour on the Thames and a new rooftop restaurant and bar at the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona
A project honouring the queen of English planting sets out to restore a neglected Edwardian garden
How products are created can make or break a brand, reports Rachel Sanderson
The double jeopardy principle argues against the American’s possible return to Italy
Five rental properties, including a newly built hilltop estate in Spain and a former nobleman’s residence in Italy
By the time you reach Milan, chickpea soup has become positively sybaritic with pancetta, vegetables and a shredded pig’s head