In a country where thousands of little towns are being deserted, one village is thriving, mainly due to the work of one extraordinary man: designer Brunello Cucinelli. His company, which makes some of the finest and priciest clothing in the world, has raised the fortunes of Solomeo, restored the town’s ancient buildings, and upheld the dignity of local workers by forging what has been called a “humanistic enterprise in the world of industry.” Tracy Smith reports. Source

In Florence the hottest new art pieces are Clet Abraham’s doctored street signs – playful, funny and irreverent Source

Mike McClure, a DFS pro with almost $2 million in career earnings, gives optimal lineup advice Source

The rich chocolate-hazelnut creation has been a staple for generations of cooks in Piedmont, Italy Source

The designer’s company, which makes some of the most exclusive clothing in the world, has raised the fortunes of the Italian town of Solomeo by upholding “the moral and economic dignity of the human being” Source

Rose water was just one creation of the Dominican monks who in the 13th century began experimenting with alchemy at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy Source

In 1990, American professor and poet Frances Mayes felt an irresistible urge to buy a derelict 300-year-old property. She transformed it into one of the most famous villas in Tuscany, attracting a constant stream of tourists, thanks to her bestselling memoir about restoring the house, called “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The book spent more than two-and-a-half years on the bestseller list, and later became a popular film. Mayes talks with correspondent Rita Braver about her unexpected success, her adopted village of Cortona, and her latest book, “See You in the Piazza: New Places to Discover in Italy.” Source

Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, which dates back to 1221 when Dominican monks began experimenting with alchemy, is thought to be the oldest apothecary in the world. Rose water? It was invented here, as were other medicinal and aromatic innovations, as reported by Jane Pauley. Source

The singer-musician and his wife bought the dilapidated, 400-year-old Il Palagio, in Tuscany, for a song or two, and have brought the olive groves, vineyards and vegetable gardens back to life Source

Seven years before America’s Declaration of Independence, the Uffizi opened its doors to the public. Containing perhaps the greatest collection of artwork in the world, including masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Botticelli, the Florentine museum holds treasures at every turn. Jane Pauley reports. Source