Renowned for its rich history and old-world charm, Italy is one of Europe’s premiere tourist destinations. Millions of travelers flock to its iconic cities and landmarks each year, but few of them know the time-honored traditions of those who live there. Enter Passion Italy, a half-hour travelogue that explores the cultural hubs where artisans, architects, chefs, and musicians are working to preserve Italy’s heritage. In each episode, host Alessandra Poli lays out authentic, inexpensive Italian adventures for travelers who want to experience the "real Italy” – as told by those who live and breathe it.
Passion Italy airs on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., beginning October 5.
"Sicily"– October 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Journey along the coast from Palermo to Castelvetrano, where modern craftsmen and culinarians carry on the historic traditions of Sicily. In this episode, Alessandra visits the workshops of apuppet maker, a cart painter, and a coral carver to learn more about the region’s ancestral trades. She then travels to the magnificent Sicilian palaces, explores the beautiful salt pans of Trapani, and discovers one family’s innovative approach to winemaking. Viewers also catch a glimpse of Europe’s oldest archeological site at Selinunte and virtually participate in one of Sicily’s most spectacular parades.
"Puglia"– October 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Alessandra visits “the city of bread” in Altamura, where she hears from the local bakers and cheesemakers who have been carrying on their family legacies for generations. She also watches some of the area’s most skilled artisans at work, including a stonemason building one of the Itria Valley’s distinctive trulli houses, a master glass craftsman whose lampshades reflect the heart and soul of Puglia, and a luthier who carefully tunes instruments according to centuries-old techniques.
"Umbria"– October 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Alessandra arrives in the city of Trevi, where a pipe organ maker invites her into his workshop for a live demonstration. Moving on to Assisi, Alessandra attends a medieval springtime festival, and in Terni, she tours the architectural marvel of La Scarzuola. Along the way, viewers meet a colorful cast of characters, including a mother-daughter pair of stained glass artisans restoring an ancient castle, and a modern-day Renaissance man who balances life as a doctor, sculptor, and agriturismo proprietor.
"Veneto"– October 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Go beyond the canals and follow Alessandra into the lesser-known corners of Venice. Joining the head chef for the Ballo del Doge masquerade ball, she helps choose ingredients at a historic market and then sits tableside with costumed revelers at the palace feast. In Chioggia, Alessandra visits the last ceramic pipe artisan carrying on a Venetian tradition that dates back to the 17th century. Boarding a ferry bound for Murano, Alessandra meets one of the region’s finest glassmakers, as well as a dance choreographer who teaches classical styles from centuries past.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air in high definition on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD in MA; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36.
