Italian cities launch summer cultural and gastronomic programmes

A wave of summer events has been announced across Italy. Guides highlight open‑air gourmet venues in Milan, Rome, Florence, Palermo and other cities, featuring rooftop steakhouse STK Milan, dim‑sum menus at The Carlton Milano and island‑inspired dishes at Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá. In Naples, Riserva Rooftop hosted a literary dinner centred on the America’s Cup, raising funds for free sailing courses for disadvantaged youth. The Centro Dorso in Avellino began its 2026‑27 cultural calendar, including a summer school on artificial intelligence, book presentations on southern‑Italian studies and a career‑orientation programme for high‑school students. Around Lake Como, five locations such as Hilton’s Terrazza 241 and Mandarin Oriental’s ABlevio were promoted for sunset aperitivo experiences. Bugnara will hold “Libri sotto le stelle” with a presentation of *John Fante Tapes* and discussion by local scholars. The Nomadi collective staged an avant‑garde catering performance at a Posillipo wedding, showcasing a collaborative, sign‑free culinary approach. Villaricca revived its “Caffè con l’Autore” series to foster dialogue with authors, journalists and artists. The “Sette idee” startup contest, judged in part by Alpitour World, will award a winning tourism‑innovation team with a two‑person stay at Bravo Premium Andilana Beach in Madagascar. Finally, the New York Times listed Livorno among six European canal cities worth visiting, praising its Mascagni Terrace and historic Montenero funicular.