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Alex Sakalis is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in the BBC, The Economist and The Guardian among others. He lives in Bologna, Italy, tweets at @alexsakalis, and can be found on Instagram at @sakalisalex.

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Mussolini’s Hometown Can’t Figure Out How to Quit Him

‘CHERNOBYL OF ITALY’

Right-wingers treat Predappio as a Disneyland of sorts; to left-wingers, it’s a toxic symbol of Italy’s handling of its fascist past. But the reality is far more complicated.

Alex Sakalis | Published Apr 27, 2024

This Odd City Is One of the Most Interesting in Europe

DELIGHTFULLY WEIRD

Have you heard about the ‘other wall’ in the Cold War?

Alex Sakalis | Published May 05, 2023

An Untouched Paradise in Greece Is Under Threat

CORFU CRISIS

A natural paradise is currently the focus of a long-running dispute between locals and developers, one full of surreal twists and turns.

Alex Sakalis | Published Dec 15, 2022

One of the Best Italian Art Collections Is in This Tiny Town

TUCKED AWAY

In an Italian region famous for its stunning landscapes, picture-perfect villages, and buzzing economy, one can find a hidden treasure.

Alex Sakalis | Published Aug 01, 2022

The Ancient City Known for Blood Sport Is Still Around

IT’S STILL A BIG WORLD

Despite what you may think, today’s Spartans are alive and well and excited to receive visitors.

Alex Sakalis | Published Jun 03, 2022

Some Won’t Set Foot in This Library After Mass Grave Found

LIBRARY PORN

Renzo Piano’s inviting design may herald an Athens of the future, but not all are convinced.

Alex Sakalis | Published Apr 25, 2022

Athens’ Architectural Heritage Is Fighting for Its Life

GREEK TRAGEDY

Bereft of state help, a group of architects, archeologists, and ordinary citizens are banding together to save Athens’ historic buildings—and succeeding.

Alex Sakalis | Published Jan 29, 2022

Europe’s Most Scenic Train Goes Seemingly Impossible Places

The continent’s thrilling Bernina Express isn’t just a throwback to a different era of travel, it’s a throwback to when travel was meant to wow us.

Alex Sakalis | Published Jan 02, 2022

To Get Into This Hidden Library You’ll Need to Read a Book

LIBRARY PORN

It’s a bibliophile’s dream, full of centuries-old books arranged in rustic cabinets with such nostalgic genres as mineralogy and “military art.”

Alex Sakalis | Published Dec 26, 2021

You’ve Likely Never Heard of Italy’s Most Mysterious Region

MYTH AND LEGEND

The Ladins have lived in the Dolomites for millennia and count the founder of electronic dance music among their tribe. But who exactly are they?

Alex Sakalis | Published Nov 05, 2021

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