Il Bel Centro brings fresh perspective to the American abroad story. Michelle Damiani chronicles how her family of five transformed within the medieval walls of Spello, Italy. Part searingly-honest memoir, part celebration of Umbrian life, Il Bel Centro evokes the pleasures of village life, from the scent of almond pastries curling into morning fog, to olive trees tossing glints of silver into the achingly blue sky.

At once hilarious and wise, this spellbinding journey will feed your soul and your wanderlust. Il Bel Centro will sweep you into the heart of Italy, where for bakers, pants are optional, and a good lunch will take you straight through till dinner.

"I was not prepared for Italy.

Luckily, Italy was waiting for me anyway."

Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center includes recipes for delicious Umbrian dishes as well as professional-quality photographs.

Amazon Bestseller in Italian Travel
“Top 10 Fascinating Books about Living in a Foreign Country” —Huffington Post


“I could smell the freshly baked bread, taste the local wine, and if I closed my eyes I could easily see the sloping hills, the pink stones of Spello, the ‘alley ladies’ with their basket of vegetables to sort and their easy chatter.” 

“One of the best travel books I have ever read.”

“Michelle Damiani has the gift of a writer who actually takes you into the place she is writing about.”

“I so enjoyed reading Michelle Damiani's tumbling expedition into the heart of Italy which brought her and her family into the heart of their own evolving lives.”

“Could not put it down.”

“I just want more.”