Italy in Brief

Culture

Giorgio Napolitano greets crowds at a military parade in Naples

Who Was the Late Giorgio Napolitano and What is His Legacy?

by editorial | Wed, 09/27/2023 - 07:45

President Emeritus of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, died at a clinic in Rome on Saturday, September 22, at 98. The announcement of his death came…

Culture

Crowds along the Riva degli Schiavoni in February 2023

Venice Dodged UNESCO’s “Danger List.” But is That Such a Good Thing?

by editorial | Thu, 09/21/2023 - 12:57

Last week, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the World Heritage Committee — the United Nations’ regulatory body for culture — announced it would not add Venice and its…

Culture

Synagogue of Siena Embarks on Ambitious Restoration Project, Launching Fundraiser

by editorial | Thu, 09/14/2023 - 13:00

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Siena’s synagogue has announced an ambitious restoration effort to undo earthquake damage that destabilized its…

Travel

Low-Cost Carrier Ryanair Cuts Flights to Sardinia and Sicily, Criticizing New Italian Directive

by editorial | Tue, 09/12/2023 - 10:02

Low-cost carrier Ryanair announced an 8% reduction in flights to and from the Italian island of Sardinia this winter, with similar changes in the pipeline for…

Culture

Padova Has Inaugurated an Anti-Smartphone Crosswalk. Will it Catch On Around the World?

by editorial | Wed, 09/06/2023 - 14:25

Many cities and countries have banned texting while driving, but comparatively little’s been done about texting and strolling — and the very real risk of…

Culture

Concerts to Continue at the Circus Maximus, Despite Controversies

by editorial | Thu, 08/31/2023 - 14:00

The Circus Maximus archaeological site in Rome will continue to be used as a concert and performance venue, despite recent controversies. Back in early August…

Food + Wine

Logo to Promote UNESCO Recognition for Italian Cuisine is Half-Baked, Critics Say

by editorial | Mon, 08/14/2023 - 07:07

Italian government officials including the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry Francesco Lollobrigida and Minister of Culture Gennaro…

Culture

Wreckage From Ancient Roman Ship Found Off the Coast of Italy

by editorial | Thu, 08/03/2023 - 14:01

Late last week, the wreckage of a Roman-era cargo ship was discovered in the waters off the coast of the commercial port city of Civitavecchia, 80km (50 miles…

Travel

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Wildfires in Southern Italy

by alexa.ahern | Fri, 07/28/2023 - 10:10

It’s not only Greece that’s burning. From the tip of Puglia to the island of Sicily, the beautiful macchia mediterranea — Mediterranean scrub — of southern…

Travel

New Report Ranks Italian Passport as Second Strongest in the World

by editorial | Wed, 07/26/2023 - 13:30

The European Union Republic of Italy passport has been certified as the second strongest in the world (in a tie with those of Spain and Germany) for its…