Jubilee 2025: According to Visitors’ Opinions, These Are Italy’s Most Beautiful Churches
On the occasion of the Jubilee 2025, Preply’s team of cultural learning experts carried out a study to identify Italy’s most beautiful churches, based on the opinions of visitors of 200 churches throughout Italy. The result is a selection of the 30 most fascinating churches, which are not only striking for their beauty, but also for leaving a profo...
Florence's historic 'wine windows' are making a comeback
Strolling along the cobblestone causeways of Florence, Italy, it’s easy to get swept up in the beauty and history of this romantic Renaissance city. What’s not to love? The magnificent Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the stunning statue of David by Michelangelo, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River, and buchette di...
Italian John Elkann joins Meta’s board of directors
On January 6, 2025, John Elkann, the prominent Italian businessman and heir to the Agnelli family fortune, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). The appointment marks a significant moment for both Elkann and Meta, as he brings his extensive experience in corporate governance and global business strateg...
"C'è Ancora Domani" nominated among films in contention for 2025 Oscars
The Italian film "C'è Ancora Domani" (translated as "There’s Still Tomorrow"), directed by Paola Cortellesi, has officially been included in the longlist of films vying for a nomination for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. This marks a significant achievement for the Italian cinema industry, as the movie joins the ranks of the over 200 film...
Italy implements new visa rules and doubles citizenship application fees
Starting in January 2025, Italy is implementing significant changes to its visa and citizenship processes, impacting both long-term visa applicants and those seeking Italian citizenship by descent. These updates reflect Italy’s effort to enhance security and streamline administrative procedures, addressing increasing demand and rising costs. Beginn...
‘O Sole Mio: a musical legacy of light and love
Composed in 1898, ’O Sole Mio is among the most iconic songs to emerge from Italy. Its creation was a collaborative effort between Giovanni Capurro, a poet and journalist, and Eduardo di Capua, a composer. Capurro’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a beautiful sunny day, a metaphor for love, hope, and longing, and an image we almost naturally associ...
An opinionated guide to Piedmontese cheese culture
For anyone who loves cheese as much as I do, Piedmont is the closest thing to heaven on Italian earth. I do not say this lightly; I am aware of the wealth of cheesemaking excellence found in other regions, from Emilia-Romagna’s Parmigiano Reggiano to Campania’s Mozzarella di Bufala. But hear me out: it is not just a matter of quality, variety, or a...
Was Cimabue the true father of the Italian Renaissance? New restoration reveals pivotal innovations
For centuries, the Italian painter Cimabue has been overshadowed by his more famous pupil Giotto, who is widely credited with ushering in the Renaissance. But a restoration project undertaken by the Musée du Louvre in Paris on Cimabue’s La Maestà (around 1280) is challenging these long-held assumptions, revealing how many critical innovations were...
Italy in talks for $1.5 billion deal with SpaceX: a strategic move in telecom and security
Italy is currently negotiating a significant $1.5 billion agreement with SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk. The deal, which has captured attention both in Italy and globally, is set to have far-reaching implications for the country’s telecommunications and security sectors. The discussions between the Italian government and SpaceX are...
20 years of the Sirchia Law: the state of smoking in Italy and its decline
In Italy, smoking remains a significant public health issue, despite a long history of anti-smoking legislation and declining smoking rates over the years. The impact of smoking on public health, particularly lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, has prompted a range of public policy measures aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the cou...
Golden Globe 2025: Italian Triumphs and Setbacks – Challengers Wins, Vermiglio and Rossellini Left Empty-Handed
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards saw Italian cinema and talent garner both praise and disappointment, with some shining victories and notable near-misses. One of the standout moments of the evening was the victory of Challengers, a sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. On the other hand, Vermiglio, the latest film by Maura Del Pero, did not secure...
Under-the-radar Italy: Timeless towns, cultural charm and UNESCO wonders
Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but beyond the well-trodden paths lies a treasure trove of lesser-known gems. From ancient mosaics to medieval towns and tranquil thermal springs, these hidden UNESCO-listed destinations offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich history, art and culture. As it turns out, you don’t need to die to...