Inside Italy's secret mosaic school
Walking the corridors of the Scuola dei Mosaicisti del Friuli (Friuli Mosaicists School) on a Friday morning, the first thing I noticed was the silence. I had expected the chatter of students, the hum of conversation between teachers, the shuffle of footsteps. Instead, the air was still, broken only by the occasional tap of a hammer and the deli...
Just a step away from Lecco, there's a must-visit agriturismo that’s also an inspiring social project
Cascina Don Guanella in Valmadrera is a social farming project aimed at welcoming, caring for, training and integrating into the workforce young people with difficulties and at serious risk of social exclusion. The initiative is inspired by the figure of Don Luigi Guanella, who lived in the area at the end of the 19th century. The Cascina is a soci...
The Pantheon earns its place among the world's most beautiful landmarks
This year, Time Out selected the 24 most beautiful buildings in the world and, among contemporary marvels and ancient wonders, only one Italian structure made the final cut: the Pantheon in Rome. It is not the newest, tallest, or most elaborate building on the list, but it stands apart for its historical weight, architectural innovation, and contin...
Escape to Tuscia: A 5-Day Itinerary through Italy’s secret villages and wild beauty
Tuscia is that suggestive territory made of sweet panoramas, ancient villages, lakes and uncontaminated nature, located in the heart of central Italy, in the area of Alto Lazio (northern area of the Lazio region). It is one of the most fascinating areas of this region, as it retains a wild character, free from large industrial or urban settlements,...
Where Italians save the most: a look at the nation’s most frugal provinces
When it comes to saving money, not all regions of Italy are created equal. A recent report analyzing household savings across the country has revealed a clear divide between northern and southern provinces, with some areas managing to put aside more than double the national average. The data, compiled by an Italian think tank, paints a detailed pic...
Over 6.3 million Italians now living abroad, says national report
Italy’s population is spreading across the globe, with more citizens than ever choosing to build their lives beyond national borders. As of January 1, 2024, over 6,382,000 Italian citizens are officially registered as residents abroad. That figure, based on data from the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad (AIRE), represents nearly 11% of Italy’s...
Florence named Europe’s top city by travelers, according to reader rankings
Florence has once again captivated the hearts of global travelers. In a recent survey by Travel + Leisure, readers selected the Tuscan capital as the top city in Europe—a title that reaffirms its enduring charm and timeless appeal. From its Renaissance treasures to its world-class cuisine, Florence continues to deliver an experience that visitors f...
Tariffs Slow Down Italian Agri-Food Exports to the U.S.
Italian agri–food exports to the U.S. stalled sharply in May, with growth slowing to just 0.4%, according to Coldiretti’s analysis of Istat data. The decline follows a strong start to the year, when exports grew by an average of 11% in the first quarter. The slowdown is attributed to mounting uncertainty over the global trade environment and the lo...
Parma named European youth capital 2027
Parma in Emilia Romagna has clinched the prestigious title of European Youth Capital 2027, thanks to its compelling initiative titled “Parma: A Great Piazza for Europe.” This achievement comes after a collaborative effort led by the City of Parma, Junior Enterprise Parma, the Parma Youth Commission, the National Youth Council, and various local, re...
Culture drives Italy’s post-pandemic tourism boom
In 2024, culture once again proved to be the beating heart of Italian tourism, fueling a record-breaking year for live entertainment and cultural attractions. Visitor numbers surged across nearly all sectors, with performances, exhibitions, and historic sites drawing larger crowds than even before the pandemic. Live theater saw an impressive comeba...
Bank foundations in Italy boost community impact with record funding in 2024
In Italy, bank foundations are independent, nonprofit organizations that focus solely on promoting social well-being and driving economic development. They trace their roots back to the early 1800s, when savings banks first emerged to support working- and middle-class families and to harness the flow of capital sparked by the Industrial Revolution....
University enrollment on the rise in Italy for the tenth year running
University enrollment in Italy is continuing its upward trend for the tenth consecutive year, with a nationwide increase of 5.3% over 2024. But the growth hasn’t been evenly distributed: Central Italy saw the strongest jump at +14%, followed by the South at +6.1%. The Northeast posted a modest +2%, while the Northwest actually dipped slightly by 0....