Santa Maria Maggiore: why Pope Francis decided ‘this is my place’ to be buried
As a priest, and then cardinal, Jorge Mario Bergoglio would always call into Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, during his regular visits to the Italian capital. The fourth-century basilica with its distinctive bell tower is perched on one of Rome’s seven ancient hills in Esquilino, a neighbourhood tha...
Pope Francis’ love for Italy
The final farewell to Pope Francis is bringing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from every continent to Rome, many Romans, and 170 delegations of royals, heads of state and government from around the world, leaders of supranational organizations, and representatives of other religions. All in Rome, for a day once again as the "caput mundi." But wh...
April 25th, Italy's Liberation Day: thanks to the American soldiers who made a huge contribution to our liberation
Today is April 25th, and every year on this day, Italy celebrates its liberation from Nazi-fascism. This year, the anniversary marks a round figure: 80 years since April 25, 1945. That day became the symbol of the liberation of much of the national territory by the partisan forces and the Allied forces, ending the Nazi occupation and the Italian So...
New travel book on Italy: A Catholic's Guide to La Dolce Vita
For those wishing to experience this remarkable country to the fullest, just knowing where to start can be overwhelming. In Italy’s Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations off the Beaten Path, bestselling author, media personality, and Italy aficionado Teresa Tomeo provides the choicest sites, routes, an...
Mediterranean megaflood carved out hills in Sicily, study reveals
The event that refilled the Mediterranean basin 5m years ago is thought to have been the largest flood in Earth’s history, with water surging through the present-day strait of Gibraltar 1,000 times faster than the Amazon River, filling the basin in just a couple of years. Now jumbled rock deposits on the top of hills in south-east Sicily provide th...
The Italian (and Latin) language at the center of the world: the words of the Conclave
In the majestic Sistine Chapel, inside the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the 135 voting cardinals under 80 years old will choose the successor of Pope Francis in the coming weeks. The word “Conclave” comes from the Latin cum clavis, meaning “under lock and key.” It refers to the meeting of cardinals from all over the world to elect a new pope. I...
Italian 'hidden gem' is perfect summer destination – and cheaper than Amalfi Coast
For all the travel enthusiasts out there, one avid globetrotter is singing the praises of an Italian destination that's perfect for your next getaway. As Europe begins to bask in sunnier climes and pleasant warmth, the allure of escaping the mundanity of daily life beckons. While jetting off can often come with a hefty price tag, this period offers...
Ancient grape seeds reveal 3,000 years of Italian wine evolution
Italians have spent over 3,000 years perfecting grape cultivation for their famous wines , according to new research. Ancient grape seeds show "gradual domestication" from the Bronze Age through to the Middle Ages, say scientists. Today, annual worldwide grape cultivation produces around 80 million tons of fresh grapes and 26 billion liters of wine...
Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches reveal Sforza Castle secret tunnels
Art, history, and modern technology helped researchers unveil hidden tunnels beneath Milan’s Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), structures that perfectly match sketches made by Leonardo da Vinci over five centuries ago. Built in the 15th century, the Sforza Castle had been originally commissioned by Galeazzo II Visconti in the late 14th century;...
How Burrata Conquered America
Sometime in the 1920s, Lorenzo Bianchino Chieppa reportedly produced the first burrata while working on a dairy farm in the foothills of the southern end of the Apennines, in the shadow of a picturesque 13th -century castle. Legend has it that because he could not travel to market due to heavy snow, he used the byproducts from the making of mozzare...
Militello in Val di Catania triumphs at Borgo dei Borghi 2025: it is the most beautiful in Italy
Militello in Val di Catania is the Borgo dei Borghi 2025. The verdict came Sunday, April 20, in prime time on Rai3, during the final of Rai Cultura’s program “Il Borgo dei Borghi,” hosted by Camila Raznovich, which every year guides viewers on a journey through Italy’s most fascinating villages. It was a victory loaded with significance for the Sic...
Best national archaeological museum in Italy: Florence, Naples and more
With more than six hundred archaeological museums in Italy, to which we can add several dozen outdoor areas such as Pompeii, the choice is truly immense. From north to south, in large cities as in smaller towns, travellers who love ancient history will never lack the opportunity to dive into the most remote and fascinating past. From the world of t...