The Rise of the Cool Edicola
Once the beating heart of Italian streets, edicole, or newsstands, have long teetered on the verge of extinction—relics of a bygone era when gossip, information, and interaction were consumed on the streets. Now, against all odds, some are reawakening, returning in different, cooler guises, reinventing themselves as cultural lifelines and taste-def...
Echoes of tradition: Italy's campanari and the sacred craft of bell ringing
When I was a child, I loved the sound of church bells. My grandmother would explain to me what each different ring meant—whether it was calling people to Mass, announcing a wedding, or marking a solemn event. For me, bells were always associated with happiness, Sunday feasts, and special moments. Many years later, when I lived on the Ligurian coas...
At 30, I quit my job and took a gap year in Italy. Now, I'm back in the US and thriving in a new career.
I was entering a new decade of my life at 30 and decided to take inventory of my life. I was happily living in San Francisco with a wonderful group of friends. I had a rent-controlled apartment and had saved enough money for a down payment on a home. After a while, though, I felt like something was missing. I needed somewhere that would foster my c...
Arduino, twenty years ago, was born in a bar as the Made in Italy democratization of technology
In an era driven by technological excess, Massimo Banzi describes Arduino not as a specific technology but as a "formula" for applying technology. Arduino is based on the philosophy of "just enough technology," offering the right technology at the right time, without unnecessary features. In contrast to the obsession with constantly advancing techn...
Changing dynamics of Italy's real estate market
In an ever-evolving social context, the Italian real estate market is undergoing profound changes. Homeownership is no longer a central priority for Italians. The demand for rentals is increasing, while the supply remains insufficient to meet the needs, and the average length of time tenants stay in the same property has slightly increased. Especia...
Successful podcast "cresciutoitaliano" talks about the relationship between Italy and the States
Italy and the United States are connected by a mutual fascination, which has recently exploded on TikTok and Instagram thanks to the page and podcast cresciutoitaliano. Through the account, Italian-American creators share their opinions on traditions, customs, and especially the Italian language. The podcast originates from the English-language You...
Italy business lobby lowers GDP forecast as U.S. tariffs loom
Italy's main business lobby Confindustria on Wednesday cut its economic growth forecast for the country, warning that looming U.S. trade tariffs risked further worsening the outlook. U.S. President Donald Trump was expected to unveil a comprehensive tariff plan later on Wednesday, amid fears among businesses, consumers and investors worldwide about...
Italy's government, businesses warn of heavy impact of U.S. tariffs
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and its top business lobby warned on Wednesday that looming U.S. tariffs would have a major impact on the country's exports and already struggling economy. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce sweeping new tariffs on global trading partners later in the day, upending decades of rules-based trade,...
The European Union's role in food safety, trade, and protection of Italian food excellence
The European Commission is responsible for setting common standards to achieve the goals outlined by the members of the European Parliament, in collaboration with the European Council, which consists of the representatives of the governments of the 27 member countries. A clear example of this process is the food sector, where the European Union has...
Louis E. Tosi Appointed to the Rome City Institute Advisory Board
A long-time member of NIAF Board of Directors, Mr. Tosi is poised to help shape the future of the Rome City Institute and its students. With students from over 50 different countries, the Rome City Institute offers an innovative blend of international education and high-level collegiate sports, allowing students to balance collegiate athletics with...
Venice is in danger of being largely submerged by 2150. INGV's shock study
Venice and its lagoon could face a future marked by extreme flooding if urgent measures are not taken to counter sea level rise and continued soil subsidence. This is the alarm raised by researchers from theNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) who, together with Italian and international entities, have conducted an in-depth analy...
Walking in solitude and sunshine in Sicily: a newly restored pilgrim’s trail
Despite walking for three days, we’ve seen no one. Not a single hiker, dog walker or shepherd. Instead, golden eagles have circled lazily overhead, stags have boldly held our gaze, and rare blue butterflies have flitted around our booted feet. The silence here is deep and dense, broken only by birdsong. This is the Madonie national park, also known...