Today, the conclave begins in Rome to elect the successor of Pope Francis. The name Francesco was chosen as a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, who is also the patron saint of Italy. This year marks the 800th anniversary of the writing of the Cantico delle creature (Canticle of the Creatures), Saint Francis's most important work—a prayer and prai...

When a relationship reaches a milestone, it’s time to celebrate. That’s what happened a few months ago when Walla Walla and its sister city Cannara, a small town in central Umbria, celebrated 10 years of friendship with a gift that carries significant meaning. To recognize the signing of the pact of friendship, Cannara sent its sister city a scale...

The Festa dei Ceri, or Saint Ubaldo Day, is a centuries-old tradition held annually on May 15 in the medieval town of Gubbio, in Umbria. The festivity honors Saint Ubaldo Baldassini, the town’s patron saint, who died in 1160. Central to the celebration is the Corsa dei Ceri, a unique procession during which three towering wooden structures, each to...

Italy has for millennia been a central stage for the religious development and spirituality of the Christian West. From majestic papal basilicas to serene mountain sanctuaries, the country offers an extraordinary variety of experiences that promise a deep connection with the past, art and faith. Whether you are a devout pilgrim, a history buff or s...

Cycling tourism continues to grow in our country. It is not just a choice for enthusiasts but increasingly a transversal tourist experience capable of attracting a wider audience. In 2024, cycling tourism recorded a small boom both in terms of attendance, estimated at 89 million (+54% compared to 2023), and its economic impact, which reached nearly...

For centuries, pilgrims came to Assisi to walk in the footsteps of a saint who preached to birds, embraced poverty and wandered the hills barefoot.  But today, many arrive in search of a different model of holiness: that of a teenager in Nike sneakers who built websites and coded for Christ. "I came to Assisi for Carlo," said Anne-Sophie, a mother...

The awful impact of US tariffs on Italian exports and industries Cagliari tops the climate livability index in Italy for 2024 Cultural heritage in Italy to be valued based on its use value starting in 2026 A dream come true: thirty thousand outdated Italian laws repealed Italians trust traditional media more than social platforms, but internet now...

A major achievement for the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Norcia: their Birra Nursia won three awards at the Untappd Community Awards, prestigious honors in the craft beer world. The monks from Umbria earned gold for the best Italian Belgian Tripel, silver for their Blonde in the Belgian Blonde category, and bronze for their Extra in the Belgia...

Holy Week in 2025 falls between April 14 and April 21. Easter Sunday will be on April 20, but according to tradition, the Holy Week rituals begin on Holy Thursday (April 17, 2025). Spending Easter in Italy in 2025 is a unique opportunity to witness some of the most fascinating religious celebrations of the Christian tradition. In many cases, entire...

Welcome to Umbria, the “green center” of Italy — home to St. Francis’ stunning Assisi, the university (and chocolate capital) town of Perugia, swaths of alluring forests where wild truffles hide, and the world-famous wines of Montefalco. But there is yet another treasure within the borders of Umbria, a vibrant town brimming with history, art, and a...