Culture
Secret Commodus Passage opens to the public at the Colosseum
A once-hidden passageway inside Rome’s Colosseum, known as the Commodus Passage — named after the notorious emperor immortalised in the film Gladiator — opened to the public for the first time this week.
Life in Italy
Italy may restore St Francis holiday in 2026
Italy is set to reinstate 4 October as a national public holiday in honour of St Francis of Assisi, nearly 50 years after the date was removed from the calendar.
Environment
EEA: Italy failing on wages and energy
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has issued a stark appraisal of Italy. Its country profile for Europe’s Environment 2025 warns that social and environmental problems now overlap.
Rome Mayor: Swimming in Tiber ‘within reach’
Swimming in the Tiber could be possible within five years, Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri has said.
Rome to invest €9 million in Aurelian Walls project
Rome will spend €9.245 million to redevelop a five-kilometre stretch of the ancient Aurelian Walls, the city announced this week.
