Central Italy: news archives in English

Explosion in Rome causes buildings to collapse. Image credit: Vigili del fuoco

Explosion in Rome causes building to collapse

March 23, 2026March 23, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A powerful explosion in southwest Rome caused the collapse of two buildings and left at least two people seriously injured, prompting a major emergency response.

Brancacci Chapel will have new entrance and facilities from summer 2026.

Brancacci Chapel access improvements plan approved

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The city council of Florence has approved a project to upgrade the visitor access route to the Brancacci Chapel, one of the most important landmarks of Renaissance art.

juvenile court l'aquila removes mother from children. British father asks for end to protests

British father in Abruzzo case urges end to protests

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The British father of three children placed in foster care after authorities discovered the family living off the grid in woods in Abruzzo has called for an end to protests linked to the case.

Government sends Inspectors to Juvenile Court of L’Aquila

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Italian justice ministry has initiated an investigation at the Juvenile Court of L’Aquila, sources confirmed on Monday. This follows a contentious ruling in the case of three children who had been living off the grid with their parents in the Abruzzo woods.

Off.grid family look at property in bid to get children back. Family in the woods further separated

Meloni criticises court decision in ‘family in the woods’ case

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly criticised a court decision involving the so-called “family in the woods”. She said the latest developments in the case left her “speechless” and raised concerns about how the state intervenes in family life.

Christ the Saviour bust Rome now attributed to Michelangelo

Christ the Saviour bust in Rome attributed to Michelangelo

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A marble bust of Christ the Saviour that has stood for centuries in a Roman basilica has been newly attributed to Renaissance master Michelangelo Buonarroti following fresh archival research.

The Lorena staircase at the Uffizi which has reopened. Image credit: Uffizi Galleries

Lorena Staircase reopens at Uffizi Galleries

March 4, 2026March 4, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Lorena Staircase at the Uffizi Galleries has reopened to visitors after eight years of closure for structural works. Visitors can now see the historic monumental entrance to one of Italy’s most important museums.

new Florence bridge being moved into position.

New bridge in Florence to be named after inspirational woman

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Florence residents have been invited to help choose the name of a new bridge over the Arno, selecting from four women who shaped the history of the Tuscan capital and Italy.

€60m plan begins with Giotto’s Bell Tower restoration

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A major restoration of Giotto’s Bell Tower will begin on 9 March as part of a €60 million investment programme for Florence’s cathedral complex, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore announced.

Florence black cube building - at least 10 people under investigation

10 probed over Florence black cube

February 9, 2026February 9, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

More than ten people are under investigation over Florence black cube building. The controversial edifice replaced the former Teatro Comunale and has drawn criticism for its impact on the historic cityscape.