Central Italy: news archives in English

Frescoes in the house of Giacomo Leopardi

Fresco cycle discovered in Giacomo Leopardi’s library

June 12, 2026June 12, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A major fresco cycle concealed for centuries has been uncovered during restoration work at Casa Leopardi in Recanati.

golf cart florence authorised Florence shuttle system - tourist transport

Florence cracks down on unauthorised tourist transport

June 9, 2026June 9, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Municipal police have seized three vehicles and issued fines totalling €980 in a fresh enforcement operation targeting unlicensed tourist transport services operating in and around the UNESCO-listed city centre.

€44 for two ice creams, charges not reflecting what they were given.

€44 for two ice creams: American tourist’s receipt goes viral

June 7, 2026June 7, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A photograph of a receipt from a gelateria near Piazza di Spagna has caused a social media storm after a Florida tourist was charged more than forty euros for what she expected to be two small ice creams. It’s the latest in a long series of overcharging controversies targeting visitors to the Italian capital.

Ancient Roman domus found beneath Rome school

Ancient Roman domus discovered beneath Rome school

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A second-century AD domus (townhouse) has been unearthed beneath the boys’ gymnasium of the Liceo Scientifico Cavour in central Rome. The dig reveals frescoes, mosaics and stucco decoration of exceptional quality.

Siena Cathedral floor Image credit: Tango7174 (talk | contribs)

Siena cathedral unveils magnificent marble floor for 2026

June 3, 2026June 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

One of Italy’s most celebrated hidden treasures is once again on display at the Siena cathedral. The extraordinary inlaid marble mosaic floor is uncovered for visitors for a limited period each year.

Still from surveillance cameras as military horses spooked by fireworks, break free on Rome's streets

Military horses stampede through Rome after fireworks prank

May 31, 2026May 31, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A traffic officer’s late-night joke with firecrackers sent 35 military horses bolting down one of Rome’s busiest roads. In total, four people and up to 15 animals were injured — the night before final rehearsals for the 2 June celebrations.

Via dei Georgofili, Florence, site of mafia bombing in 1993

Florence to marks anniversary of Via dei Georgofili bombing

May 23, 2026May 23, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A night vigil in Piazza della Signoria, a commemorative procession, and a conference on unresolved judicial questions will mark the anniversary of the 1993 Via dei Georgofili bombing on 26-27 May. The Cosa Nostra attack that killed five people in the heart of the city.