Central Italy: news archives in English

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.

An image of Giorgia Meloni in comparison to the angel's face, part of the fresco restoration fiasco.

Rome diocese opens inquiry over fresco restoration

February 3, 2026February 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Diocese of Rome has opened an internal inquiry after a fresco restoration at the church of San Lorenzo in Lucina saw an angel draw comparisons with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The case has attracted political and public attention, raising questions about artistic restoration, intent and the use of sacred imagery.

Tourism August 2025 figures show rise in number of tourists. Trevi Fountain entry fee is being mooted again.

Fee introduced for close access to Trevi Fountain

February 3, 2026February 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Rome, on Monday, began charging tourists a two-euro fee to approach the area immediately surrounding the Trevi Fountain. This allows visitors to have close access to the Trevi Fountain basin for photographs and to follow the tradition of throwing coins into the water. The measure aims to manage crowding at one of the city’s most […]

Fra Angelico exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi.

Fra Angelico exhibition sets record at Palazzo Strozzi

February 1, 2026February 1, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The exhibition dedicated to Fra Angelico has closed as the most visited show in the twenty-year history of Palazzo Strozzi. Running for 122 days and closing on 25 January 2026, the project attracted unprecedented visitor numbers across its two venues.

Row over fresco angel said to resemble Meloni

January 31, 2026January 31, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s opposition has called for answers after reports that a restored fresco in a landmark Rome church now bears a striking resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.