History of Italy: Articles in English archives

On this day in history: birth of painter Mario Berrino

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Mario Berrino, the Ligurian painter and colourful entrepreneur, was born on this day in 1920 in Alassio, the coastal town where he would spend almost all of his life. Best remembered for capturing the atmosphere of the Italian Riviera in his paintings, Berrino also left an enduring mark on Alassio through his entrepreneurial ventures and […]

On this day in history: Pope Clement VII election

September 20, 2025September 20, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

On this day in 1378, the election of Robert of Geneva as Pope Clement VII deepened divisions within the Catholic Church and triggered the Western Schism, also known as the Great Schism. The split, which left Christendom with two – and at times three – rival popes, lasted almost 40 years.

The Agony in the Garden painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna (c. 1431 - 1506 CE). Tempera on panel, c. 1460 CE. (National Gallery, London)

On this day in history: death of artist Andrea Mantegna

September 13, 2025September 13, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Andrea Mantegna, born around 1431 in Isola di Carturo near Padua, was one of the foremost painters of the Early Renaissance, whose strong sculptural sense and daring perspective helped shape Italian art in the 15th and early 16th centuries.

Andrea Camilleri at 100 and the island of Sicily

September 6, 2025September 6, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Andrea Camilleri would have turned one hundred today, 6th September 1925, born in Porto Empedocle, Sicily. His name is synonymous with Inspector Salvo Montalbano, but to regard him merely as a crime writer is to diminish a vast, multifaceted literary legacy.

Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_The_Triumph_of_Pulcinella_-_Google_Art_Project

On this day in history: birth of artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

August 30, 2025August 30, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, one of Venice’s most original painters and printmakers, was born on 30th August, 1727.

Andrea Palladio - died on 19 August 1580

On this day in history: death of Andrea Palladio

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential architects in history, died on 19 August 1580 in Vicenza. His work changed how buildings were designed across Europe and, later, America. Palladio was born in Padua in 1508 to a miller’s family. He trained as a stonemason before moving into architecture. His practical knowledge of stonework shaped […]

Antonio Barberini as a young man and older as Cardinal

On this day in history: birth of Cardinal Antonio Barberini

August 5, 2025August 4, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Antonio Barberini was born on 5 August 1607 in Rome, the youngest of six children to Carlo Barberini and Costanza Magalotti. Educated at the Collegio Romano, he followed his brothers into church service.

The Battle of Molinella - La battaglia della Riccardina [1467]. Affresco nel Castello di Malpaga, già di Bartolomeo Colleoni. By Giorces - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5 it, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=770054

On This Day in History: The Battle of Molinella, 1467

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Battle of Molinella, in 1467, was Italy’s first battle with gunpowder weapons. It marked a turning point in warfare and regional politics.

On this day in history: death of poet Petrarch

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Francesco Petrarca, better known as Petrarch, died on 19 July 1374. He left behind poetry, prose and ideas that helped shape modern literature. Born in Arezzo in 1304, Petrarch became one of the most important figures of early humanism. Today, he is remembered not only for his beautiful verse but also for his influence on […]

On this day in history: birth of artist Amedeo Modigliani

July 12, 2025July 12, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Amedeo Modigliani, born in Livorno on 12th July 1884, remains one of Italy’s most distinctive and celebrated modern artists. Known for his elongated portraits and melancholy nudes, Modigliani’s work bridged classic Italian sensibility and the avant-garde energy of early 20th-century Paris.