Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy (1528-1580)

On this day in history:  Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy dies

Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy, died on 30th August 1580 in Turin. He was a significant figure in European history, credited with revitalising the Duchy of Savoy after years of decline. Known as Testa di Ferro (Iron Head) due to his resolute determination, he played a pivotal role in restoring Savoy’s sovereignty and modernising its […]

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A dramatic depiction by Luigi Querena of the blazing Church of San Geremia on the Grand Canal during the Austrian air raid

On this day in history: World’s First Air Raid

On 22nd August 1849, the city of Venice witnessed a historic and unprecedented event: the world’s first air raid. Long before the age of aeroplanes and modern warfare, this remarkable feat was achieved by primitive, unmanned balloons. It marked a pivotal moment in military history, laying the groundwork for the concept of aerial bombardment.

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Painting of the Revolution of 1799 with blue-yellow-red tricolours, wih Eleonora Fonseca Pimentel.

On this day in history: Eleonora Fonseca Pimentel, poet and revolutionary, hanged

Eleonora Fonseca Pimentel, born in Rome in 1752, was an exceptional figure in the history of Italy, whose life intertwined poetry, intellectual rigour, and revolutionary fervour. As one of the most prominent women of her time, she played a crucial role in the short-lived Neapolitan Republic of 1799. She was hanged on 20th August, 1799.

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Vincenzo Coronelli and one of his maps

One this day in history: cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli born

Vincenzo Coronelli, an Italian Franciscan friar born on 16th August 1650 in Venice, is widely regarded as one of the most significant and innovative globe makers in history. His work in cartography and globe highlights his profound influence on the fields of geography, navigation, and visual culture.

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A gondolier in Venice

The Venetian Gondolier: A centuries-old tradition

The image of a gondola gliding gracefully through the canals of Venice, steered by a gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat, is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Italy. The profession of the gondolier is not just a job; it is a revered tradition passed down through generations, deeply intertwined […]

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