News from Italy in English: Archives

balsamic vinegar acetaia di giorgio Modena Image credit: Acetaia di Giorgio

Balsamic vinegar of Modena

September 6, 2026September 6, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

We look at the history of balsamic vinegar and how a centuries-old Este court tradition became one of Italy’s most fiercely protected culinary exports.

Francesco_I_d'Este,_Duke_of_Modena_in_1638_by_Diego_Velázquez cropped

On this day: birth of Francesco I d’Este – Duke of Modena

September 6, 2026September 6, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Francesco 1 d’Este was a warrior-duke who survived plague, played both sides of the Thirty Years’ War, and left Modena one of Italy’s finest baroque palaces.

Blood donors urgently needed. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Italy issues urgent appeal for blood donors

September 6, 2026September 6, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Hospitals warn that scheduled surgery could be postponed as stocks of O positive blood run critically low nationwide.

On this day: birth of philosopher Giacomo Zabarella

September 5, 2026September 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Giacomo Zabarella, the leading figure of Renaissance Aristotelianism, was born on 5th September 1533 in Padua, in Veneto. The Renaissance scholar’s mastery of Greek allowed him to champion what he believed was the true meaning of Aristotle’s ideas.

Claudia Di Pasquale named new co-host of Rai’s Report

September 5, 2026September 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Veteran journalist Claudia Di Pasquale steps in alongside Daniele Piervincenzi following Giulia Presutti’s withdrawal to present Report. Sigfrido Ranucci fights to reclaim the show he says he was forced out of.

Roberto Vannacci speaking with press after the launch of his Futuro Nazionale, far-right party. Military prosecutors are looking into NF membership by serving members of the armed forces

Prosecutors open checks into military in Vannacci’s National Future

September 5, 2026September 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Rome inquiry follows a complaint from the Military Union and reports linking party leader Roberto Vannacci to Russian influence operations.

Lorenza Isceri who was thrown from a motorway viaduct by her ex-partner

Woman thrown from motorway viaduct near Florence

September 5, 2026September 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Federico Vella allegedly ambushed and abducted his ex-partner Lorenza Isceri before he threw her from the A1 motorway viaduct. Italy records its eighth femicide since Ferragosto.

Giorgia Meloni who leads longest-serving government in 80 years. Image credit: Facebook

Meloni’s government becomes longest-serving since the Republic founded

September 5, 2026September 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni marks 1,413 days in power with a rally in Bari. Her government is now the longest-serving since the Republic was founded post World War II. She told supporters that stability — not longevity — is the real achievement.

San Marino marks 1,725 years with pageantry

September 3, 2026September 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

San Marino is marking the anniversary of its foundation today with a full programme of religious ceremonies, historic pageantry, music and fireworks across its medieval capital. The tiny republic celebrates its foundation on 3 September, traditionally dating its origins to AD 301, when Saint Marinus is said to have established an independent Christian community on […]

Man with Parkinson's becomes first medically assisted suicide in Tuscany. Image credit: Getty Images

Veneto approves medically assisted suicide law

September 3, 2026September 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Veneto has become the fourth Italian region to regulate medically assisted suicide, despite the absence of national legislation on end-of-life care. It is the first centre-right administration to make the decision.