Subiaco Named Italian Book Capital 2025
The town of Subiaco, located in Lazio near Rome, has been awarded the title of Italian Book Capital 2025.
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Category: Culture
Pompeii’s Last Day: New Study Revisits the Date of Vesuvius’ Eruption
The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, has long been a source of historical intrigue. Traditionally dated to 24 August based on the writings of Pliny the Younger, this timeline has been questioned over the years, with some scholars proposing a later autumn date.
Continue Reading![The Burial of st Lucy by Caravaggio [cropped]](https://italynews.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-The-Burial-of-st-Lucy.jpg)
On This Day in History: Caravaggio’s The Burial of St Lucy Unveiled
On 13 December 1608, the Church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro in Siracusa, Sicily unveiled Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s The Burial of St Lucy. This poignant masterpiece, commissioned to honour Syracuse’s patron saint, is a striking example of the artist’s mature style, blending realism, raw emotion, and dramatic chiaroscuro.
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A ‘Discovery’ of Dante documents sparks debate
On Sunday, 8th December, Italian media buzzed with headlines proclaiming an “extraordinary discovery” at La Spezia’s State Archive. Reports suggested the uncovering of rare Dante documents, including “two pages from the first edition of the Divine Comedy” and the original Pax Dantis.
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La Scala Premiere Highlights Call for Peace Amid Protests
The opening night of Verdi’s La Forza del Destino at Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house on Saturday demonstrated not only musical brilliance but also a powerful message against war and societal divisions.
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Panettone and Pandoro: Italy’s Favourite Festive Desserts
When it comes to Italian Christmas traditions, two desserts reign supreme: panettone and pandoro. These iconic treats symbolise the holiday season, each offering its own distinct flavours and history.
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Manual Bell Ringing Joins UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Italy’s centuries-old tradition of manual bell ringing has been recognised as an invaluable cultural treasure. UNESCO inscribed the practice onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 19th session in 2024.
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The Vasari Corridor in Florence to Reopen
The Vasari Corridor, which links the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti is to reopen to the public on 21 December following an extensive restoration. The reopening marks the end of an 11-million-euro renovation project, initiated in 2022. The 700-metre stretch from the Uffizi to Boboli Gardens is the section available to the public.
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A glimpse at the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican City, is one of the most significant cultural and religious landmarks in the world. Its importance lies not only in its function as a papal chapel but also in its artistic achievements, particularly the ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
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Dalí features in exhibition of art seized from mafia
More than 80 pieces of art seized from criminal organisations, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, are now on display at Palazzo Reale in Milan.
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