Culture archives: Cultural Italian news in English - Page 43 of 67

Siena Palio - image shows the horses racing in the Palio from 2006. A grey horse is narrowlung in front

A riderless horse wins the Siena Palio

August 17, 2023August 17, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A ‘scosso’ – riderless horse – from the Oca (Goose) contrada won the Siena Palio devoted to Our Lady of the Assumption last night. It was the historic district’s second win in the iconic medieval bareback race since July last year.

The Battle of the Frescoes – da Vinci v Michelangelo

August 14, 2023August 14, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In the 1560s, Giorgio Vasari redecorated the Council Hall of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. In doing so he replaced what survived of the most ambitious public art commission of the Renaissance. A battle of frescoes involving the two legends of art at the time – Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Michela Murgia who died from cancer on 10th August 2023.

Italy mourns novelist Michela Murgia

August 11, 2023August 11, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Today, Italy mourns left-wing novelist, playwright and journalist Michela Murgia, who has died at the age of 51 after a battle against cancer.

Domina, the 150-year-old statue destroyed by tourists- The statue sits in a fountain.

German tourists destroy 150-year-old statue

August 5, 2023August 5, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A 150-year-old statue valued at €200,000 was broken by a group of German tourists. The statue toppled over whilst the students were taking pictures of themselves with it.

Venice could be on World Heritage in Danger list

UNESCO recommends Venice for World Heritage in Danger list

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

UNESCO recommends Venice be added to its world heritage in danger list. The organisation says the city faces “irreversible” damage from a range of threats, including the climate crisis and mass tourism. This is not the first time UNESCO has said this.

Plcebo singer Brian Molko who insulted Italian PM Giorgia Melonia calling her "racist" and "facist".

Placebo singer investigated for calling Italian PM ‘racist’ and ‘fascist’

July 18, 2023July 18, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Brian Molko, Placebo singer, criticised Giorgia Meloni during a concert at the Sonic Park festival last week.

Alberto veronesi was a blindfolded conductor in protest at the setting of La Boheme at the 69th Puccini Festival

Blindfolded conductor sacked and other culture news

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Puccini Festival in the Tuscan town of Torre del Lago has sacked Alberto Veronesi. The blindfolded conductor was protesting when he performed at Friday’s opening night of La Boheme.

Permanent self-portraits exhibition at Florence's Uffizi Galleries

Uffizi opens 12 new rooms dedicated to self-portraits

July 11, 2023July 11, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Uffizi Galleries in Florence opened 12 new rooms exclusively dedicated to self-portraits. From today, visitors can see paintings, sculptures, installations and graphic works spanning over six centuries from the 1400s to the present day.

Juliet's balcony in Verona with bust of Shakespeare superimposed

Shakespeare: Influenced by Italy

July 9, 2023July 9, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

It’s not known for certain whether Shakespeare ever visited Italy, but what is certain is the world’s most popular playwright was certainly influenced by the Bella Paes.

Tourist who carved names on Colosseum writes letter of apology. Pictured Colosseum

Tourist who carved names on Colosseum says did not know its age

July 5, 2023July 5, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A tourist from England who carved names on Colosseum says he did not realise the age of the monument. Ivan Dimitrov, from Bristol, apologises to Rome mayor in letter printed in Il Messagero.