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Beatrice Portinari as Beata Beatrix by Dante Gabriele Rossetti

On this day: Death of Beatrice Portinari, Dante’s muse

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

On 8 June 1290, Beatrice Portinari, a young woman whose brief life would shape one of the greatest works in the history of literature, died.

Ancient Roman domus found beneath Rome school

Ancient Roman domus discovered beneath Rome school

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A second-century AD domus (townhouse) has been unearthed beneath the boys’ gymnasium of the Liceo Scientifico Cavour in central Rome. The dig reveals frescoes, mosaics and stucco decoration of exceptional quality.

Siena Cathedral floor Image credit: Tango7174 (talk | contribs)

Siena cathedral unveils magnificent marble floor for 2026

June 3, 2026June 3, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

One of Italy’s most celebrated hidden treasures is once again on display at the Siena cathedral. The extraordinary inlaid marble mosaic floor is uncovered for visitors for a limited period each year.

François Tomb Image credit: Ministry of Culture, Italy

Italy acquires the François Tomb for €15 million

May 30, 2026May 30, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

One of the greatest masterpieces of Etruscan painting returns to public ownership after more than 160 years in private hands. The François Tomb goes on display at Rome’s Villa Giulia from 25 June.

Short-stay rentals to be banned in Florence historic centre Time Out places Florence ninth in world for culture

Time Out places Florence ninth best city for culture

May 23, 2026May 23, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Tuscan capital, Florence, is the only Italian city in the global top 20 in a Time Out survey. It is recognised for a cultural offering that extends well beyond its Renaissance monuments.

On this day: death of artist Sandro Botticelli

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

On 17th May 1510, Florence lost the painter who gave the Renaissance its most enduring face. Sandro Botticelli was a man whose genius was forgotten almost as soon as he died, and whose rediscovery centuries later would reshape how the world understood Italian art.

Zadie Smith will open the Turin Book Fair 2026. Image credit: Turin Book Fair

Turin Book Fair opens with Zadie Smith

May 13, 2026May 13, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The 38th Salone Internazionale del Libro opens in Turin on Thursday with Zadie Smith delivering the inaugural lecture and Alessandro Baricco staging a night of words and music. The programme spans Greek crime fiction to football legend Roberto Baggio. The whole event is around the theme of children as the world’s last hope.

Giulio Regeni documentary - officials sacked over refusal of funding

Italy’s culture minister fires top officials over Regeni documentary

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Alessandro Giuli has dismissed the head of his technical secretariat and his personal secretariat chief. The sackings follow revelations that public funding was refused for the Regeni documentary about the murdered Italian researcher.

Attendance figures high at controversial Venice Art Biennale 2026.

Venice Art Biennale 2026 opens with high attendance figures

May 10, 2026May 10, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The 61st International Art Exhibition has welcomed the public with booming attendance figures. The contested Russian pavilion closed on the opening day, while illy’s latest Art Collection transformed coffee cups into works of art.

Unveiling of the restored Banksy mural, 'The Migrant Child'

Banksy’s ‘Migrant Child’ returns to Venice

May 9, 2026May 9, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Banksy mural ‘The Migrant Child’, removed from a Venetian palazzo last year for emergency restoration, has been unveiled to the public. It is touring the canals of Venice this weekend as part of the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale.