culture archivos - Page 5 of 33

Bernini's elephant and obelisk sculpture vandalised in Rome.

Bernini elephant statue damaged in Rome

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

An iconic elephant statue by Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the centre of Rome was damaged on Monday night, art officials said on Tuesday.

St Peter’s Basilica plans digital overhaul for 400th anniversary

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

St Peter’s Basilica will mark the 400th anniversary of its dedication this November with new digital tools, expanded visitor services and a bespoke typeface inspired by Michelangelo’s handwriting. The Vatican unveiled the plans on Monday ahead of the anniversary celebrations scheduled for 18th November.

Girolamo Benivieni by ridolfo ghirandaio cropped National Gallery UK

On this day: birth of poet Girolamo Benivieni

February 6, 2026February 6, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Girolamo Benivieni, the Florentine poet and humanist whose work helped transmit Platonic philosophy into Renaissance literature, was born on 6th February 1453 in Florence. Closely associated with some of the most influential thinkers of his time, Benivieni occupied a rare position at the crossroads of classical philosophy, Renaissance humanism and religious reform.

On This Day: birth of poet Giovanni Capurro

February 5, 2026February 5, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

5 February 1859 marks the birth of Giovanni Capurro, a Neapolitan poet, lyricist and journalist whose work would shape one of Italy’s most enduring musical legacies. Born in the city’s Montecalvario district, Capurro grew up in a cultured household; his father was a professor of languages. Although initially guided toward technical studies, he soon embraced […]

Clean-up begins of Sistine Chapel’s Last Judgement

February 4, 2026February 7, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Vatican has announced a new conservation clean-up of Michelangelo’s Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel, around 30 years after the previous major restoration was completed.

Fra Angelico exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi.

Fra Angelico exhibition sets record at Palazzo Strozzi

February 1, 2026February 1, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The exhibition dedicated to Fra Angelico has closed as the most visited show in the twenty-year history of Palazzo Strozzi. Running for 122 days and closing on 25 January 2026, the project attracted unprecedented visitor numbers across its two venues.

Pompeii alleyway in which the messages were uncovered. Image credit: Pompeii Archaeological Sites

Pompeii graffiti revealed by new imaging technology

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Insults between gladiators and love stories between enslaved Romans have resurfaced at Pompeii, as new technology reveals graffiti long hidden from view. Writings scratched into a wall more than 2,000 years ago are now offering fresh insight into everyday life in the ancient city.

Fashion designer Valentino dies aged 93

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known worldwide simply as Valentino, has died aged 93, his foundation announced on Monday. His death comes four months after the passing of Giorgio Armani, another towering figure of Italian fashion, who died on September 4 aged 91.

St Francis of Assisi at 800

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In 2026, Italy marks 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi. Few medieval figures still command such wide attention, yet Francis speaks across centuries because his ideas confront enduring human tensions. We only have to look at news articles to understand that wealth, power, violence, and humanity’s place in the natural world […]

Ancient Roman pool discovered under scrapyard. Photo credit: ITALIAN MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Ancient Roman pools unearthed beneath scrapyard in Rome

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Construction workers preparing a residential development in an eastern suburb of Rome have uncovered two large Roman pools dating back around 1,800 years.