On this day in history: Feast of Saint Sylvester
31st December is the Feast of Saint Sylvester (Festa di San Silvestro) in Italy. Coinciding with New Year’s Eve it is a time for celebration with fireworks, parties and concerts.
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Tag: on this day in history
On this day in history: Caterina Scarpellini – astronomer – died
The astronomer Caterina Scarpellini died on 28th November 1873 in Rome. She discovered a comet in 1854 and was later awarded a medal by the Italian government for her contribution to the understanding of astronomy and other areas of science.
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On this day in history: San Marino founded
The Most Serene Republic of San Marino, an independent state within Italy, was founded on 3rd September, 301AD.
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On this day in history: Renaissance artist Titian died
Tiziano Vecellio, the artist better known as Titian, died in Venice on August 27th, 1576. Regarded as the greatest painter of 16th century Venice, Titian is believed to have succumbed to the plague.
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On this day in history: Mount Vesuvius eruption 79AD
Traditionally, 24-25th August is the date of the deadly Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79AD. One of the worst in European history, it buried the ancient cities of Pompeii, Oplontis and Stabiae and Herculaneum.
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On this day in history: Mafia Don Carlo Gambino born
Thought to be the inspiration for Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Carlo Gambino was born on 24th August 1902 in Palermo, Sicily. He became one of the most powerful Mafia Dons in this history of organised crime.
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On this day in History: Construction of Leaning Tower of Pisa Commences
On 9th August 1173, work began on the construction of a freestanding bell tower for the Cathedral in Pisa. The famous lean started during the building process.
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On this day in history: Florentine soldier celebrated in Italy’s national anthem killed
Francesco Ferruccio, the military leader whose heroic attempt to defend Florence against the powerful army of the Holy Roman Empire, died on the battlefield on 3rd August, 1530. The Italian national anthem recalls his heroism.
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On this day in history: Benito Mussolini born
Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini was born on 29 July 1883. An Italian politician, he founded the National Fascist Party. Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy from the March on Rome in 1922 until his deposition in 1943. He was executed in 1945 by Italian partisans.
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On this day in history: Italy’s 12th President born
The first Sicilian to become President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, was born on 23rd July 1941 in Palermo. He became a politician following the assassination of his brother in 1980.
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