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Visiting the Vatican and Rome During Easter

Visiting the Vatican and Rome During Easter

Springtime is a very popular time to visit Rome and the Vatican City. And for good reason. The weather is warmer. The gardens and parks are in bloom, with huge pots of azaleas providing a burst of color on the Spanish Steps. And for the thousands of churches, it is time to celebrate Easter. Of [...]

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Learning Vacations in Italy

Learning Vacations in Italy

Continuing on the topic of New Year’s resolutions: one of the things that people resolve to do with the arrival of a new year is improve themselves by learning a new skill. Italy holds numerous possibilities for the traveler looking for self-improvement (and not just fitness-wise). So here are a few ideas and tours to [...]

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Best Places in Italy for Modern Art

Best Places in Italy for Modern Art

Italy’s modern art museums are often overlooked by the masses, who prefer, not surprisingly, to examine the country’s ancient and Renaissance-era treasures. But with the debut of Rome’s new, Zaha Hadid-designed MAXXI Museum, the capital now has a very high profile exhibition space that is itself a work of art. New York Times’ The Moment [...]

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Italy’s Most Unusual Religious Relics

Italy’s Most Unusual Religious Relics

No matter if you’re a devout Catholic or a curious non-believer, you should make a point to check out a few of Italy’s many religious relics. More than 2,000 years of Christianity has produced numerous fascinating, if not gruesome, stories. And it seems that for every Biblical tale, there is a relic housed in Rome, [...]

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Abruzzo’s Beffi Triptych

Abruzzo’s Beffi Triptych

In the wake of Abruzzo’s devastating earthquake of April 2009, many companies and countries have pulled together to aid the tremor-stricken region. The other day, while visiting the National Gallery in Washington, DC, I learned that this aid has been extended to the art world. Since June 15, 2009, the National Gallery’s grand rotunda has [...]

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Pocket Film Prize: I Make My World

Pocket Film Prize: I Make My World

As part of the 53rd Venice Biennale, there is an online video-making competition aimed “at young people from around the world aged between 18 and 26 years of age for video-works made using mobile phones.” To enter Pocket Film Prize: I Make My World,” participants must submit a video of any genre no longer than [...]

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Italy Exhibits Guide Fall 2009

Italy Exhibits Guide Fall 2009

Here is a sampling of exhibits beginning or ending this fall in Italy. For a longer list, check out Ansa, the Italian news service, or visit our tourism boards page and click on the area you are interested in. BOLZANO – Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige: Iceman joined by more than 60 mummies from Ancient Egypt, [...]

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Night Visit to the Vatican Museums on July 24

Night Visit to the Vatican Museums on July 24

According to About.com, the Vatican Museums are going to be open late to visitors on July 24. Visitors will be admitted from 7 pm until 9:30 pm with the museums closing at 11 pm and booking is required, according to Cultural Italy (tickets can be reserved through their site for a fee). Sounds like a [...]

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Culture Week 2009

Culture Week 2009

Today begins Culture Week throughout all of Italy. Through April 26,  state-run museums will be open for free and many will be extending hours. Tons of special events and exhibitions are part of Culture Week. To see what’s on, visit the Italian Culture Ministry’s website.

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Comprehensive Guide to Cooking Schools in Italy

Comprehensive Guide to Cooking Schools in Italy

Staying on the subject of food today, here is a wonderfully comprehensive guide to cooking schools throughout Italy (not just Tuscany) for anyone thinking of taking a culinary vacation. Thanks for all your research, Jessica! Cooking Schools in Italy | Italy Travel Guide.

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