Tag: Italy News
Upper Floors of the Colosseum Open to Visitors
You can now explore the fourth and fifth floors of the Colosseum.
Palermo, Sicily: 2018 Italian Capital of Culture
Congratulations to the city of Palermo, which has been awarded the distinction of Italian Capital of Culture for 2018. The Italian Culture Ministry (Ministero di Beni Culturali) awards the prize each year in an effort to promote tourism. Along with the distinction, the winning city receives 1 million euro which is to be used to…
For the First Time in More Than 20 Years, the Facade of St. Mark’s Basilica is Scaffold-Free
With so many ancient structures in need of constant upkeep, Italy is no stranger to scaffolding. Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, in particular, is known for constantly being under repair.
Rome’s Ancient Pantheon to Begin Charging Admission — Wait, No It Won’t
Update, December 2018: Local authorities changed tack and decided NOT to impose an entry fee to the Pantheon. For now.
You Now Have to Pay to See Rome’s “Mouth of Truth”
Truth is, it was bound to happen. Church officials at Santa Maria in Cosmedin, site of Rome’s “Mouth of Truth” (Bocca della Verita), have decided to charge visitors €2 for the pleasure of taking one (just one!) photo with the ancient sewer cover.
Rome’s Spanish Steps Have Re-Opened Following €1.5m Refurbishment
The Spanish Steps have finally re-opened after a lengthy refurbishment project funded by Bulgari. But will the steps be fenced off at night to keep “barbarian tourists” from trashing them?
Amatrice and the Earthquake in Central Italy
During the wee hours of the morning, an earthquake with a 6.2 magnitude struck central Italy. Italian news reports say the epicenter was near Rieti, about 1.5 hours north of Rome.
