Religion Archives | Italofile

History of the Crucifixion

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the history of the crucifixion during the age of Ancient Rome, here is a fascinating podcast to listen to on ...

The Duomo: In Italy, There’s More Than Just One

Art and Architecture

Florence isn't the only city in Italy with a duomo.

Saint Lucifer of Cagliari: His Life and Legacy

Art and Architecture

Saint Lucifer was a bishop from Cagliari, Sardinia, who lived during the 4th century. His name sparks a lot of confusion.

The Fragrance of Faith: Tracking Down That Old Church Smell

History

The "smell of old churches" is that musty yet perfumed scent that is as much a part of Rome's allure as the city's ruins and restaurants.

Easter in Rome: When, Where, and How to See Mass During Holy Week

Festivals & Events

Easter season is one of the best times to visit Rome. Here's how you can plan your visit to Rome and Vatican during Holy Week.

Blessing the Animals in Assisi on the Feast Day of Sant’Antonio Abate

Festivals & Events

The Piatto di Sant'Antonio Abate is a winter festival near Assisi that features a parade of horses and a blessing of animals.

Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica

Festivals & Events

Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here's how to get tickets and prepare for Midnight Mass.

Of Bells and Believers in Agnone, Molise

Molise

Agnone, a small town in Italy's central Molise region, is known for its medieval bell foundry and traditional religious processions.

Will Work For Wine: Luca Signorelli’s Orvieto Duomo Contract and His Intoxicating, Apocalyptic Fresco Cycle

Art and Architecture

In 1499, Tuscan artist Luca Signorelli signed a contract to paint two remaining sections of the Cappella Nuova (new chapel) of the Duomo in the ...

Raining Rose Petals Inside the Pantheon On Pentecost Sunday

Rome

La Pioggia di Petali di Rose, or the Rain of Rose Petals, brings religious Rome and ancient Rome together in a moving and colorful spectacle.

‘An Irreverent Curiosity’ – An Interview with David Farley

Books & Literary Travel

If you know me, you'll know that I am nuts about religious relics. And if you know David Farley's book "An Irreverent Curiosity," you'll know ...

Italy’s Most Unusual Religious Relics

Itineraries

For every Biblical tale and saintly life, there is at least one precious relic housed in Rome, the Vatican, or in one of Italy's thousands of ...

Spooky Rome: Some of the Eeriest Places to Visit in the Eternal City

Destinations

From extensive catacombs to spooky church tombs, Rome is like an instant haunted house and is a great place to visit during Halloween.

A Peaceful Oasis: Rome’s Protestant Cemetery

Destinations

Rome's leafy Protestant Cemetery is the final resting place for Keats, Shelley, and Gramsci.

Italy’s Newest Saint Venerated

Art and Architecture

On April 24, the new tomb of Padre Pio was unveiled in the Puglian city of San Giovanni Rotondo. The new tomb now features the exhumed body of ...

Jewish Resources in Italy

Art and Architecture

Just in time for Passover, I've found a great resource for all things Jewish in Italy. JewishItaly.org has links and info to synagogues, kosher ...

Papal Basilicas of Rome: St. John Lateran

Art and Architecture

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran) is the basilica dedicated to the Bishop of Rome, better known as the Pope. It is where the Pope delivers ...

Papal Basilicas of Rome: Santa Maria Maggiore (Photos)

Art and Architecture

Santa Maria Maggiore, known in English as St. Mary Major, is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome along with San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo ...