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Rosalinda Giannotti, a councilor in Ostuni, enthusiastically embraced the initiative proposed by the European Socialist Party to the European Parliament. Ostuni has officially become the first Italian city to be declared safe for women, joining the broader SafePlace4Women project. But what does this important recognition mean? Greater safety and well-being for Italian women In recent years, Italy has seen a growing number of movements and initiatives, both political and civic, in support of women. These efforts focus not only on safety but also on rights and equality. With this new initiative, Ostuni aims to serve as a model for the… Read more: Ostuni: the first Italian city declared “safe for women”

Italy, and particularly the Lombard county seat, clinched another bizarre yet unique record this year. Indeed, Milan stands out as the brightest city in Europe from October to December, outshining major tourism and luxury hubs like Stockholm, Oslo, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Milan is obsessed with Christmas lights From space, stars take a back seat to the brilliance and glow emitted by the fashion capital. NASA’s images are awe-inspiring, clearly highlighting the stark contrast with other equally populated cities such as Naples and Rome. This suggests that in the city, one of the country’s most significant economic centers, the Christmas spirit… Read more: During the holidays, Milan is the brightest city in Europe, as seen from space

Italy secured the ultimate recognition at the end of the 2024 Davis Cup finals, held in Malaga. Thanks to an extraordinary performance by Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner, Italian tennis celebrates a golden year. The trophy raised high marks a historic period for this sport in the country. Third Davis Cup victory in the history of the Italian men’s National Team The Davis Cup, the most prestigious men’s team tennis tournament, is painted blue once again. After victories in 1976 and 2023, Italy now boasts three titles. In the same year, the women’s team also claimed victory in the Billie… Read more: Italy triumphs in the 2024 Davis Cup: Berrettini and Sinner shine bright

Candied fruit, chocolate chips, and raisins are the classic ingredients of the much-loved panettone, a staple of Italian Christmas celebrations. However, innovation has just arrived in Turin, where a chef has created PanCricri, the first panettone featuring cricket flour and caramelized crickets. Unveiled at the Panettone World Championship in Naples What better stage to present this unique creation than the Panettone World Championship in Naples? Master pastry chef Davide Muro, now working at Antica Pasticceria Castino in Pinerolo (near Turin), seized the opportunity following EFSA’s 2023 approval of cricket flour and its derivatives for commercialization. The recipe stays true to… Read more: PanCricri: the cricket-based panettone lands in Turin

In Italy, rental costs are reaching ever higher levels, making searching for a home or commercial space challenging, especially in major cities. A striking example of this phenomenon is Via Montenapoleone, which has achieved a global milestone: for the first time, an Italian address has been recognized as the most expensive street on the planet. €20,000 per square meter: a global record According to the 34th Main Streets Across the World report by Cushman & Wakefield, Via Montenapoleone has claimed the top spot in the global ranking of the highest rental prices. Overtaking iconic streets such as Fifth Avenue in… Read more: Via Montenapoleone is officially the most expensive Luxury Street in the world

The Colosseum, a universal symbol of Roman history and culture, is about to become the stage for a one-of-a-kind experience. Thanks to an Airbnb initiative, a select few will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of real gladiators, experiencing for one night the thrill of one of the world’s most iconic monuments. A €1.5 Million agreement for the Colosseum Airbnb, the renowned short-term rental platform, has signed a €1.5 million agreement with the Colosseum Archaeological Park. The goal? To fund the “Il Colosseo si racconta” program, to renew the permanent exhibition, and preserve the Eternal City’s most iconic… Read more: Gladiators for a night: collaboration between Airbnb and the Colosseum

This is the latest idea making waves about Como, one of Italy’s most enchanting cities. From the famous line, “That branch of Lake Como…” (Quel ramo del lago di Como) in Alessandro Manzoni’s I Promessi Sposi, to the notion of “Lake Como air in a can,” the story has gone global. Featured on CNN and The Times It’s well-known that Lake Como’s shores are irresistible to tourists and celebrities alike, hoping to capture this breathtaking scenery and perhaps even a luxury villa with a view. Among the local attractions is a visit to George Clooney’s villa, but now there’s a… Read more: Como: lake air in a can for only 9.90 Euros

Claudia Baccarini, originally from Faenza in Emilia-Romagna, is Italy’s oldest woman and is currently the third oldest person in Europe. She breaks record after record yearly while enjoying superb health. Claudia’s daughter is 90 Interviewed on the occasion of her remarkable achievement—being the oldest woman in the country is certainly no small feat—Claudia expressed her surprise not at her own milestone, but at her daughter’s. “What impresses me most is that my daughter is about to turn 90,” she said. Claudia’s secret? According to her, nothing unusual. She follows a simple lifestyle with light, moderate meals and a daily dose… Read more: Claudia Baccarini, 114, is Italy’s oldest woman

The unearthing of a 17,000-year-old child’s skeleton in Grotta delle Mura, near Monopoli in Puglia, opened a new chapter in understanding Italy’s genetic heritage. This remarkable find offers unprecedented insights into the lives and migrations of early human populations in southern Italy during the Upper Paleolithic era. An exceptional find in Grotta delle Mura Discovered in 1998 within a karst cave rich in archaeological significance, the child’s remains were astonishingly well-preserved. The cave’s stable conditions safeguarded the skeleton for millennia, allowing researchers to recover approximately 75% of the child’s genome—the oldest ever sequenced in Italy. The body was found lying… Read more: A 17,000-year-old discovery sheds light on Italy’s genetic heritage

The world of philately is warmly welcoming a new arrival. It’s Pikachu, the iconic (and heroic) character who first appeared in the Pokémon world in 1996. The stamp dedicated to him has already excited stamp collectors, who will certainly want it among their collections. Announced on “Philately Day” The stamp was issued on Philately Day, October 30th. For the more expert and meticulous readers, here are some details. The print run is 500,024 units, issued in sheets of twenty-eight. The State Printing and Mint Institute S.p.A. printed the stamp using rotogravure on white, neutral-coated, self-adhesive, non-fluorescent paper. It falls under… Read more: The stamp dedicated to Pikachu arrives in Italy

Interest in Italy’s small villages, a rediscovery of traditions, and the search for a peaceful getaway are on the rise. Data from Telepass, a leading Italian mobility and extra-urban services company, shows a staggering 210 million clicks on the web from 2020 to 2023, with a 45% increase over three years—63 million of which occurred in the last year alone. Here’s a list of the most searched and renowned Italian villages you shouldn’t miss during your stay! Tropea With an average of 148,300 monthly searches, Tropea in Calabria ranks solidly at the top of the list. This charming village, home… Read more: Which Italian villages are most searched online?

Renovation work on the Trevi Fountain began on October 7 and will continue at least until the end of the year. This restoration has sparked much discussion about the decisions made by the city to maintain the site’s magic, even during the construction period. If you want to learn more about the ongoing maintenance work, click here. The New Pool in Place of the Dry Fountain The capital is recognized worldwide for its iconic fountain, a symbol that attracts over 10,000 tourists daily. However, the changes being made are causing frustration among visitors. Introducing a coin vending machine, installing a… Read more: Tourists can throw coins into a pool instead of the Trevi Fountain

Italy is facing a critical situation marked by a continuous decline in birth rates. Despite being monitored for years, there has been no significant change in this trend, raising serious concerns about the future of the healthcare system and generational replacement. This is referred to as a true generational challenge, but it proves difficult to tackle. In the first six months of 2024, the decline compared to the same period in 2023 amounts to 4,600 children. Continue reading to learn more about the trends in births in Italy. A negative trend for nearly two decades The -34% decline in births… Read more: Declining birth rates in Italy: -34% over 15 years

The Italian cuisine debate has reignited with historian Alessandro Barbero’s latest comments, which added a fresh perspective to a long-standing discussion. In a recent interview, Barbero argued that there is no true national Italian cuisine; instead, what we often call “Italian” abroad is primarily a product of the Italian American experience. Barbero, a well-known historian and divulgator, says that Italian American dishes, such as spaghetti with meatballs, have shaped international views on Italian food more than any single regional cuisine in Italy. Origins of the controversy: Grandi’s provocative claims and Italy’s UNESCO bid The dispute around the authenticity of Italian… Read more: The Italian cuisine debate: Alessandro Barbero’s view

The controlled access to Venice to limit overtourism on peak days has been active since the Easter holidays of 2024. The idea proposed by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro sparked considerable controversy and criticism; nonetheless, the decision has been made to tighten entry regulations for the new year. To read the article on the introduction of the new system that took place in 2024, click here. News for 2025 In the first year of the initiative (which is not yet concluded), the numbers show an influx of nearly half a million tourists, who collectively paid over 2.2 million euros just for tickets.… Read more: Venice doubles entrance ticket for 2025: all the news

The Molinette Hospital in Turin is in the spotlight worldwide for performing the first surgery of its kind ever conducted. This is indeed the first successful bilateral eye surgery utilizing advanced 3D visualization on a 40-day-old baby. Little Matteo is now home with his family and in excellent health. Another important chapter is added to the miracles of medicine in Italy in just a few days. To learn more, click here: first case in the world of childbirth after surgery for chondrosarcoma. The Surgery Saved the Child from Irreversible Blindness Little Matteo was born with a very delicate prognosis. He… Read more: Torino: first bilateral 3D eye surgery in the world on a newborn

It’s the most talked-about news in Italy over the past few days. On October 16, the Senate approved an amendment to Law 40/2004, making surrogacy a crime punishable even if committed abroad. Fines of up to 1 million euros and 2 years in prison With 84 votes in favor and 58 against, the Senate has definitively passed the new law. Surrogacy had already been banned in Italy since 2004, but there were no penalties for those who sought to undergo the procedure in more lenient countries. MP Carolina Varchi (Fratelli d’Italia) strongly advocated the new law, which received the full… Read more: Breaking news: surrogacy becomes a universal crime in Italy

Heartwarming breaking news comes from the Molinette Hospital in Turin. This is the first case in the world of a successful pregnancy after the mother underwent surgery for a malignant cartilage tissue tumor. The mother underwent surgery in the 4th month of pregnancy At 12 weeks, doctors diagnosed a rare form of cancer, chondrosarcoma. With an incidence rate of 1 in 100,000 people, the only viable solution was surgery, which was successful. It is the first case in the world of a pregnancy brought to term after such a major surgery. The symptoms appeared around the third month of pregnancy:… Read more: First case in the world of childbirth after surgery for chondrosarcoma

The new walkway over the Trevi Fountain is sparking more debate than expected. Approved and funded by the Roman Heritage Authority, the project has already begun, with work starting on installing a transparent walkway above the fountain’s basins. However, the public response has been far from enthusiastic. Click here to read: Tourists can throw coins into a pool instead of the Trevi Fountain A €1.187 million investment The project isn’t just about the walkway. Italy’s most famous fountain has long needed restoration. The opportunity allowed not only for stucco work and cleaning of the surfaces but also for the introduction… Read more: Trevi Fountain: work has started on the new walkway

Gravel roads in Italy The most famous gravel road easily accessible by motorcycle is the “Eroica” Eroica is a dirt road in Tuscany just over 200km (120 miles) in length. The course will cover the most scenic portion of Tuscany including Chianti – Siena e Val d’Arbia – Montalcino – Val d’Asso – Crete Senesi – Val d’ Orcia – Castello del Brolio. L’Eroica began in the town of Gaiole in Chianti in 1997 when 92 bicycle riders got together to prevent the traditional white gravel roads of Tuscany, the strade bianche, from being paved over. Nowadays the Eroica bicycle race… Read more: Dirt Roads in Italy

Spooky season is in full swing, so what better time to explore one of Italy’s most unique real estate ventures? Ghost-House, based in Bologna, is the country’s first real estate agency specializing in the sale of haunted and mysterious properties. Whether you’re into the paranormal or simply looking for a home with a rich and eerie history, Ghost-House offers properties that are anything but ordinary. The birth of Ghost-House The agency was founded by Fiorenza Renda, a real estate agent with over 30 years of experience and a passion for history and the paranormal. One of her most significant experiences,… Read more: Ghost-House: the real estate agency bringing spooky homes to life

In the past years, the 1 Euro Homes initiative garnered global attention as an ambitious way to breathe new life into depopulated rural villages. Several small towns across the country, from Sicily to the northern regions, launched this program to encourage people to move into and renovate abandoned homes, preserve their cultural heritage, and revitalize the local economy. A growing trend The concept of offering homes for €1 (around $1.05) spread across many regions of Italy, including Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, and Tuscany. Towns like Sambuca di Sicilia, Mussomeli, and Ollolai led the charge by attracting international buyers. Each town’s approach varies, but… Read more: 1 euro homes in Italy: success, challenges, and opportunities

The saga involving the well-known influencer continues to make headlines. Chiara Ferragni is accused of aggravated fraud for misleading advertising during the 2022 Christmas season with the “Pandoro Balocco Pink Christmas, Limited Edition” and the 2021 and 2022 Easter campaigns “Chiara Ferragni Easter Eggs – Supporting Bambini delle Fate.” The Milan Prosecutor’s Office has concluded its investigation, giving the defense 20 days to present evidence of innocence. If this doesn’t happen, Ferragni will go to trial. A brief overview of the Pandoro-Gate and the Easter eggs Pandoro-Gate burst onto the scene like lightning out of a clear sky. In collaboration… Read more: Updates on the Pandoro-Gate: Chiara Ferragni faces trial risk

Salvatore Garau, the avant-garde Italian artist, has made headlines for a reason that has stirred the art world: the sale of invisible works. With amazement and controversy, Garau managed to sell the immaterial sculpture titled “Io Sono” for the sum of 15,000 euros, igniting a debate on what can truly be considered art. This is not his first success: he previously sold another invisible work for a staggering 27,120 euros, titled “Davanti a Te.” “My works are a content of thought, pure poetry” Insults and criticism have not been lacking for Garau’s proposals, which some deem too avant-garde, as the… Read more: Sculptor Salvatore Garau sells invisible works for thousands of Euros

Italians, as we all know, love bars. The café is the place where everyone gathers for conviviality and meetings, from breakfast to apéritif , passing through the day’s intermediate breaks, appetizers, snacks, and quick lunches. The guide Bar D’Italia 2024 was presented in Milan’s Manzoni Theatre. A ranking based on Chicchi e Tazzine is an assessment of the coffee offer. The Gambero Rosso investigation resulted in a list of the 45 most known bars in Italy that provide excellent and competent service. Today, I’d like to offer you the best of the best, the top five bars in the rating,… Read more: The 5 best Italian bars according to the Gambero Rosso

Jannik Sinner ’s past demons continue to haunt him. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has weighed in on an incident from March 2024, when the tennis champion tested positive for Clostebol. Despite being cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the future of the world’s number one tennis player remains uncertain. Sinner’s positive test for Clostebol Urine tests from March 10 and March 18, 2024, confirmed the presence of Clostebol, leaving the young athlete in an even more precarious situation after a brief moment of relief following the ITIA’s decision. According to reports, Sinner inadvertently came into contact with… Read more: The Sinner case continues: WADA proposes 1-2 year ban for doping

Milan is buzzing with the bold initiative of the new Plain Hotel, a luxurious retreat recently inaugurated by the famous designer Philippe Plein on September 21, 2024. One item on the menu stands out: a pizza with a staggering price tag of €1500. But what justifies such an exorbitant price? Apparently, the secret is all in the dough… A dough with Dom Perignon In reality, the price doesn’t seem so unreasonable when you consider the chef’s “trick.” The secret ingredient in the dough is none other than an entire bottle of Dom Perignon, which usually costs around €230 (sold for… Read more: The Plain Hotel in Milan launches a €1500 pizza

The 2025 edition of the Zingarelli dictionary (an icon in itself, read here to see why) will welcome several new words, many of which reflect the ever-growing influence of English on the Italian language. Next year’s additions to the Italian lexicon range from overtourism to bubble tea, and illustrate how global trends and digital culture are shaping everyday speech. The inclusion of such terms shows both how our language has been evolving and a broader societal shift toward inclusivity and awareness, with words like neurodivergenza (neurodivergence) gaining prominence. According to Zanichelli, the publisher of  the Zingarelli dictionary, “there is a greater focus on inclusive terminology to create… Read more: Zingarelli 2025’s new words

A wave of amazement and joy has swept over Naples! Incredible news comes from the Federico II Polyclinic, where a mother gave birth to four healthy babies. Quadruplet births are extremely rare, with only 1 in 700,000 births in Europe according to statistics. Francesco, Diego, Manuel, Martina: the record-breaking babies It wasn’t an easy journey, neither for the medical team nor for the supermom, 30-year-old Giovanna, who delivered four fraternal quadruplets. She had been admitted to the hospital at 26 weeks pregnant and gave birth at just 30 weeks. The newborns needed an extended period in incubators, but after about… Read more: Record-breaking birth in Naples: 4 babies born at once (only 1 in 700,000 cases!)

A rare manuscript’s discovery brought Il Milione, Marco Polo’s famous travel account, high up in the interest of scholars and the public. The document surfaced in the Biblioteca Diocesana Ludovico Jacobilli in Foligno, a historic town in Umbria, central Italy. This significant find comes as the world marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death (1254–1324), a milestone commemorated through academic and cultural events, especially in Polo’s hometown of Venice. Polo and Il Milione Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, charmed Europe with his detailed descriptions of the customs, cultures, and wealth of Asia—particularly China—during his 24-year journey through the Mongol Empire… Read more: New discovery in the world of Marco Polo