Culture

Mourners Gather in Vatican City for the Funeral of Pope Benedict XVI

by Italy Magazine Staff | Thu, 01/05/2023 - 04:43

The funeral mass for the late Pope Benedict XVI began this morning at 9.30am at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. With current pontiff Pope Francis presiding…

Culture

What to Expect in Bergamo and Brescia, 2023 Italian Capitals of Culture

by Italy Magazine Staff | Wed, 12/21/2022 - 12:24

Bergamo and Brescia — neighboring cities in Lombardy that were at the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic back in early 2020 — are on the brink of a major…

Culture

Men parade with torches at the 'Ndocciata ritual in Agnone, Molise

You've Probably Never Heard of These Christmas Customs in Italy (No, Really)

by Amy Gulick | Mon, 12/19/2022 - 11:20

While Italy’s cast of Christmas characters includes some very familiar figures — Babbo Natale (Santa), naturally, and La Befana, the frumpy Christmas…

Culture

Interior of the synagogue of Siena, Italy

Shining a Light on the Hidden History of Jews in Siena

by julie.james | Fri, 12/16/2022 - 14:07

The first time I visited the Jewish ghetto in Siena was by accident. I’d just stumbled my way out of the Palazzo Pubblico — the civic seat of the Sienese…

Culture

Step Inside the Real Mona Lisa’s Florence

by Laura Morelli | Thu, 04/14/2022 - 00:27

Nearly everyone on the globe recognizes the woman in Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, whether or not they have seen the iconic portrait in person in the Louvre.…

Culture

On International Women’s Day, a Tribute to 5 Influential Italian Women

by Silvia Donati | Tue, 03/08/2022 - 03:53

Ed. March 8, 2024: This archival article is being re-shared on International Women’s Day to mark the occasion. To reflect the specific moment in time in which…

Culture

Where to Explore the Jewish Heritage of Ferrara

by Silvia Donati | Wed, 01/26/2022 - 05:42

To mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, January 27, we take a stroll through Jewish Ferrara, a city with one…

Culture

What’s the Deal with Italy’s Cannabis Shops?

by Jamie Mackay | Tue, 08/13/2019 - 00:56

You’ve probably spotted them around the stations and high streets of the peninsula’s major cities. Easily recognizable by their blown-up hemp leaves, tie-dye…

Lifestyle

10 Inspirational Italian Women to Know This International Women’s Day

by Silvia Donati | Tue, 03/08/2016 - 03:15

In honor of International Women’s Day, known as Festa della donna in Italy, we take a look back at some of the Italian women who have inspired and…

Culture

Festa della Rificolona: The Traditional Festival of Paper Lanterns in Florence

by Italy Magazine Staff | Fri, 09/05/2014 - 01:30

Every year on September 7, the Festa della Rificolona takes place in Florence to celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. The event is thought to have…