Art and Architecture

Michelangelo and Fra Angelico: Two Renaissance Greats Who Died on the Same Day

Michelangelo and Fra Angelico were Italian Renaissance artists who died on the same day (many years apart).

How Keith Haring Came to Pisa

An old mural and a new exhibit reunite Keith Haring and Pisa.

Italy and the Written Word: Places to Celebrate Writing History

From ancient Latin script to modern fonts, Italy has contributed greatly to the history of the written word. Visit these places to learn more.

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

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

Saint Lucifer of Cagliari: His Life and Legacy

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

Best Places in Italy for Modern and Contemporary Art

Put modern art on your Italian itinerary. Here are the best museums, galleries, and parks, for modern and contemporary art in Italy.

These Amazing Italian Gardens Near Naples Are Shaped Like a Violin

Did you know that the landscape around the Reggia di Caserta was designed to look like a violin? Learn more about this UNESCO Heritage Site near Naples.

Anno Dantesco: Celebrating Dante in 2021

In 2021, Italy will commemorate the 700th anniversary of the passing of Dante Alighieri, known worldwide as the father of the Italian language.

Florence to Open First Museum Dedicated to the Italian Language

The city that gave birth to Dante will soon give birth to the first museum dedicated to the Italian language. Construction on the Museo della Lingua Italiana begins in 2021.

Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome / Photo via Sovrintendenza Roma

Mausoleum of Augustus to Reopen in Rome

One of the most important monuments of Ancient Rome, the Mausoleum of Augustus, will reopen to the public in 2021.

9,036-piece Colosseum Is LEGO’s Largest Kit Ever

In a year that has had little to no travel and more time than usual spent at home, LEGO has unveiled its massive 9,036-piece Colosseum builder kit. The Colosseum is LEGO’s biggest building set yet, edging out the Millennium Falcon set which has 7,541 pieces. Once built, the LEGO Colosseum measures over 10.5” (27cm) high,…

The Triumph of Death: Mysterious Plague Painting in Palermo

Throughout the long, lonely months of our modern pandemic, I’ve been thinking about a dark and mysterious painting in Palermo known as “The Triumph of Death.” Known in Italian as Il Trionfo della Morte, the painting hangs in Palazzo Abatellis, a regional gallery in the Kalsa quarter of the Sicilian capital. Measuring 6 m x…

Caravaggio Guide to Rome

There are few artists in history who inspire intrigue quite like Caravaggio. Here’s where to find his works in Rome.

Writing on the Wall: Birthplace of Tina Modotti in Udine

A look at Franco del Zotto Odorico’s art at the Tina Modotti house in Udine.

Tuscany’s Wine Windows – An Architectural Curiosity Makes a Comeback

First used during the bubonic plague in the 17th century, Tuscany’s wine windows are reopening. Learn more about “buchette del vino” and where to find them.

Roman Quarantine, Remembered in Watercolor

Learn more about the Roman artist who lovingly chronicled the quarantine in watercolors.

Trevi Fountain: Origins and Traditions of Rome’s Most Famous Fountain

The history behind the Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful and best-known fountains in the world.

An Italian Artist for Every Italian Region [Map]

This Italian map is fun but certainly controversial. It is a map of each region in Italy represented by a painting or fresco by an artist of that region. Here’s the full map (click to zoom in). A list of the artworks and their creators follow. Alphabetical List of Italian Regions with Their Representative Artworks…