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In December 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi introduced the first live Nativity scene in Greccio (Lazio), to make the story of Jesus Christ's birth more tangible for the local populace. This marked the beginning of a tradition that has endured for over 800 years, transforming Greccio into a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Christmas...

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Yesterday, Pope Francis officially inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. The Jubilee is a unique blend of ancient traditions, religious significance, and contemporary relevance. It serves as a moment of profound spiritual renewal for believers while also impacting the social and cultural fabric of Rome.  The...

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The Passetto di Borgo, an 800-meter elevated passageway linking the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, has reopened yesterday, following six years of meticulous restoration. Constructed in 1277 under Pope Nicholas III, the Passetto served as a clandestine escape route for popes during times of peril. Notably, during the 1527 Sack of Rome, Pope...

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The 2025 Jubilee marks a significant spiritual event for the Catholic Church, centered around the symbolic opening of the Holy Doors in Rome's four major papal basilicas. Each door represents a passage to divine grace and renewal, drawing millions of pilgrims worldwide. Rome's four papal basilicas, with their rich history and spiritual importance,...

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Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain has reopened to visitors following an extensive three-month renovation. This restoration was completed just in time for the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, a major event expected to draw millions of pilgrims and tourists to the Italian capital. The meticulous work involved removing dirt, pollution, and limescale to restore the...

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The Vatican has unveiled an innovative mobile application to enhance the experience of pilgrims visiting Rome for the Jubilee Year 2025. Known as a Holy Year, the Jubilee is dedicated to prayer, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal. Millions of faithful from across the globe are expected to visit Rome, and this app aims to facilitate their journey whi...

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Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, symbolizing joy, family, and togetherness. It is deeply associated with Christian traditions commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, many of the customs we associate with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, and decorating our homes, have their roots in much ol...

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The next time you grab a snack at a sports event, take a moment to think about our ancient Roman counterparts. Ancient Romans who attended games at the Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheater) enjoyed munching on fruit and other snacks while they watched gladiators and wild beasts fight. It turns out that those peanuts and hot dogs you pi...

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Florence might have Michelangelo's David, but the Eternal City is home to several of his most notable works. I can't wait to share this brief history of Michelangelo in Rome and where to find his art in the city. Discovering Michelangelo in Rome - Everything you need to knowMany people know Michelangelo as a Renaissance artist and Florence as the m...

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Hidden among iconic landmarks of Rome, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, or the Pantheon, lies one of ancient Rome’s most impressive architectural marvels—the Baths of Diocletian.  Once the largest imperial bath complex in the Roman Empire, the Baths of Diocletian are now an exceptional place to explore both ancient history and art, and they offe...

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