It took over 400,000 high-resolution images and an enormous amount of data, equivalent to 22 petabytes—around 5 million DVDs—to complete the digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica. The project, titled "San Pietro: AI-Enhanced Experience," was born two years ago from a meeting between Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, head of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, and Br...

According to the “World's Best Cities 2025” report, which annually lists 100 cities around the world that are most livable and the best to visit, Rome ranks sixth on the list. The city's appeal extends beyond its historical relics, and the Eternal City ranks in the top 5 globally according to the amiability (#5) and livability (#5) indexes, offerin...

Dear friends, We are back from a new interesting trip to the East Coast, where We the Italians participated in some important events: in Washington DC there was the annual meeting of the Transatlantic Investment Committee at the Italian Embassy, and then the traditional reception of Ambassador Mariangela Zappia at Villa Firenze, and again the day d...

After 10 years of closure, the Ninfeo di Villa Giulia, a jewel of water in Renaissance Rome, has reopened to visitors. This first "theater of waters" in Rome, the heart of the gardens wanted by Pope Julius III for his luxurious residence at the foot of the Monti Parioli, will be accessible again. It will also be possible to visit the Sala dello Zod...

The Sistine Chapel is probably one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance era. Built in the 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV and named in his honor, the chapel forms part of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace and serves as the pope’s private chapel. While its walls were initially adorned by various artists, including Botticelli and Ghirlandai...

While Rome's bustling streets and historic monuments offer endless excitement, sometimes a little relaxation is in order. Fortunately, just a short trip from the city, you’ll find a number of thermal baths—natural hot springs and wellness resorts—perfect for unwinding. For centuries, Italians have embraced these healing waters for their therapeutic...

Selfie-stick-waving influencers may feel like they are breaking new ground, but did Roman gladiators beat them to it by more than 2,000 years? Making it big on Instagram and TikTok promises income, acclaim - and healthy brand sponsorship deals. Some of which would have been familiar to a Roman gladiator. But, of course, the stakes were a little hig...

Pope Francis said he will canonize Carlo Acutis next April, setting the eagerly awaited date for the late teenager to become the Catholic Church’s first millennial and digital-era saint. Francis made the announcement at the end of his weekly general audience on Wednesday, saying he would proclaim the church’s youngest contemporary saint during the...

Ancient Rome maintains a grip on pop culture, from Hollywood blockbusters to video games. Since its establishment in 31 B.C., the Roman Empire exerted its influence throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. But what if the Rome we think we know—complete with deadly arenas, decadence, and marble statues—is more fiction than fact? From not-so-deadly g...

The Metropolitan City of Rome Capital was elected European Space Capital during the European Council of Mayors of the CVA, Communauté des Villes Ariane, meeting in Seville on November 16, 2024. This is an important recognition for the area, which has played a central role in the European aerospace industry for years. The CVA is a network that promo...