Italy

Art

The fantastic four: Stand-out pavilions at the 2026 Venice Biennale

The national pavilions that chime with Kouoh’s core values of nurture, intimacy and reflection are those that quietly steal this year’s spotlight.

16/05/2026

Culture news

Pompeii: A doctor identified thanks to his instruments

Interdisciplinary work made it possible to identify the body of a doctor among the victims of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The plaster cast held a case with the instruments used by doctors at the time

15/05/2026

Europe

Pope Leo XIV decries rise of AI-directed warfare at Rome university

Pope Leo XIV has identified AI as one of the most critical matters facing humanity, especially its application in warfare and everyday life.

14/05/2026

The Cube

Deepfake Meloni clips distort relations between Italy and Israel

Several viral deepfake clips have spread online with misleading claims about Italy’s relationship with Israel.

14/05/2026

No Comment

Princess Catherine visits Italy on first overseas trip since cancer diagnosis

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales visited the Italian city of Reggio Emilia during her first official overseas trip since announcing her cancer remission.

13/05/2026

Culture news

The earliest known English poem has been found in an unexpected place

A 9th-century manuscript held in Rome has revealed the earliest known Old English poem, Caedmon’s Hymn, hidden within a copy of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

13/05/2026

Art

How hospitality shapes Qatar’s Venice Biennale exhibition

From sculptural water vessels to spice-filled kitchens, Qatar’s Venice Biennale exhibition explores identity, hospitality and cultural exchange across the Arab world and its diasporas through sound, movement and shared meals.

13/05/2026

No Comment

Peacocks take over northern Italian beach town

More than 100 peacocks now roam Punta Marina in northern Italy, leaving residents searching for humane ways to manage the birds.

12/05/2026

Italy

Qatar debuts immersive pavilion at Venice Biennale

Led by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, the project brings together artists, musicians and chefs from across the Arab world.

11/05/2026

No Comment

Venice Biennale performances confront war and climate fears

Artists at the Venice Biennale used striking performances and immersive installations to explore themes including war, caregiving and human fragility.

11/05/2026

Art

Beyond the Biennale: Must-see satellite exhibitions in Venice

Some shows are already pegged as some of the most highly anticipated art happenings of the year.

10/05/2026

Culture news

Venice Biennale opens with protests against Russia and Israel

For the first time, Biennale workers went on strike on Friday over Russia's and Israel's presence at the kermesse, with twenty pavilions closed on the eve of the public opening.

09/05/2026

Art

The 2026 Venice Art Biennale is all about the slow and sensory

After Koyo Kouoh’s untimely death in May 2025, the Cameroonian-Swiss curator’s concept for the Biennale is now being realised by her team.

09/05/2026

Europe

Rubio in Rome: 'Trump has not decided on withdrawal' but warns of 'problem with Nato allies

The US Secretary of State in talks in Rome with Meloni and Tajani. The Italian minister reiterated his readiness for a mission to Hormuz after the war and Trump's no to tariffs. Rubio promised developments in negotiations with Iran and that "not being able to count" on Allies "is a problem"

08/05/2026

Art

'Blood is Russia's art': Protests mark start of Venice Biennale

The Russian punk rockers Pussy Riot and Ukraine feminist group FEMEN have joined forces to protest at Russia's participation at the Venice Biennale, the world's oldest international art exhibition.

07/05/2026

Art

French artist JR presents Venice Venice Hotel for new social project

JR’s latest project celebrates real and complicated contemporary human lives, while seeking to forge new social connections.

07/05/2026

Residences

Luxurious Villa San Michele hotel reopens above Florence

After an 18-month renovation, Belmond’s Villa San Michele has reopened in the hills above Florence with refreshed rooms, a new Guerlain spa and upgraded gardens, offering a quieter, more considered take on luxury just outside the city.

06/05/2026

No Comment

Italy: Femen and Pussy Riot protest Russia’s return to Venice Biennale

The 2026 Venice Biennale opened press previews on Wednesday with protests outside the Russian pavilion, marking Moscow’s return since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

06/05/2026

Culture news

Iran pulls out of Venice Biennale amid high tensions in Middle East

The Islamic Republic of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Venice Biennale just days before the opening exhibition as fears remain high of renewed conflict in the Middle East.

05/05/2026

Sport

Ex-F1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies at 59

Legendary driver and Paralympic champion Alessandro Zanardi has died at the age of 59. From Formula 1 to handbike glory, his life was a global symbol of resilience and determination.

02/05/2026

No Comment

Brixen Water Light Festival 2026 puts peace at its centre

The Brixen Water Light Festival 2026 runs to 16 May in South Tyrol, with 24 installations from 13 countries exploring peace against a Dolomites backdrop.

01/05/2026

Europe

Monte Faeta fire in Tuscany: 800 hectares burnt, 3,000 evacuated

Fires on Monte Faeta, between Pisa and Lucca, are being fuelled by windy weather conditions.

01/05/2026

Culture news

Venice Biennale jury resigns as Italy opposes Russia's participation

The Italian government has opposed the Biennale's decision to allow Russia to participate in the international exhibition.

30/04/2026

Europe

Italy says it has filed to be civil party in Swiss fire probe

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vowed justice for Italian victims while Italy has opened its own investigation into the fire even as the Swiss probe continues.

29/04/2026

Destinations

Palermo: Inside Dua Lipa’s romantic wedding destination

The pending nuptials of the British singer may see the Sicilian destination come much more under the international spotlight.

29/04/2026

Health news

What influences our dreams? A new study has 2 possible answers

Do you think your dreams are random? Researchers have analysed over 3,700 reports of dreams and now have a better idea of what influences the content of our dreams.

28/04/2026