A poet at the world’s edge
Ovid was born in Sulmona, in the province of L’Aquila, but was destined to die far from home. Joe Gartman tells his story… Photos by Patricia Gartman unless otherwise stated Statue of Ovid in Sulmona. By Getty More...
Past Italia: Piazza della Signoria
Florence’s Piazza della Signoria is named after its palazzo, which is now also known as the Palazzo Vecchio Photo by Getty Images The Duomo may be the more famous Florence landmark, but the Piazza della Signoria More...
Past Italia! Catacombs of San Gennaro
In Naples, where history is told through layers of earth, an ancient tomb offers a window to the distant past… Deep beneath the streets of northern Naples, on the slopes leading up to Capodimonte, in the area More...
Past Italia: Il Castello di Santa Severa
The medieval castle of Santa Severa faces out to sea on the Lazio coast, just 40 minutes north of Rome The Castle of Saint Severa is named after a young girl whose entire family was martyred. Her father was a More...
Insider’s Rome: The Pantheon
Proposals to charge entry to the Pantheon remain controversial, after plans were announced to start charging visitors from May this year… Words by Jon Palmer. Image by iStock Up until now, entry to the Pantheon More...
Insider’s Rome: The Forum
The Forum is where Roman history begins, but when it begins is a question that has recently had to be asked again… The Forum, Rome by iStock According to the story, Rome was founded on 21 April 753 BC, which means More...
48 hours in: Ravenna
If you ever find yourself in Emilia-Romagna, Ravenna is an absolute must. It really is a treasure trove of art and culture, writes Sara Scarpa. Above me is depicted a dark blue sky full of golden stars.The many More...
Insider’s Rome: le Terme di Caracalla
Though they are named for the Emperor Caracalla, it was probably his father, Severus, who laid the plans for these huge baths… Most tourists come here by public transport, though the walk from the Forum takes More...
Insider’s Rome: the Villa Borghese
Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577-1633) was a patron of Bernini and Caravaggio. The Baroque legacy at his Villa is a wonder to behold… People are often surprised to learn that, at least as far as major European More...
The Worried Warhorse of Fénis Castle
When St George slayed the dragon and rescued the princess, he acted with fearlessness – but his brave horse was never quite so sure that the fight would be won. High in the Alps, in the far northwest of Italy, More...