ItalyUpdate

ROME COMBINES VISITS COLOSSEUM & ZOO

Rome has just launched a special excursion packet that few other cities can equal. Aimed principally at families and schools, the combined ticket offers tours of the Colosseum plus the Rome Zoo, officially known as the Biopark.

The tours focus on the animals involved, not only in the circus spectacles of Roman times, but also on the fauna that has spontaneously taken up residence in the Roman ruins, like the peregrine falcon. The follow up visit to the zoo highlights the animals who featured in the mythology and religious beliefs of Ancient Rome.

The Rome project is called: “Orme del Tempo. Dal Colosseo alla Fauna del Bioparco di Roma” (“Footsteps in Time. From the Colosseum to the Fauna in Rome's Biopark”) with tours available for online booking

Rome's Bioparco occupies some 42 acres of landscaped garden inside the Villa Borghese Park and houses 222 species of animals. The Biopark Foundation adheres to the global movement “Reverse the Red” that works to contrast the extinction of animal and plant species from all over the planet.

Info: Tel. +39.06.21115843 or +39.06.3614015 www.bioparco.it www.colosseo.it

THE REGGIO EMILIA WAY

The recent visit of Princess Catherine (better known as Kate and wife of Prince William, direct heir to the British throne), to the town of Reggio Emilia (Emilia Romagna) has sparked off renewed interest in the methods introduced to nursery and preschool teaching by Italian pedagog Loris Malaguzzi.

Until now, the so called Reggio Emilia Approach was lesser known than the Montessori method, introduced by Maria Montessori in the early 20^th century and now adopted in schools all over the world.

While the Montessori method consists in the controlled introduction of educational instruments to young children to guide them through tasks and encourage independence and creativity, Malaguzzi believed that the child already possesses the innate ability to discover and learn skills if given access to the correct stimulation and atmosphere.

The first school was set up inside a public park in 1945, with funds collected through the sale of weapons and tanks abandoned by the German army in retreat.

Malagazzi died in 1994, but his method had already been adopted in 30 municipal nursery schools in the Reggio Emilia region and had begun to spread abroad. Today the method has been adopted in 145 countries. and there are 1,200 Reggio-inspired schools in the USA alone.

1000. STENHOUSE

Info: Tel. +39.0522.518714 https://www.scuolanidi.re.it

THE SECRET WORLD OF LAZIO EXPLORED

The Arco Di Diana, a cultural association based in the Castelli Romani area some 30 kms south of Rome, which takes its name from the Roman goddess Diana, who had an important sanctuary at the crater lake of Nemi, recently carried out a rare exploration of the entire tract of the 4^th century BC outflow passage that regulated the lake water level, with the dual purpose of preventing flooding of the temple precinct and irrigating the nearby Valley of Ariccia.

The 1,600m long tunnel was first explored in the early years of the 20^th century during a complex archaeological operation to recover two enormous Roman ships, attributed to the Emperor Caligula, which had lain at the bottom of the lake for almost 19 centuries.

In recent times, the level of the lake has dropped, making exploration of the outlet channel possible.

In addition to organizing treks and adventure trips in southern Lazio, Arco di Diana concentrates on exploring the traces left by the little known Latin peoples that inhabited the area before it was conquered and assimilated by the Romans. Publications by the Association include books “Alba Longa” by Riccardo Bellucci, an investigation of prehistoric burial sites “The Grotticelle Tombs” by Daniele Cataldi, and a collection of scientific papers of archaeological and astronomic research compiled by Cataldi, Bellucci and Marco Tudini.

Info at Facebook site: ARCO DI DIANA APS

THE PEACOCK INVASION

The citizens of Punta Marina, a small town of just over 3,200 inhabitants on the outskirts of Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna), have an unusual problem on their hands. They are invaded by peacocks that wander all over the streets and gardens and keep them off their sleep with their strident cries.

The birds have multiplied over the years, from (it is believed) a pair released by a local resident some ten years ago and now comprise a fixed colony of over a hundred individuals.

The birds wander freely along the pavements and over the roads, settle on rooftops and invade private gardens. In addition to having to clean up excrements, residents also complain of damage to their property, since peacocks are big birds, with adult males weighing an average 4-6 kilos.

Another major grouse is the strident screeches, night and day throughout the mating season, when every male tries to outdo his rivals, thus disturbing the sleep of the human residents. Plans to move the colony to a designated controlled area have been obstructed, however, by animal rights activists as well as some residents who see the peacocks as an asset and a tourist attraction. So far, the peacocks reign undisturbed!

Source: “Il Resto del Carlino”

Info: segreteria.redazione.bologna@monrif.net

ANCIENT PEOPLES OF THE ITALIAN PAST

A new Festival focussing on the Sacred Spring of the pre-Roman peoples of Italy is programmed for the 8^th-10^th May 2026 in Rieti (Lazio).

Once known as “the Navel of the World”, the nearby sanctuary of the Sabine people at Cotilia was the centre of the rites of spring observed by the nomadic tribes who chose to settle in central Italy during the Bronze Age.

The rituals involved encouraged exploration and emigration and, according to Ancient Roman sources, were the origin of the Piceni, the Sannites, the Irpini and the various other peoples who occupied the Appennines of central and southern Italy in ancient times.

For those keen on little known aspects of ancient history and ancestry tracing, lectures and events will be held in the Civic Museum of Rieti and the Flavio Vespasiano Theatre.

The Festival is part of the programme “L'Aquila, Culture Capital of 2026”, which celebrates the rebirth and reconstruction of the earthquake city devastated in 2009.

Info: info@festivalpopolitalici.it

WHAT DO TOURISTS WANT?

A recent survey published by the Italian Ministry of Tourism pinpoints the motives that prompt foreign tourists to choose Italy as a destination.

Although most visitors are involved in individual or organized sightseeing of famous buildings and works of art, some 42% are attracted by what is referred to as “Made in Italy” including Italian cuisine, fashion, design and craftsmanship. In addition, the report states that 63% of visitors from the higher income bracket are looking for “an authentic Italian experience.”

Requests for special themed sojourns are constantly on the increase, among both foreign visitors and in the home market. These include visits to farms, wine routes, musical festivals, gastronomic events, art exhibitions and craft laboratories,. Another promising trend is the increasing requests for sojourns in lesser known towns ans areas off the classic tourist circuits.

Info: www.ministeroturismo.gov.it

CERVIA'S ASTONISHING KITES 

The 46^th ARTEVENTO (Wind Art) Kite Festival on the Pinarella Beach at the seaside resort of Cervia (Reggio Emilia) is dedicated to the memory of St. Francis of Assisi who died eight centuries ago.

The Festival, now in its 46^th edition, claims to be the oldest (not the largest), kite festival in the world – the largest is the Weifang International Kite Festival in China's Shangdong Province. This year's Cernia event involves some 200 artists from all over the world. It also marks the 40^th anniversary of the twin town agreement between the Emilia Romagna region and the Prefecture of Ibaraki in Japan, as well as the partnership between the Artevento organization and the Contemporary Circus.

Between the 23^rd April and the 3^rd May 2026, spectators can enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of colourful kites in all shapes and sizes billowing before the wind at the Cervia seashore. Entrance to the beach is free of charge.

Supporting events include the Birmana Art Collection from Colombia and the exhiition “Vento Dipinto” (Depicted Wind) from The Hague Art Gallery.

Photo credit: “Seahorse Kite” from Bali by Wolfgang Breck (Germany)

Info: https://www.culturaliart.com

PARCO VILLA TRECCI, A TUSCANY PARADISE

The Parco Villa Trecci at Montepulciano, Tuscany, is one of Italy's little known paradises. Now open till October for the 2026 season, the landscaped garden is a little known retreat created by artist Adelmo Barlesi for his wife Cinzia.

The garden recreates typical features of the natural ecosystem of the dry slopes and fertile earth of the Crete Sienese hills, to facilitate bee and bird pollination. Its lake is immersed in groves of typical mediterranean trees creating a natural humid zone oasis, while the rose garden recreates the typical features of the historic formal Italian garden with architectural elements.

Listed among the “Great Gardens of Italy”, it is open to the public weekdays morning and afternoon.

Info: Tel. +39.0578.321646 https://www.prolocomontepulciano.it

CINGOLI 2026 WINNER ITALY'S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE

Cingoli, a small town known as “the Balcony overlooking the Marche Region” near the city of Macerata, has been voted “Italy's most beautiful Borgo 2026”. Points in its favour were its unspoiled historic centre, its sweeping views over the surrounding hills, its mirror-like Lake Cingoli (a reservoir) below, two Nature reserves in its territory and a rare signed masterpiece by Lorenzo Lotto: “The Madonna of the Rosaries” in the Church of St. Domenico.

Every year, a committee appointed by the “I Borghi piu Belli d'Italia” non-profit Association, selects a winner out of some 380 candidates from all over Italy. A “Borgo” is a small historic town often far off the usual tourist tracks. The organization, in fact, was founded in 2001 by the Italian Tourism Council and ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities) to promote tourism to lesser known destinations in Italy and revive local economies.

Info: Tel. +39.33602877 (Tourist Info Office) https://www.comunecingoli.mc.it

CHEAP EASTER TRAVEL FOR HOMEWARD ITALIANS

Following the success of bargain rail travel offered at Christmas to help families reunite for the holidays, the “Sicilia Express” has launched cheap tickets for travel at Easter from the north of Italy to Sicily, with the support of the Sicilia Regional Council.

Operated by Treni Turistici Italiani, a subsiduary of Ferrovie dello Stato (State Railways) and in collaboration with Grandi Navi Veloci (ferries across the Straits of Messina) and the private rail company Italo, the initiative links major cities like Turin, Milan, Parma, Bologna and other northern cities with Palermo, Siracuse and Catania at bargain ticket prices.

The two special departures are programmed for the 17^th April 2026 with return on either April 21^st or April 26^th.

With ticket costs as low as 30 euros, the initiative was an instant sell-out for homing Italians undaunted by the prospect of a journey of 18-20 hours between Italy's northernmost cities and Palermo, Catania and Siracusa.

The Sicilia Express, however, promises to ease the monotony with various entertainments, music and food availability.

Info: https://www.fstrenituristici.it