ItalyUpdate

The bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius astride his charger Refulus is one of Romes best known landmarks. 

Leonardo da Vincis rare Ritratto Musico (Portrait of a Musician) is on show for the first time in Rome. Exhibited in the hexagonal hall of Marcus Aurelius at the Capitoline Museum until the 27 th February, the painting is the only known portrait of a male subject made by Leonardo.

The annual poll held by the Italian Fund for the Environment (FAI) regarding neglected, and often little known, Italian monuments that required urgent protection drew more than 500,000 replies from Italian and foreign citizens who have Italian heritage at heart.

The town of Urbania (Marche) brings in the New Year with a five-day magical childrens party (2-6 January 2011) in honour of the Befana, the old witch who traditionally brings Italian children presents on Epiphany, 6 th January.

 Every good wish for a peaceful and happy festive 

to all our readers. Well be back in 2011!!

Manhattan, New York, is  showcasing  Italian furniture design up till the 8 th February 2011. The calendar of events involves a circuit of 20 showrooms of the companies participating in the âtalian Design Street Walking project, which is celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the prestigious Milan Furniture Fair.

The picturesque cavern town of Matera (Basilicata), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is to put on the worlds biggest living nativity representation on the 28 th and 29 th December 2010, with almost a thousand actors and extras taking part.

From the 18 th December 2010 to the 16 th January 2011, visitors to the town of Isola di Grado (Gorizia in Fruili Venezia Giulia) will be able to participate in free conducted tours round the island to see the exceptional display of 150 Christmas cribs, including many with a sea theme.

The Campania region and Sicily are launching an interesting culinary event at Sorrento centred on the cuisine of the Reign of the Two Sicilies.

The town of Soncino, near Cremona (Lombardia), has prepared a magical Christmas especially for children (and their parents) where elves, gnomes,  pixies and other fairytale personages lead visitors round  the Enchanted Village set up in the 17 th century spinning mill La Filanda and the grounds of the castle.