The 51st edition of the Festival of Two Worlds at Spoleto, Umbria now re.named the Spoleto Festival International kicks off with a lavish production of the ballet-opera Padmavati by S.L. Bhansali on the 27th June and closes on the 13 th July with the traditional concert in the Piazza del Duomo.
On the 20 th and 21 st June, the Italian Ministry of Culture opens its State Archives in various regions for a series of concerts and exhibitions of rare music scores, documents, photographs and historic instruments, as part of the European Festival of Music 2008.
On Sunday, 29th June, the town of Bolzano in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, celebrates the centenary of the Colle (or Kohlern) cable car, inaugurated on the 29th June 1908. The Colle cable car is the oldest in the world by a month. Switzerland, in fact, completed the Wetterhorn-Aufzug cable car of the worlds number 2 on the 27th July 1908. The Colle cable car has been completely renovated and is now equipped with gondolas for 20 passengers. An attractive programme of musical, folkloristic and gastronomic events will mark the event.
For information: Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo, Bolzano:
The seaside resorts on the Catania coast in Sicily have launched a summer programme of sunset-to-dawn entertainment to attract fun-seeking night owls, including dancing by moonlight and beachfront sunrise breakfasts.
Venices public works councillor has announced plan to convert one of its most important bridges, the Ponte dell'Accademia, into a permanent structure. The present bridge is made of wood with iron supports and was only intended to be temporary, when it was first set up in 1933.
The Ponte dell'Accademia is situated outside the celebrated Accademia Gallery and is a popular viewing spot for tourists and photographers.
A major exhibition of the works of 15th century Umbria artist Pintoricchio, marking the 550 th anniversary of his birth, is proving to be one of the most popular exhibitions in Italy this year.
