ItalyUpdate

Recent research has demonstrated that Romes most famous monument, the Amphitheatre Flavio, better known by its ancient nickname, the Colosseum, was originally brightly coloured.

Archaeologists made an exciting discovery during recent excavations in the vicinity of Romes second airport, Ciampino. During soundings for a new building development, a 1 st century BC swimming pool came to light, complete with seven colossal statues illustrating the Greek myth of Niobe.

A pat on the back to Rimini, traditionally known as a seaside resort, but is now extending its season to attract tourists all year long. 

For the tenth year running, Ortisei, the famous Alto Adige-Trentino ski resort, will be holding its ice sculpture contest. For four days between the 14-18 January 2013, 18 students of the Ortisei Art College and the School of Arts and Handcrafts will be furiously at work, modelling blocks of ice of various dimensions.

Thanks to the success of the National Living Crib events at Matera (Basilicata) and Greccio (Lazio), organized by the Union of Italian Local Tourist Information Offices (UNPLI), this very special Italian Christmas representation will be extended to take place in a northern Italian region in 2013, UNIPLI President Claudio Nardocci recently announced.  

 The number of people in Italy who are more than a century old increased by 138.7% in ther last 10 years ( 2001/2011) the Italian statistics agency ISTAT said Wednesday, according to the results of Italy's October 2011 census.

The Bergamo Town Council presented its Candidacy for the 2019 European Capital of Culture to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage on 11 July 2011.

Walkers will greatly appreciate the new guide to the 200 km tract of the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrims route to Rome from Canterbury, that runs between Radicofani in Tuscany to the Eternal City.

In order to raise funds to complete the restoration work of Berninis monumental colonnade at St. Peters, the Vatican has announced that it will issue two commemorative stamps, complete with certificate of authenticity.