Italy’s charms appear somewhat resistant to the economic and financial crisis, as international tourists spent almost 3% more in the country this year, the Bank of Italy said Wednesday. Bookings from the United States are expected to increase by 5% to 15% Interest in Italy is also very high among Brazilians, the ENIT survey found.
Author: Jamie "Florence" Lorenzini
New “Tuscan” instrument for quantum physics
Italian scientists have created a new gravitational antenna to improve the measurement of the tiniest subjects. Their results, published in the journal Nature Physics, should help in measurement of a point, millions of times smaller than the atom, where Einstein’s theory of relativity meets quantum mechanics.
Found scale model of Brunelleschi dome
Experts said Friday they believed they had uncovered a scale model of the famous masonry dome of Florence’s S. Maria del Fiore designed by Filippo Brunelleschi during excavations to expand the cathedral museum. The discovery was presented during an official site visit to the Duomo museum.
Fiorentina dominates derby, beats Siena 4-1
Fiorentina’s match against Siena was a one-way game. The early match at 12:30 on the 17th day of Serie A football saw the Florentines dominating play in the Tuscan derby, beating Siena 4-1. For Siena, Cosmi initially counted on Angelo’s re-entering – he was then replaced by Sestu because of an injury – on Rubin and Larrondo, who exited at half time in favor of Coppola.
Chianti Rufina has produced “strong” wines
Weather’s jokes, for Tuscan wine: two swinging winters and two dry summers have meant that a wine region geographically cold as Chianti Rufina has produced very alcoholic wines. It’s one among the main issues raised at the meeting organized by the consortium Chianti Rufina DOCG to taste the wines of the 22 wineries represented.
Government warns of Concordia salvage delays
In a letter addressed to Costa Co-Chief Executives Pierluigi Foschi and Michael Thamm, as well as to the head of Italy’s civil protection agency, Franco Gabrielli, and to the president of the Tuscany Region, Enrico Rossi, Minister Corrado Clini said it was ”urgent” that a working program be developed for the last phase of the stranded ship’s removal and the recovery of the hull in ”an ideal location”.
Traditional pre-Christmas event at the Four Season
It’s time to open gates, at the Four Seasons Hotel, for a traditional pre-Christman event. It’s the 5th edition of the “Open Day”, dedicated to raise funds per “Istituto degli Innocenti” and its activities on behalf of children. On Sunday, December 16th, from 10 to 16, all florentines and tourists are invited to pass through the gates of Parco della Gherardesca, the city’s largest private garden and since 2008 part of the Four Seasons Hotel.
Michelangelo sculpture at the Year of Italian culture
Year of Italian culture in the U.S. opens in Washington. Italy’s foreign affairs minister will inaugurate The Year of Italian Culture in the United States event Wednesday with the loan of a Michelangelo sculpture to a major American gallery. Giulio Terzi will open the year-long event at Washington’s prestigious National Gallery of Art by unveiling the famous David-Apollo sculpture by Michelangelo.
Golf, Ponte Vecchio Championship 2012
Ponte Vecchio International Approach Championship 2012 will happen again, and for the second consecutive year, Teams will face each other following 2011 appreciated format. 8 International Champions will be involved, from 14th to 16th December, representing Team UK and Team International.
Raphael drawing, $48 million at auction
A drawing by Italian High Renaissance master Raphael has sold for 29.72 million pounds, or $47.9 million – a record for a work on paper in art history – after a dramatic bidding war at a Sotheby’s auction in London. The winning bid came after a 17-minute duel on Wednesday.