The captain of the cruise liner Costa Concordia that ran aground on a Tuscan island in January killing 32 people was fired in July, the Costa Crociere company said Wednesday, confirming a press report. Schettino apologised in July for being “distracted” on the night of Italy’s worst maritime disaster since World War II.
Tag: Tuscany
Certaldo city of art, where Boccaccio was born
Certaldo city of art, where Boccaccio was born. Inhabited since the Etruscan times, the name Certaldo derives from the Latin phrase “cerrus altus” or from the Germanic, “cerrus aldo,” meaning ‘a rise covered in oaks. In 1164, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa conceded an area of ruins to the Alberti Counts in Prato, thus allowing them to take possession of the area where Palazzo Pretorio now stands.
High pollution lurks in most Italian cities
Most Italian cities have higher levels of pollution than regulations permit, said an environmental report released Tuesday. Airborne pollution – made up of dust, smoke and hazardous substances in liquid form – exceeded legal limits in many cities, according to 2010 data collected by researchers. That included Florence, Prato, Rome, Milan, Pescara, Naples, Palermo and Siracusa.
MSC, crew meningitis cases confirmed
MSC Cruises confirm that the four MSC Orchestra crewmembers who landed in Livorno, Tuscany, yesterday have been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. The four, one of whom diagnosed as being in critical condition, are currently in hospital. MSC Cruises and maritime authorities have agreed to offer passengers antibiotic profligacies. No other member of the crew has reported symptoms of the infection.
Discovering the Mugello, outside Florence
Three itineraries for uncovering the best of the Tuscan region. Quaint, ancient, intricately constructed towns are situated fairly close to one another along the flow of the Sieve River. What was once an area dominated by important Etruscan developments later becomes, in Roman times, the site of numerous colonies and hamlets.
Read moreInternet: Pisa host the future of the Net
From 4th to 7th October Pisa shows the future of the Net: 4 days, 104 events, 200 speakers, 12 locations spread around the city, concerts, installations, exhibitions, contests and workshops. From the city symbol of Italian computing – University of Pisa, born in 1969, was the first degree course in computer science from the National Research Council of Italy.
New golf course at PGA of Italy National Resort
Dana Fry and Jason Straka are designing a new golf course at PGA of Italy National Resort and Spa, near the town of Aulla, in Tuscany, Italy, under the auspices of Hurdzan-Fry Environmental Golf Course Design. The golf course at PGA of Italy National Resort and Spa, overlooking the Apennine Mountains, will cover hilly terrain, blending with the surrounding rolling Tuscan landscape.
German court abandons Nazi massacre case
German magistrates decided not to prosecute eight former-Nazi officials for participating in a notorious World War II massacre in Tuscany, sparking rage and disbelief among Italian politicians, survivors, and victims’ families on Monday.
Wine and olive trails on the hills of Tuscany
The Wine Trail of the Pisa Hills is an itinerary through the Tuscan countryside, which highlights many small towns that boast great traditions. In the immediate vicinity of Pisa, the trail winds through farmlands, hills and valleys. It is a highly accessible itinerary and can be explored with environmentally-friendly alternatives to cars, like bicycles.
“Way of Love”, watch the rockslide slammed
A rockslide slammed into Italy’s popular Way of Love hiking trail in the coastal Cinque Terre resort area, injuring four Australian women. One was crushed by rocks and another was knocked off the steep path. Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region, close to Tuscany.