Published on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Emperor Nero’s opulent palace in Rome, built in 64 AD and closed since 2005, is open to the public once again—this time, though, only on weekends to allow restoration work to continue. Because most of the structure is still damaged, just 8,530 square feet of the palace’s 170,000 square feet has reopened, partially thanks to financial aid by crowdfunding and Sky ...

Published on Monday, November 3, 2014 by Kathy McCabe New photos of one of Benito Mussolini’s secret underground war bunkers have surfaced as Rome celebrates the 40th anniversary of the end of fascism and as the bunker opens for visitors. One of 12 bunkers eventually built in Rome for Mussolini, this shelter was built in 1940 because Mussolini feared Allied forces would attempt to assassinate him. He was right—th...

Published on Monday, October 27, 2014 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a weekly post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web.  Here are our top picks for this week: Swiss Guards Launch Cookbook: Sure they guard the Pope, but did you know that they can cook too? It includes the favorite recipes of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.  (Wanted in Rome) Sparkling ...

Published on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 by Steve It is no secret that my favorite city in the world is bella Roma - the Eternal City! You would think, given how often I visit that I would get a little tired of it but quite the contrary, I find there's always something new to see and do...and well, FUN to be had! FUN was the name of the game for my latest trip, especially since I was there for my birthday! We mixe...

Published on Sunday, October 5, 2014 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a weekly post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web.  Here are our top picks for this week: Rowing in Venice: “There is no better way to connect with Venice than with an oar and discovering the original way of life that so few sustain,” says Nan McElroy.  (The New York Times) Rom...

Published on Monday, September 29, 2014 by Kathy McCabe To commemorate 2,000 years since the death of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, in 14 AD, the ancient Baths of Diocletian reopened to the public last week in Rome. Visitors can view the natation (outdoor swimming pool) and the small cloister of the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was built in the 16th century on the ruins of the baths. Marble sculptures...

Published on Saturday, September 6, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Thanks to a change in Roman law, luxury hotels in Rome just got pricier. Italian lawmakers recently approved a new lodging tax, hiking fees for five-star and four-star hotels from 3 to 7 € and 6€, respectively (approximately $4 to $9 and $8), per person per night. Previously, guests staying at one-, two-, or three-star hotels incurred a €2 € tax; now, ...

Published on Thursday, August 7, 2014 by Kathy McCabe The Piazza di Spagna - the piazza just in front of Rome's famous Spanish Steps - became more pedestrian friendly Monday with a new ban on vehicles. According to ANSA, "The city threatens fines of up to 80 euros for drivers entering the pedestrian zone, which will remain in place until the end of November. Some local residents complained that closing the square ent...

Published on Friday, July 18, 2014 by Kathy McCabe A country in never-ending economic trouble. Crumbling national treasures and monuments. What's the answer? For the Italian government, it has come in the form of private companies willing to foot the bill to save the country's national heritage.  Rome is a great example of this. The Colosseum is being renovated through funds from Tod's, Bulgari is sprucing up the...

Published on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Where is the one place any visitor to Rome must go? Why Trevi Fountain of course! As throwing three coins in the fountain promises a return trip to the Eternal City.  The beloved fountain will be undergoing some changes however, but have no fear, it will still be open to the public. According to Italian news agency ANSA, restoration of the beloved fountain bega...