March 10, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Rome, the Palazzo Colonna stands as a magnificent symbol of the city's rich aristocratic heritage and of the Colonna family’s legacy.
Stepping into a world of opulence and tradition
For over eight centuries this lavish palace has been the home of the Colonna family, one of Rome’s most illustrious noble houses. A masterpiece of history and art, the Palazzo offers visitors a rare opportunity to step into a world of opulence and tradition. Walking through the grand halls of the Palazzo, visitors are transported back in time, surrounded by an extraordinary private collection of art. Works by renowned artists such as Annibale Carracci, Pietro da Cortona, and Paolo Veronese grace the walls, each piece not only a work of art but a testament to the family's deep ties to Italy’s artistic and cultural history.
The Great Hall is an architectural masterpiece
The real jewel of the Palazzo is the Galleria Colonna, a breathtaking Baroque gallery, and the Great Hall, in particular, is a highlight of this architectural masterpiece, with its lavish decorations and grandiose atmosphere that encapsulate the magnificence of the era. But what makes this space even more remarkable is its hidden historical treasure - a cannonball lodged in the steps. Fired during the French siege of Rome in 1849, this cannonball serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s tumultuous past.
One of Rome’s grandest palaces
A visit to Palazzo Colonna is a rare and exclusive experience. The palace is open to the public only on Saturday mornings, from 09:00 to 13:15, making it a sought-after destination for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to uncover one of Rome’s lesser-known but most spectacular treasures. The Palazzo offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of Roman nobility and experience the grandeur of one of the city’s most celebrated palaces which encapsulates centuries of history, art, and aristocratic elegance, and visitors can immerse themselves in a world of artistic splendor and historical intrigue, all preserved within the walls of one of Rome’s grandest palaces. For information: www.galleriacolonna.it
Published in Hospitality
South Tyrol’s Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort offers a range of sulphur and sauna wellness services.
Festive days for wellness stays
March 2025 marks the end of the winter season at the Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort at Sesto, in Val Fiscalina in Italy’s South Tyrol region. It is an ideal month for holidays as a couple, a family or with friends as there are a lot of festive days coming up. For example 4 March is both Shrove Tuesday and the end of the carnival celebrations and 8 March is Women's Day. Dads are celebrated on 19 March, while on Saturday 22 March the Südtirol Helmissimo 3 Zinnen Dolomites, the longest giant slalom in the Puster Valley, takes place on Mount Elmo. 
© Hannes Niederkofler
A raft of special offers with discounts
Whichever date you choose look out for Bad Moos offers that allow savings on the total cost of a stay. For those who have only a few days available there is the Short Stay formula that allows a 10% discount on the standard rate for a minimum stay of 3 nights. The Mid-Week offer is valid for stays of 3 to 5 nights, with check-in on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, and a guaranteed 15% discount. For longer stays there is the Discover Bad Moos Long Stay formula, with a minimum stay of four nights and a 12% discount on standard rates. The services included in holidays at the Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort go from the breakfast buffet to the gourmet dinner, and from the welcome cocktail to the afternoon snack with hot dish and finger food. There is also free access to the Soma & Anima Spa wihich has a sauna area, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, Kneipp path and large fitness area. 
© Hannes Niederkofler
From the sauna to sulphur treatments
One of the most popular experiences for guests in March is the sauna, with relaxing sessions in the dry heat of a Finnish sauna or in the moist steam of a Turkish bath, and then there are the essential oil steam jets, detox scrubs and immersions in the cold-water pool. And what better than an invigorating walk in the snow, stepping out from the sauna area to walk to the nearby St Valentine's Church in a snowy landscape. Famous for its sulphate spring the Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort offers a specific line of treatments that make the most of the properties of sulphur, from facials to leg treatments and detox baths. 
Published in Hospitality
A new look for Rome’s Piazza dei Cinquecento square in front of the Termini railway station, thanks to the redevelopment by the FS Group.
The square is now ready to receive Jubilee pilgrims
This renovation coincides with this 2025 Jubilee year with over 850,000 square feet of surface area of the square completely redeveloped with precious materials. This is one of the essential projects carried out on behalf of the government's extraordinary commissioner for the Jubilee, the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri. “The recovery of an area like this in front of Rome’s main train station is truly invaluable for the reception of passengers and pilgrims during the Jubilee,- said the FS Group's general director, Stefano Antonio Donnarumma. -As part of a €100 billion investment plan, we are actively collaborating with the Municipality of Rome and the other institutions involved, with this contribution from a state asset that will be 120 years old this year playing an incisive role.” 
A redesigned bus terminal and taxi dock
Roma Termini is Rome's most important railway station, as well as being the largest in Italy in terms of traffic and among the main stations in Europe. The work on the sprawling construction site, in the heart of the eternal City, involved the redevelopment and surface redevelopment of three areas for an expenditure of €45 million and 540 days work, while the perimeter area cost €21 million. This project seeks to strengthen the connection between monuments and the surrounding archaeological sites, while also elevating the architectural and environmental quality of the entire setting. The bus terminal was redesigned with a new taxi dock, a new system of bicycle lanes and a pedestrian area. Some 91% of the works have already been completed, with the remaining 9% on the central part of the square due to to be completed by the summer, ahead of schedule.
Published in Transportation
This summer Volotea will increase the number of seats offered from Naples Capodichino by 18%.
Volotea flies to 22 destinations from Naples
This will result in a total of 621,000 seats on offer (525,000 in 2024), while the number of flights operated will rise from 3,115 to 3,571, flying to 22 destinations including Italy, Croatia, France, Greece, Spain and Denmark. There is also news from Salerno, where the company is ready to introduce a new international destination, Marseille, with flights starting on 6 July and operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays.
“We focus on customer satisfaction”
“For Volotea 2025 is a year of relaunching and strategic growth in Campania, an area to which we are deeply attached. Naples is a key base for our operations, and we continue to invest to guarantee passengers a competitive network of connections. Last year alone we employed up to 58 employees at our Capodichino base – says Valeria Rebasti, international market director of the Spanish airline. -Our objective is to support the economic and tourist development of the region with high quality services, focusing on customer satisfaction and the enhancement of the Campania region.”
Enhancing the regions’ cultural heritage
Volotea opened its Naples base in 2020, marking a new phase in the city's connectivity to national and international destinations. Since then, the airline has strengthened its commitment to the Campania region, not only through a continuous expansion, but also with initiatives that enhance the region’s cultural heritage. An example of this commitment is the collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) for the redevelopment of the access area to the Museum from Piazza Cavour, and the creation of a kids-friendly area inside the atrium.
New flights from Marseille to Salerno Airport
“The growth of Volotea's offer on the Campania airport system represents a strategic step for the development of air mobility in our region, - said Margherita Chiaramonte, GESAC’s commercial aviation director. -Naples is a consolidated base, with 22 routes operating during the summer season and a further increase in the number of seats offered, testifies to the solidity of our partnership. At the same time, the new direct flights between Marseille and Salerno are an important step towards boosting the connectivity between the South of France and Southern Italy.”
Published in Transportation
High above the Ionian coast in Calabria, the ancient hill town of Badolato has been turned into a “village hotel” for visitors.
Less than an hour from an international airport
Badolato beckons travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. This little hillside town is situated less than an hour south of the bustling town of Catanzaro which has an international airport served by heritage and low-cost carriers. It offers an immersive escape into a Mediterranean rhythm of life that feels untouched by modern haste. And for those arriving by train, nearby Soverato serves as a convenient station before a short drive into the hills. 
Attracting heritage and roots visitors
Once on the verge of abandonment, Badolato has undergone a remarkable transformation. Its cobbled streets and centuries-old houses, many of which stood empty for decades, have found new life as part of an innovative model of slow hospitality. What was once a quiet exodus of emigrants has reversed, welcoming tourists and roots tourism visitors into a vibrant, multicultural community. Today, the village thrives as a "paese albergo" (village hotel), blending historical preservation with sustainable tourism.
Typical Calabrian delicacies and wines
Visitors will find charm in every corner. The medieval architecture, churches like the Chiesa dell’Immacolata and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Ionian Sea, all exude an enduring spirit. Behind the village, the rugged Serre Calabresi mountains create a dramatic backdrop, offering hiking and nature excursions for those drawn to the outdoors. Local trattorias serve dishes steeped in traditional Calabrian flavours, from spicy ‘nduja sausages to delicate seafood risottos. The typical Cirò wine enhances every bite, and culinary workshops and farm-to-table experiences provide an opportunity to connect more deeply with the area's gastronomic heritage.
Badolato Marina has two miles of golden beaches
Accommodations in Badolato are as unique as the town itself. Restored historical homes and guesthouses invite guests to experience the authentic character of the village while enjoying modern comforts. In Badolato, life moves at a thoughtful pace in a harmonious space where past and future coexist. For those seeking a more active holiday on the coast about five miles below the old town Badolato Marina offers two miles of golden beaches, with shops, restaurants and small hotels and guest houses. Whether for a weekend or a longer stay Badolato and its surrounds are certain to stay with visitors long after they depart.
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Published in Cities & Regions
Paris and Milan will be linked again by direct Frecciarossa trains on 1 April.
The Paris to Milan trains will take around 7 hours
This is a long-awaited return, after the route was forcibly interrupted in August 2023 due to a landslide in the Maurienne valley. From 1 April there will therefore be four daily trains two departures from Paris at 7:30 a.m. and 3:20 p.m., and two departures from Milan at 6:25 a.m. and 3:53 p.m., for a total journey time of around 7 hours. The trains will make the following stops between Paris and Milan: Lyon - Chambéry - Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Modane - Oulx - Turin. Tickets can already be purchased on Trenitalia's sales channels.
Also new Paris-Marseille Frecciarossa trains
The news of the reopening of the route from the French capital to the Lombardy capital is not the only one to have been announced during a press conference by the president of Trenitalia France, Marco Caposciutti. It is part of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan of the Italian FS Group with the aim of increasing its presence abroad, which already has a turnover of €3 billion and 12,000 employees. And, from 15 June 2025, the new domestic Paris-Marseille trains will start operating.
Trenitalia has been operating in France for three years
This will be a new decisive step in Trenitalia's expansion in France and will involve four daily trains. The journey, lasting 3 hours and 20 minutes, will connect the French capital, departing from Paris-Gare-de-Lyon, to Marseille's Saint-Charles station. The intermediate stops are Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille Saint-Charles. This development plan marks a decisive turning point for the FS Group company, which has been operating in the French market for three years and thus accelerates its growth in France: from December 2021 to date it has transported more than three million passengers. The Paris-Lyon service also continues to boost traveller numbers, with a 40% increase between 2023 and 2024.
Published in Transportation
Exploring Rome’s Appian Way and the Park of the Aqueducts means walking through time and ancient Rome.
The Appian Way ran from Rome to Brindisi in Puglia
On the outskirts of Rome, history and nature intertwine seamlessly on the ancient Appian Way and its park, the Parco dell'Appia Antica. This sprawling expanse of over 8,000 acres invites visitors to wander through ancient history amidst verdant landscapes, from the rural estates of Tormarancia and Farnesiana to the expansive green of Tor Fiscale and the Caffarella valley.
The park embraces a 16-kilometre stretch of the ancient Appian Way, a road that has borne the weight of history for millennia., and which from Rome ran south ending at Brindisi in Puglia. Visitors can explore this iconic road on foot or by bicycle, as private vehicles are forbidden, ensuring an unspoiled atmosphere where the past feels astonishingly present. 
There are catacombs and aqueducts along the old road
The best starting point is the Porta San Sebastiano gate at the start of the Appian Way, which leads to the imposing Cecilia Metella mausoleum, the evocative ruins of the Circus of Maxentius, and the quiet charm of the Basilica of St. Sebastian, complete with its mysterious catacombs. Nearby, the Villa Quintili and imposing aqueducts stand as testaments to Rome’s architectural prowess.
Fascinating relics of ancient Rome
Nestled within this larger sanctuary the Park of the Aqueducts is on 600 acres and celebrates Rome’s engineering brilliance. The soaring arches and ruins of half of the city’s eleven ancient aqueducts can still be seen on this area, forming a network that takes about two hours to traverse on foot. One of the most interesting monuments is the Villa Vignacce, a residence built by brick-maker Q. Servilius Pudens, whose craftsmanship is immortalized on visible brick stamps - a rarity from that era. Nearby, the Casale di Roma Vecchia, a medieval house-tower, hints at later histories layered upon the ancient foundations. 
The road is marked by centuries of wear and tear
Walking along the narrow, deeply rutted cobblestone roads of the Appian Way, worn down by centuries of footsteps and the passage of carts and chariots, the sensation of the stones beneath your feet is rough and uneven, at times jarring, but always awe-inspiring. A walk on the Appian Way, discovering its monuments and what is left standing of Rome’s ancient aqueducts, is one of those experiences that stays with visitors long after they have left the Eternal City. 
Published in On the road
The new Solar Farm in Rome Fiumicino Airport is the largest self-consumption photovoltaic unit in a European airport.
A state-of-the-art new solar unit
Along the eastern side of runway 3 of the Roman hub, and now operational, the new unit, designed by Aeroporti di Roma and built by ENEL in cooperation with Circet, extends for almost 1.5 miles and is composed of some 55,000 monocrystalline silicon panels,, Thanks to a 22 MWp power output, it will enable the airport to produce more than 30 million kWh of electricity annually. This is a first big step that will lead the airport to have an installed capacity of 60 MWp in the next five years, with the installation of further farms within the perimeter of the current site. A capacity sufficient to meet the annual energy needs of 30,000 Italian families, for an entire year, or - translated into electric cars - to ‘fill up’ more than a million vehicles.
“Unique of its kind on the international airport scene”
“The launch of the new Solar Farm consolidates our commitment to the green transition and decarbonisation with an infrastructure that is unique of its kind on the international airport scene,- says Marco Troncone, CEO Aeroporti di Roma. -The energy independence guaranteed by this new project at our 5-star airport will make it possible to drastically reduce the environmental impact of our activities according to the sustainable development model that we have been working on for years.”
Reaching Net Zero twenty years ahead of the target
The Solar Farm, which will therefore contribute to reducing the airport's CO2 emissions by more than 11,000 tonnes every year, represents one of the most ambitious initiatives in the path of energy transition and decarbonisation advanced by Adr, with the goal of reaching Net Zero Carbon in 2030, twenty years ahead of the sector target. In addition to reducing the use of fossil fuels for the energy needs of airport operations, the new project will also increase energy independence and resilience to market volatility.
Published in Transportation
The annual masked carnival celebrations held in Upper Piedmont are a journey through history, folklore and authentic flavours.
A project from the Chamber of Commerce Monte Rosa Laghi Alto Piemonte
Undisputed protagonists of the annual carnival in Upper Piedmont, the towns of Borgosesia, Varallo and Santhià offer immersive experiences that tell the story of this land. The tourist enhancement project of north-eastern Piedmont, Vivi Alto Piemonte - Un Mosaico di Meraviglie is promoted by the Chamber of Commerce Monte Rosa Laghi Alto Piemonte.
Carnival traditions in Upper Piedmont towns
In Borgosesia, the famous Mercu Scurot market that is held on the first day of Lent, is an event rooted in local history and mixes folklore, music and fun with parades of allegorical floats, characteristic masks and dance evenings involving the entire community. Varallo’s historical carnival combines the cultural richness of the Valsesia valley with a festive and engaging atmosphere. Colourful processions, dances and historical re-enactments transform the streets of Varallo into an open-air stage. Then there is the carnival of Santhià which is the oldest in Piedmont, with origins dating back to 1338. Among the most characteristic moments are the presentation of the masks and the famous “fagiolata” bean soup, the largest in Italy, with the distribution of some 20,000 portions. 
Varallo Carnival Arch. ph credits. ATL Terre Alto Piemonte
Traditional sweets and biscuits
Continuing our journey to discover the carnival traditions of Upper Piedmont, we encounter other celebrations that reveal precious fragments of local culture and identity. For example in Vercelli, the city's symbolic character is Bicciolano, while in Novara we find King Biscottino, a figure inspired by the local confectionery tradition and the famous Biscotto di Novara biscuits. Also fascinating are the 19th-century masks of the Domodossola carnival, while the “old man” Gipin brings a smile to the streets of the city. Each of these various masks is a window on the history of the communities of Upper Piedmont, where culture and fun combine in events that conquer year in year out.
Novara Carnival Arch. ph credits. ATL Terre Alto Piemonte
A celebration of flavours and traditions
Upper Piedmont’s carnival celebrations are a true feast of authentic flavours with various types of carnival sweets, and no carnival is complete without a good glass of wine, especially sweet wine, to accompany the flavours of the region. Alto Piemonte’s carnival celebrations are a true celebration of the culture, flavours and traditions of this territory. With fascinating masks, irresistible sweets and excellent wines, every moment becomes an opportunity to experience a land rich in history and personality.
Published in MICE & Events
Ripatransone in the Marche region is a timeless escape and a member of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy Association.
Between the sea and the mountains
While many travelers rush to the glittering coastlines of Amalfi or the iconic streets of Florence, Ripatransone, like many of Italy’s smaller towns and villages, quietly rewards those who stray from the well-trodden paths. Known as the “Belvedere del Piceno” for its stunning panoramic views, Ripatransone is a member of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy Association which lists over 350 particularly beautiful little towns and villages, and it boasts vistas that stretch from the snow-capped Sibillini Mountains to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea. In this little town time moves at a leisurely pace, inviting visitors to savor life as the locals do, one delightful moment at a time. 
Italy’s narrowest alleyway
Wandering its cobblestone streets visitors find themselves enveloped by centuries of history, and they can walk through the narrowest alleyway in Italy, which is only 16 inches wide, the width of an average pair of shoulders! Ripatransone’s art galleries and museums are small but offer fascinating glimpses into the region’s heritage. The town comes alive with festivals throughout the year, from religious processions to lively food fairs celebrating the culinary treasures of the Marche.
A vibrant Easter-time festival
One of the most colourful festivals is the Cavallo di Fuoco (Fire Horse) a unique historical event celebrated annually on the Sunday after Easter. It is a vibrant mix of tradition, devotion, and breathtaking pyrotechnics, deeply rooted in the town's culture. The main event features a mechanical horse that is paraded through the main square shooting sparks and colorful fireworks and filling the main square with smoke, light, and excitement. Among the many local dishes Vincisgrassi is a kind of lasagna, and the tasty Olive all’Ascolana are stuffed and fried olives best paired with a glass of Rosso Piceno or Passerina, two wines that reflect the warmth of the surrounding hills. 
Ascolana olives
From Adriatic beaches to wine and food tastings
A short drive away, the Adriatic coastline unfolds with its golden beaches and turquoise waters. Grottammare and San Benedetto del Tronto are respectively six and 12 miles away. These charming seaside towns offer the perfect blend of relaxation and vibrant Italian beach culture, while inland, the Sibillini Mountains beckon with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and discovering myth-laden landscapes. Vineyards and olive groves blanket the rolling hills, inviting visitors to indulge in wine and food tastings that capture the essence of this fertile region and, with many holiday apartments in the old town centre and farmhouse stays in the surrounding countryside, there is accommodation available for all tastes. Ripatransone is an invitation to experience Italy at its most authentic, and savvy travelers seeking a distinctive Italian getaway will delight in its tranquility and charm.
Published in Cities & Regions
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