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The Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome
The Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, in Rome, is home to the most significant collection of Etruscan artifacts in the world. If you’re passionate about the mysterious Etruscans, you can’t

Necropolis of Portus on the Isola Sacra
You will have read our blog about the Museum of Roman Ships in Fiumicino, but there is another extraordinary archaeological site close to the ancient port of Ostia that many

Italian ArtVenture’s Guide to Buying Colosseum Tickets for Small Groups
The Colosseum is the most visited site in Italy, with over 12 million visitors in 2023. If you’ve tried to book tickets, you might have faced many challenges; you may

Museum of the Roman Ships in Fiumicino (Rome)
Calling on all our seafaring and maritime guests! Have you heard about the recently reopened Museum of Roman Ships in Fiumicino? Called, in Italian, the Museo della Navi di Fiumicino,

The Museum of the Forma Urbis in Rome
Looking for something different? Look no further! Right in the middle of Rome, just a few steps from the Colosseum, there is a new museum called the Museo della Forma

Rome Jubilee 2025
As Rome gets ready for the Holy Year, visitors during 2024 will see lots of works in progress in preparation of welcoming some estimated 35,000,000 pilgrims alone to the city

The Baths of Caracalla in Rome
After a record number of visitors to Rome in 2023, some 35 million, the city continues to become busier and busier and despite attempts by those who run the most

Visit the Colosseum Attic: the 3rd, 4th, and 5th tiers have just re-opened!
The Attic of the Colosseum Recently, a new section of the Colosseum has been opened: the attic. It’s the highest part of the building. Disclaimer: Italian ArtVentures DOES NOT sell

The Domus Tiberiana has re-opened after 50 years, and it’s amazing
1. The Palatine Hill If you’ve been to Rome, you’ve probably been to the Palatine Hill too. Access to this gorgeous archaeological site is included in the Colosseum, Roman Forum,

Rome off-the-beaten-path. Part 2
The National Roman Museum The National Roman Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, but it’s almost unknown to the general public. For this reason,

Rome off-the-beaten-path. Part 1
You have seen the Colosseum and the Vatican. Certainly, you have visited the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. You think you have seen all that there is

Day Trips from Rome. Part 1
Rome’s surroundings are extremely rich with archaeological sites, villas, and beautiful towns to discover. Here’s a list of some of our favorite day trips from Rome! 1. Tivoli Tivoli is

Necropolis of Portus on the Isola Sacra
You will have read our blog about the Museum of Roman Ships in Fiumicino, but there is another extraordinary archaeological site close to the ancient port of Ostia that many

Our top 10 street artists in Italy
When you think of street art in Italy, you probably think of it as a modern phenomenon, picturing underpasses and apartment blocks covered in graffiti. There’s actually a long tradition

Procida – Italy’s Capital of Culture 2022
You’ve heard of Capri and maybe Ischia, but what about Procida? It’s the smallest of the three Italian islands, but there’s plenty to see and explore on a day trip

Dante: Everything about Italy’s most famous poet
In September 1321, a man in his late 50s died of malaria in Ravenna. 700 years later his death is still remembered, and even commemorated. That man was Dante Alighieri

Andiamo! Learn Italian with the locals
Parli italiano? Do you speak Italian? If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you should definitely learn Italian – or at least a few basic Italian phrases to help you

See Giotto’s masterpieces in Padua
The charming city of Padua is perhaps one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. From the picturesque piazzas of the historic centre to the magnificent frescoes by Giotto in

The Animals of Ancient Rome
Unless you pay a visit to the zoo near Villa Borghese, you’re unlikely to encounter any exotic animals on your trip to Rome. Apart from the parakeets that have taken

Our Top 10 Renaissance Artists of Italy
Who’s the first Italian artist that comes to mind? Michelangelo, perhaps, or Leonardo Da Vinci. Then there’s Raphael, and Botticelli. What do all of these artists have in common? Apart

Must-see UNESCO sites in Italy
Did you know there are more than 1,000 UNESCO world heritage sites? They’re usually historic buildings or places of outstanding natural beauty, recognised for their uniqueness and cultural significance. When

Our top 10 churches of Italy
There are thousands of incredible Italian churches, all worth visiting. But if your time is limited, here’s where to begin for a deeper understanding of art, history and religion in

Top 10 Classic Italian Movies
If you want to discover Italy from the comfort of your own home, there’s no better way than through Italian movies. From 1960s classics such as La Dolce Vita to

The Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s Masterpiece
The Sistine Chapel: the story behind Michelangelo’s masterpiece Out of Rome’s 900+ churches, one stands out – the Sistine Chapel. Located in the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel attracts around

Family Tours in Italy: Why Private Tours Are the Best Choice for Families with Kids
Traveling through Italy with kids can be an unforgettable experience—but it also comes with unique challenges. From juggling bags and strollers to managing schedules that work for everyone, family travel

Discover the Secrets of Ancient Rome: Colosseum Underground and Arena Tour
The Colosseum is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome and a testament to the engineering genius of the ancient Romans. While its towering arches and monumental exterior

Discover the Trevi Fountain’s New Bridge: A Unique Perspective on Rome’s Iconic Landmark
The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most celebrated landmarks, is undergoing an extensive cleaning and repair process; while it is still ongoing and expected to finish by the end of

Heritage Tours in Italy: Unveiling Your Italian Roots
Italy is a land of timeless beauty, ancient traditions, and deep familial ties—a country that resonates deeply with those whose ancestors once called it home. For many people of Italian

The Restoration of Bernini’s Canopy (Baldacchino): A New Chapter for Rome’s Masterpiece
After four years of careful restoration work, the monumental Canopy by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, has been fully restored to its former glory.

Explore the Wonders of Paestum: A Journey Through Ancient History
Located in the heart of the Campania region, just a short drive from the Amalfi Coast and Naples, Paestum is an extraordinary archaeological site that offers visitors a rare glimpse

Airbnb’s Gladiator Challenge: A Modern-Day Fight at the Colosseum
In an unexpected twist on ancient history, Airbnb has made headlines with a bold promotional stunt that combines history, modern-day spectacle, and a touch of gladiatorial flair. The event, titled

Pompeii’s New Visitor Rules: Why Booking a Private Pompeii Tour Is More Essential Than Ever
As one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, Pompeii continues to captivate travelers with its hauntingly preserved ruins and rich history. However, due to increasing pressure from

Private Tours in Florence and Tuscany
When traveling to Italy and planning to hit multiple regions, you can’t miss a tour of Tuscany and its heart, Florence. Private tours of Florence and Tuscany are the best

Discover the Best Luxury Tours in Rome: Unparalleled Experiences for Discerning Travelers
Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. For those seeking to explore its grandeur in style, luxury tours in Rome offer exclusive experiences that

Who were the Etruscans?
The best definition of the Etruscans (referred to as “Tyrrhenians” by the Greeks) is perhaps the one given by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, a Greek historian who lived between the 1st

The Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome
The Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, in Rome, is home to the most significant collection of Etruscan artifacts in the world. If you’re passionate about the mysterious Etruscans, you can’t

Discover the Wines of the Castelli Romani with a Private Rome Wine Tasting
A Journey Through History, Vineyards, and Flavor Just a short drive south of Rome, nestled in the picturesque hills of the Castelli Romani, lies one of Italy’s most beloved wine

Is Naples Dangerous and Dirty? Things to do in Naples
Is Naples Dangerous and Dirty? Of Course Not! This article offers a look at how Naples has transformed into one of Italy’s top destinations, and ideas on things to do

Carbonara Pasta: an “American” classic?
I know, you’ve read the title and you’re probably thinking, “but Carbonara pasta is Italian!” Well, this article is going to be quite surprising for you. Carbonara is Italian, but

Italian coffee guide: drink it like an Italian
How much do you know about Italian coffee? If you know that it’s an espresso, not an “expresso”, and that ordering a latte will get you strange looks from the

Everything about Italian regional dishes
What do we mean when we talk about “Italian food”? Pizza? Pasta? It’s a little more complicated than that…In this guide we go beyond generalisations and stereotypes to discover delicious

Making Italian pizza at home
Any Italian pizza you eat in an authentic pizzeria is bound to be mouth-wateringly delicious. But what about making it at home? Believe it or not, you don’t need to

How to make handmade Italian gnocchi?
Italian tradition: A brief history of gnocchi Gnocchi (pronounced “gn(y)-OK-ee”) are soft dumplings, usually made of potato, semolina or wheat flour. The name may refer to nocca (knuckles), or a

Italy’s most well-known tradition: Aperitivo
From north to south, Milan to Naples, there’s at least one tradition that unites Italians – the aperitivo. At around 6pm you’ll find people sipping spritzes and nibbling on crisps

Ferragosto in Italy: Traditions and Celebrations
What is Ferragosto? Ferragosto is a holiday celebrated every year on 15th August. For Catholics, it’s the day to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It’s also a public

Italian books we recommend – literature in Italy
While planning your trip to Italy, why don’t find some inspiration from Italian literature? Dante may be daunting, but whatever your literary tastes, we’ve got some recommendations for you –

A guide to traditional Roman recipes to have a bite of Rome at home. How to make the perfect carbonara.
Craving a taste of Rome? If you can’t wait till your next trip to Italy, read on to find out more about traditional Italian dishes like carbonara. They’re surprisingly easy

Top 10 Virtual Italian Museum Tours – Art is everywhere
You may not be able to visit Italy in person at the moment, but you can visit Italy online, thanks to the virtual offerings of some of the best museums

9 Hidden Treasures Near Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Naples and the Amalfi Coast are world-famous for Pompeii, Capri, and Positano.But beyond these iconic places, the region hides many hidden treasures near Naples and the Amalfi Coast — a

Step into History: The Colosseum Secret Tunnel Reopens to the Public
Rome never stops revealing its secrets — and now, one of its most mysterious places has finally reopened: the Colosseum Secret Tunnel, known in Latin as the Passaggio di Commodo.

10 Must-See Highlights in the Capitoline Museum: A Visitor’s Guide
The Capitoline Museum is one of Rome’s greatest cultural treasures. Located on Capitoline Hill, it is the oldest public museum in the world, founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV

Early Morning Rome in a Day: A Smart Traveler’s Guide
Trying to see Rome in a day is a bold challenge. The city is vast, layered with centuries of art, history, and life—you could spend weeks here and still not

Colosseum at Night Tour: Experience the magic of Rome!
The Colosseum is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Millions of travelers flock to Rome every year to witness the grandeur of this ancient

Caravaggio 2025: A Must-See Exhibition at Palazzo Barberini in 2025
Art lovers and history enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Rome is set to host an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to Caravaggio in 2025. From March 7 to July 6, Palazzo Barberini will

Visit Pompeii: Exclusive Tours of the New Excavation Sites in Regio IX
The Exclusive Opportunity: A Glimpse into the Regio IX Excavation Sites Since January 3, 2024, visitors have been granted the chance to tour the Regio IX excavation site, which spans

Sustainable Travel in Italy: A Guide to Responsible Tourism
Sustainable travel in Italy is more important than ever as tourism continues to grow. Italy’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-famous cuisine attract millions of visitors each year. However, the

How to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica During the Jubilee Year: 10 Tips & FAQ
How to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica During the Jubilee Year St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, drawing millions of visitors worldwide. If you’re wondering how to

Is Naples Dangerous and Dirty? Things to do in Naples
Is Naples Dangerous and Dirty? Of Course Not! This article offers a look at how Naples has transformed into one of Italy’s top destinations, and ideas on things to do