03 Apr 2014
ART EXIBITIONS
LIBERTY. A STYLE FOR MODERN ITALY
Forli', Musei San Domenico
Until 15 Jun. 2014
Liberty is the Italian name for Art Nouveau, and is the subject of this exhibition. At the beginning of the 20th century the newly unified Italy was trying to find its national identity and artists strived to harmonize the concept of beauty and scientific progress in their works. They were greatly influenced by the major representatives of Art Nouveau abroad. Works by: Segantini, Previati, Boldini, Casorati and more
THE IMAGE OF THE EUROPEAN CITY FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE ENLIGHTMENT
Venice -Museo Correr
Until 18 May 2014
The fascinating context of the European city from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment is evoked in this exhibition through an extraordinary iconographic repertory comprising over a hundred paintings, prints and drawings from prestigious public and private, Italian and foreign collections.
The exhibition brings together those global images of an especially high quality that for centuries were the only or most persuasive means for showing off the beauty and wealth of Europe's leading cities. Following a chronological and geographic itinerary, the visitor can then travel virtually through cities transformed by time, which for the most part no longer exist in the same way.
THE GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING and the Dutch Golden Age
Bologna, Palazzo Fava
Until 25 May 2014
The Girl with a Pearl Earring is coming back to Europe from its worldwide tour and before returning to Holland it will be on show in Bologna. It will not be alone as other important works by Vemeer and other Dutch artists of the 17th century ,the so-called Golden Age, will also be on show . The Bologna exhibition is e a unique chance to compare Vermeer (represented by a second, large painting, Diana and Her Companions) and Rembrandt, thanks to the inclusion of as many as four of his works. Naturally all the other works in show are also masterpieces, by artists such as Hals, Ter Borch, Claesz, Van Goyen,Van Honthorst, Hobbema, van Ruisdael and Steen.
MATISSE
Ferrara, Palazzo dei Diamanti
Until 15 June 2014
Matisse's creative genius changed the course of Twentieth century art; his distinctive ideas left their mark on all artistic genres. Of all subjects, the one that attracted him the most was the figure, especially the female, which he tirelessly represented in all media throughout his entire career. This theme, so central to his work, has inspired the exhibition at the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara dedicated to this modern art giant.
Over one hundred paintings, sculptures and works on paper will describe the creative journey through which Matisse explored ways of representing his emotional response to his models.
THE NORDIC OBSESSION: BOECKLIN, KLIMT, MUNCH AND THE ITALIAN PAINTERS
Rovigo, Palazzo Roverella
Until 21 Jun 2014
This exhibition is centred on the influence of Northern Europe painters on the Italian painters at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, encouraged by the exhibitions of the works of the Nordic painters at the Venice Biennale. Works by Klimt, Munch, Boecklin next to works by De Chirico, Fortuny, Wolf Ferrari, Casorati and more are side by side in this fascinating artistic journey.
FRIDA KAHLO
Rome, Scuderie del Quirinale
Until 13 Jul. 2014
The Scuderie del Quirinale hosts a magnificient exhibition on the life and works of the Mexican artist Frida Khalo, a symbol of the artistic avant-garde and of the exuberance of Mexican culture in the 20th century. Her art is fused with the history and spirit of her contemporary world, reflecting the social and cultural transformations that led up to the Mexican revolution and ensued in its wake. A selection of masterpieces is accompanied by a selection of photographs of Frida by Nickolas Murray in the 1940s,
PONTORMO AND ROSSO FIORENTINO, diverging paths of Mannerism
Florence, Palazzo Strozzi
Until 20 Jul 2014
Palazzo Strozzi will be hosting from 8 March to 20 July 2014 a major exhibition entitled Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino. Diverging Paths of Mannerism, devoted to the work of Pontormo and of Rosso Fiorentino, the two painters who were without question the most original and unconventional adepts of the new way of interpreting art in that season of the Italian Cinquecento which Giorgio Vasari called the 'modern manner'.
Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino trained under Andrea del Sarto while maintaining a strongly independent approach and enormous freedom of expression. Pontormo, always a favourite with the Medici, was a painter open to stylistic variety and to a renewal of the traditional approach to composition. Rosso Fiorentino, on the other hand, was more tightly bound to tradition, yet at the same time he was fully capable of flights of originality and innovation, influenced also by Cabalistic literature and esoteric works.
OTHER ART RELATED NEWS:
ROME : Re-opening of the Necropolis Triumphalis, at the bottom of the Vatican Hill. The visitors can now see the ancient Necropolis on walkways over the area and watch re-constructions of how the necropolis looked like on screens. Apart from the tombs one can see sculptures, frescoes and other Roman remains.
POMPEII: Three Domus will re-open for Easter : the house of Frontone, the house of Trittolemo and the house of Romolo and Remo with their frescos of grey and red animals in the garden.
FLORENCE: Two new displays of Greek Portrait and the Garden of St Mark have been inaugurated at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence on the occasion of 450 years from Michelangelo's death, Rooms 33 and 34.
The rooms are located on the 2nd floor of the Uffizi and evoke the “Garden of St Mark” founded by Lorenzo de' Medici in order to educate the young Florentines to the arts, one of the pupil was in fact Michelangelo.
RIMINI: The famous seaside resort inaugurates this year its first “Biennale”, dedicated this year to : Design, 12 April to 8 June 2014. Parmigianino, Guercino, Tintoretto, Barocci are shown alongside Ketnridge, Fontana, Fellini, Hugo Pratt and many more. www.riminiturismo.it
FOOD & WINE EVENTS
PRIMAVERA DEL PROSECCO, Prosecco's Spring in Treviso and surrounding areas
15 March - 8 June 2014
Treviso, Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, Cartizze
This exciting annual event takes place in the heart of the Prosecco wine area and will lead the visitors in a journey of discovery of all aspects of this delicious wine production process. Special packages are on offer which would include stay in hotels, agriturismi and B&Bs of the area, restaurants and visit to wineries. Special events such as shows, exhibitions and visits to historic villas of the area have also been organized.
FRITTO MISTO in Marche
25 April – 4 May 2014 in Ascoli Piceno, Marche
This event in its 6th year, celebrate all things “fried” and typically regional such as : Marche's “olive ascolane” (giant green olived filled with meat and deep fried), Sicily's “arancini” (rice balls filled with meats or peas), Neapolitan “cannoli” (sweet conical cakes filled with ricotta), “frittura di pesce” (lightly fried mixed fish) and much more. A truly mouthwatering offering. www.frittomistoallitaliana.it
SAGRA DEL LIMONE in Liguria
19th May, Monterosso (La Spezia)
During this day the town is painted yellow and the streets come alive with stalls of all types where the typical fruit of the area and its produce reign supreme: limoncino, lemon cream, marmalade and lemon cake. In the afternoon the '8000 passi al profumo di limone' walk winds around the streets of Monterosso, starting at the house of poet Eugenio Montale and passing by the most famous places in the area. The walk also comprises a visit to a typical lemon grove with food stalls and eateries. The day ends with a party in the main square of the town and a prize-giving for the best lemon-themed window display. www.turismoprovincia.laspezia.it
SAGRA DEL PESCE, in Liguria
11th May 2014, Camogli (Genoa)
In the natural, picturesque, and exclusive setting of the small square of the port, the largest frying pan in the world will fry fish for guests and tourists alike, during the most typical Ligurian feast: the Sagra del Pesce. Born in 1952, this classical festival is linked to the centuries-old festival of San Fortunato, patron of the fishermen. The religious celebration takes place on the evening of its eve with bonfires: the people of Camogli, from the two districts of Porto and Pinetto, build proper, large scale sculptures, using waste material; they challenge one another in terms of creativity and beauty, on the two sides of the beach. Tel. +39 0185 771066 – www.prolococamogli.it
CHIANTI FAIR in Montespertoli, Tuscany
31 May – 8 June 2014
This will be the 57th edition of the Mostra del Chianti in Montespertoli, totally dedicated to this famous wine. In the central Piazza Machiavelli there will be stands manned by the local producers of Chianti, other local delicacies will also be sold to the visitors, there will be tastings, concerts and other initiatives during the fair. www.mostradelchianti.it
ARIA DI FESTA, SAN DANIELE HAM FAIR in Friuli Venezia Giulia
27 - 30 June 2014 in San Daniele del Friuli
Four days full of tasting experiences, music, events and performances in San Daniele del Friuli, during which you can discover this magical place with its unique prosciutto and superb wines. www.ariadifesta.it
FESTIVALS, MUSIC AND OTHER EVENTS
RAVELLO CONCERTS, in Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Villa Rufolo, Ravello – 4 April - 30 October 2014
In Spring and Autumn, far from the Summer's crowds, Ravello becomes the favourite destination for those who love the silence of its Villas and its medieval churches. In that time, an audience of music lovers meet every year to listen to the concerts held in the gardens and the rooms of Villa Rufolo, famous for having inspired Wagner for the setting of his Parsifal.
MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO FESTIVAL
Teatro Comunale – Florence – 30 April - 29 June 2014
This is one of the oldest traditional cultural events in Florence. The Stabile Orchestrale Fiorentina was born in 1928 and in 1933 it organized the first edition of the Festival, which, over the years grew to international fame. The Festival has its own Ballet Company called Maggio Dance.
CLASSICAL GREEK THEATRE FESTIVAL IN SIRACUSA
Siracusa, Sicily
9 May – 22 June 2014
Classical Greek theatrical representation in the magical atmosphere of the Greek Theatre in Siracusa, this year celebrates the centenary of the festival and the programme includes: Agamemnon., the Libation bearers – Eumenides by Aeschylus and The Wasps by Aristophanes.
IL BURCHIELLO - RIVER TRIPS ALONG THE RIVIERA DEL BRENTA
From 15 March to 2 November, the river cruises along the Riviera del Brenta (from Padua to Venice) will operate every day. The vessel used is the Burchiello, once a typical Venetian wooden boat, and now a modern and comfortable boat equipped with all the latest facilities. The trips from Padua to Venice and viceversa take a whole day and along the route the passengers stop and visit Palladian Villas (Villa Foscari, La Malcontenta, Villa Widmann in Mira and Villa Pisani in Stra), stop for lunch in the Il Burchiello Restaurant in Oriago and can admire the beautiful views along the river. www.ilburchiello.it
THE GARDENS OF THE PAPAL PALACE IN CASTELGANDOLFO ARE NOW OPEN
Pope Francis has decided to open to the public the Giardino Barberini, the magnificent gardens in the PapalPalace in CastelGandolfo, summer Papal residence in the Castelli Romani area south of Rome. The gardens are open Monday to Saturday (mornings only), the cost of the guided visit is €26 euros (booking can be made on the Vatican Museums' website). The Giardino Barberini the visitor can admire not only the gardens but also archaeological remains and the wonderful scenery of the LakeCastelGandolfo.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORICAL EVENTS
FESTA DEI CERI (RACE OF THE CANDLES)
Gubbio – 15th May 2014
The Festa Dei Ceri is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Italian folklore display. The festival has always played a fundamental role in the heart of the local community. Its origins are obscure, it is enough to know that there are two basic hypotheses: one religious and one pagan. However, a well-documented version sees the festival as a solemn act of devotion on the part of the Eugubini towards their Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini which started in 1160, the year of his death. Since then, every 15 May, the eve of the day of mourning, the devotional offering to the patron Saint is a fixed appointment for the people of Gubbio who take part in a great mystical procession, carrying candles all around the town and up Mount Ingino (where since 11 September 1194 the body of Saint Ubaldo lies, in the church which bears his name).
THE PALIO OF FERRARA
Ferrara – 3 – 25 May 2014
The Palio of Ferrara is the most ancient event of its kind is the world dating back to 1279. It is peculiar for its kind of ride that is joyful and so different from other warlike palii. This is a very important moment for the city: all the Contrade participate wearing dress of different colours to gain the “palio”, but also and overall it is a festivity to remember the Renaissance, a period during which Ferrara was really a capital. The Palio is run on Sunday 25 May.
FESTA DELLA SENSA
Venice – 31 May/1 June 2014
In previous centuries La Sensa (Ascension Day) held an important role in the social and political life of Venice. If, historically speaking, the Sensa is the result of the overlapping of civil and religious rites and events through the ages, today it is read as an event to celebrate the intricate relationship that the city has always had with the sea, both in commercial and architectural terms.
FESTA DEL BARBAROSSA
San Quirico d'Orcia, Siena
11-15 June 2014
The four districts of Borgo, Canneti, Castello and Prato take on a medieval atmosphere in memory of the meeting between Emperor Frederick I, known as Il Barbarossa, and Pope Adrian IV's papal legates, in 1155. San Quirico has celebrated this historic event for fifty years with shows, period costume parades, and archery and flag throwing contests.
GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO
Arezzo, 21 June and 7 Sep. 2014
www.giostradelsaracino.arezzo.it
This world famous Medieval jousting tournament takes place in Piazza Grande in Arezzo, Tuscany, twice in Summer, 21 June and 7 September. The tournament his preceded by a procession of knights and dames in traditional medieval costumes.
PALIO DEL NIBALLO
Faenza, Emilia Romagna
22 June 2014
Seeing the Palio del Niballo is like living and enjoying a day in 14th-century Faenza. Flag-wavers, knights, and drummers dressed in the colours of the town's five contending “rioni” (i.e. quarters) - White, Yellow, Black, Red and Green - flood the most charming parts of the old town centre, accompanied by the pounding of drums. The palio consists in hitting a revolving dummy with a spear. The dummy is fashioned as a Saracen warrior (called the “Niballo”) and the idea is to get your horse to run past faster than the Niballo turns. In June, before the palio, the rioni warm up with flag-waving and music competitions and the Bigorda d'Oro (a palio for younger racers).
LUMINARA AND RACE OF SAN RANIERI
Lungarno – Pisa - June 16th/17th 2014
http://www.comune.pisa.it/manifestazioni-storiche/
On the occasion of the Feast of San Ranieri, Patron Saint of Pisa, celebrated annually on 16-17 June, the enchantment of the illuminations of Saint Ranieri is renewed on the streets running along the river Arno (the so-called Lungarni). In fact, following the ancient tradition the Pisans celebrate their Patron Saint on the following day with the historical Regatta of San Ranieri (Palio). There are more than a hundred thousand wax candles which at every edition are meticulously set in smooth and white glasses and fixed then onto wooden white-painted frames, modelled in such a way as to highlight the outline of the palaces, of the bridges, of the churches and of the towers reflecting the river.
SPORT
BIKE FESTIVAL GARDA TRENTINO
Riva del Garda, Trentino
1 – 4 May 2014
This now classic appointment with the Bike Festival Garda Trentino is back in spring: a season opening for bikers, who will find themselves next to stars of the mountain bike international scene. The program includes exhibitions, shows, competitions, performances and stunts, testing of the industry novelties and lots of fun.
GIRO D'ITALIA
Starts on 9 May 2014 in Belfast (Northern Ireland), ends in Trieste on 1 June 2014
http://www.gazzetta.it/Giroditalia/2014/it/
The most important bicycle race in Italy, the Giro d'Italia, dates back to May 1909. This year the Giro will start in Northern Ireland (Belfast), will pass through Ireland (Dublin), move to Italy and will terminate in Trieste on 1 June.
MILLE MIGLIA
15-18 May 2014
The most beautiful vintage cars in the world chosen to participate in the race each year are selected under rigorous guidelines. The 2014 edition plans a departure from Brescia, journeying through Lake Garda, Padua, Ferrara, Republic of San Marino, Pesaro, L'Aquila to Rome and then back to Brescia via Siena, Pisa, Bologna, and Mantua.
Stefania Gatta
Press and communications
Italian National Tourist Board
For the UK and Ireland
NB: information correct at time of publication
