Discover the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, when Constantine’s triumph over Maxentius changed Rome’s destiny and led to the rise of Christianity.

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge: the day that changed Rome’s fate

On October 28, 312 AD, the fate of the Roman Empire was decided on a little bridge just outside Rome. Here, emperors Maxentius and Constantine the Great fought a battle that would make history. In the end, what started out as a power struggle transformed the empire and contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout the ancient world.

Discover Ottobrata Romana, a Roman celebration of autumn with countryside trips, food, wine, music and festivals across the city.

Ottobrata Romana: Rome’s beloved autumn tradition

One of the most beloved Italian autumn traditions for Romans is the so-called “Ottobrata romana.” It’s that time of the year that feels like a second summer, except that it happens in autumn. October in Rome often surprises visitors with its warm, sunny days, gentle light and a typical end-of-summer atmosphere. But the Ottobrata romana is not only a weather-related phenomenon: it’s a tradition with a long history that, in a different form, continues to this day.

Discover St. Francis of Assisi, the Italian saint of the poor and founder of the Franciscan Order, who gave up wealth to live in poverty and simplicity.

Who was St. Francis of Assisi, the Italian “saint of the poor”

Every year on October 4, people all over the world commemorate St. Francis of Assisi, the humble friar from Umbria who showed that compassion and simplicity are the foundations of faith. Born around 1181 in Assisi, Italy, this Christian saint, founder of the Franciscan Order, is one of the most adored figures in Catholic history, known for giving up a life of privilege and comfort to live in absolute poverty.

Ever wondered how Rome became Italy’s capital? Rome officially became the capital of Italy on February 3, 1871, following the capture of the city on September 20, 1870. On that day, Italian troops broke through the Aurelian Walls near Porta Pia and took control of the city from the Papal States. This historic event is known as the Breach of Porta Pia, or the Capture of Rome. It marked the end of centuries of Papal rule and the beginning of Rome as the capital of a modern, unified Italy.

Discover what happened in Rome in September 1943, after the Armistice of Cassibile. A key moment in Italy’s history and the beginning of a fight for liberation.

The Armistice of Cassibile and Rome’s fight for freedom in WWII

If you’re visiting Rome in early September, you might not realize that some of its most dramatic and defining hours took place during these exact days, in 1943.

8 September 1943 marks a crucial day in Italy’s history and one of the most complex chapters of the country’s experience during World War II.In June 1940, Italy entered the war alongside Nazi Germany. After hundreds of thousands of casualties, heavy losses on multiple war fronts, and widespread destruction, on 8 September 1943, following the Armistice of Cassibile, Italy officially broke off its alliance with Nazi Germany. That day marked the beginning of the country’s long and painful path to liberation.

Who was Giuseppe Gioachino Belli?

Belli was a Roman dialect poet who captured the spirit of 19th-century Rome like no one else.

Happy birthday, Belli: Rome’s irreverent poet turns 234

Born on 7 September 1791, Giuseppe Gioachino Belli is one of Rome’s most beloved poets. He wrote over 2,000 “Sonetti romaneschi”, sonnets in Romanesco (the local dialect), capturing the everyday struggles, customs, humor, beliefs, biases and superstitions of the Roman people like no one else.

His poems were often cheeky, crude, and satirical. They remain an unforgettable lens on 19th-century Roman life, especially the people at the margins: market sellers, beggars, gossipers, priests, and housewives.