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.

Experience the Palio di Siena, Tuscany’s iconic horse race in Piazza del Campo. Discover the traditions and the best tips for visiting this unforgettable event.

Palio di Siena: Italy’s most thrilling horse race

Imagine a medieval square packed with thousands of people. Drums echo through the streets, banners wave from balconies, and ten bareback riders charge around the square into a heart-pounding race that’s over in less than two minutes.

That’s pretty much the Palio di Siena in a couple of words, and if you’re heading to Tuscany in the summer, you won’t want to miss it.

What exactly is the Palio di Siena?
It’s a horse race, but a centuries-old one, and definitely the most celebrated historical
event of entire Tuscany. It dates back to the 17th century and takes place twice a year,
on July 2 and August 16, right in the center of Siena, in the city’s famous shell-shaped
Piazza del Campo.

A must for wine lovers in Rome, Vinòforum is the city's biggest wine and food festival. Enjoy tastings, gourmet cuisine, and late summer nights outdoors.

Vinòforum Rome: discover the top Italian wine tasting event 

Italy’s wines don’t really need an introduction. From the deep reds of Tuscany to the fresh sparkling wines of Veneto and the celebrated Barolo from Piedmont, every region has its own wines that are known around the world. If you want to experience one of the most important wine events in the country, you should plan to be in Rome when Vinòforum is in town.

Every year, this Italian wine tasting festival gathers winemakers, chefs and visitors for a week of good wine and great food. The location may change, but the idea stays the same: this is not a rushed or formal event, it’s a place where you can chat with producers, ask a few questions, discover new wines, and enjoy it all in a relaxed, Italian way.

Looking for things to do in Rome at night? From June to August, the summer festival “Lungo il Tevere” offers free events, live music and food. 

“Lungo il Tevere” festival: the place to be during your summer in Rome

There’s a certain charm to Rome in the summertime. The city slows down, and the Tiber River (Tevere) takes the center stage for long, exciting nights. “Lungo il Tevere”, a summer festival in Rome that extends from Ponte Sublicio to Ponte Sisto, is the place to go if you want to experience the city like a true Roman.

This event, which takes place every evening from June until late August, provides the ideal blend of culture and fun by the river. It’s about street cuisine, local wines, art exhibits, live music, book readings, artisan booths and people of all ages enjoying Rome as the sun sets behind St. Peter's dome.