ItalyUpdate

MATERA MEL GIBSON'S CHOICE AGAIN

US/Australian film maker Mel Gibson has chosen once more the spectacular setting of the ancient cave-city of Matera (Basilicata) as the stunning backdrop for his sequel to “The Passion of Christ” made in 2004.

Gibson's new “Resurrection of Christ” focusses on the period immediately after the crucifixion and is provisionally scheduled to come out in 2027.

Over 80 films have been made in Matera and its surroundings lunar canyons, including the celebrated “No Time to Die” of the James Bond series, starring Daniel Craig, which also involved the nearby canyon towns of Pisticci and Craco.

Thanks also to the media attention Matera has become one of Italy's top tourist attractions, with its unique rocky chasms, galleries and early Christian decorated cave churches. Teams of skilled restorators are at present at work preserving the cycle of 8^tht-9^th century frescos decorating the walls of one of the most spectacular of these sanctuaries, created by the Benedictine monks and known as “the Crypt of Original Sin”. It was painted by an unknown artist (or team of artists) referred to as “the Painter of the Flowers of Matera” due to the cascades of roses around the figures of the Virgin and saints. The cave, discovered in 1963, is also often referred to as “the Sistine Chapel of Matera” due to its lavish decoration. The delicate restoration and preservation work is sustained by the Zetema cultural Foundation, with funding from a group of Italian banking foundations.

Open for regular guided tours every day except Sunday. Prior booking required.

Info: Tel. +35.3203345323

POMPEII CATS PHOTOSHOOT

When all the visitors have gone and the gates are closed for the day, another population takes over the Ancient Roman city of Pompeii , moving silently and confidently among the ruins of the once splendid Roman villas, the Baths, the Sports Centres, the one-time bakeries and Roman street food bars. That is when the cats of Pompeii come out to hunt and to play.

Lesser known than the historic cat colonies of Rome, the Pompeii Cats have now achieved due public recognition, immortalized in a photo book sponsored by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii and the Non-profit Archeogatti Association.

The cats are fed and looked after daily by the Park custodians as well as the public Veterinary Service, which also deals with sterilization and eventual health problems.

The book “Cats of Pompeii” is published by Giunti Editore and features the collection of photographs by archaeologist Silvia Vacca, who immortalized the cats in their leisure moments, undisturbed by the daytime crowds of visitors.

The present feline colony numbers between 40 and 50 cats. The book “Cats of Pompeii” is available online, as well as in the Pompeii site bookshop.

Info: Tel. +39.081.857327 www.pompeiisites.org.

PAVAROTTI'S HERITAGE RECREATED IN MODENA

Modena (Reggio Emilia) honours one of its most famous sons, the operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti by re-naming its celebrated conservatory after him. Pavarotti was born in Modena almost a century ago (on the 12^th October 1935).

During his long international career, the singer starred in many classical roles in theatres all over the world. He attempted to bring classical opera to the younger generation with his “Pavarotti & Friends” initiative, where he sang along with famous pop stars, adapting the arias to suit their voice range – an initiative that aroused controversy among many critics and purists.

The Modena Conservatory, previously known as the Vecchi-Tonelli, has carried on much of his tradition through partnerships with Italian and foreign conservatories through its project Polimnia, which involves schools, local communities and youth organizations, offering laboratories of music, dramaturgy and creative theatrical production. As a highlight of the Pavarotti birthday celebrations, the theatre produced a “first” modern presentation of a long-forgotten work by 19^th century composer Antonio Gandini “La Caduta dei Giganti” (“The Fall of the Giants”) preserved in the conservatory archives.

M. STENHOUSE

Info: Tel. +39.059.2032025 www.comune.modena.it segreteria@vecchitonelli.it

VATICAN STAMP TRIBUTE TO ST. FRANCIS

The Vatican City Postal Office has issued a new stamp commemorating Francis of Assisi on the 800^th anniversary of his death in 1226.

The City of Vatican stamp, issued in conjunction with the state of San Marino and the Sovereign Order of Malta, reproduces a detail from the fresco by Giotto in the upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, featuring St. Clare saying her last farewell to the saint on the hour of his death.

Special for collectors: it will also be possible to purchase a pack containing a limited number commemorative envelope and folder with the specially designed authenticating postmark, inspired by the celebrated Cimabue portrait of the Enthroned Madonna with St. Francis in the Lower Basilica.

Source: Vatican Newsletter 3^rd October 2026

NAPLES GRAND POORHOUSE RE-CONVERSION

The historicReale Albergo dei Poveri (literally “the Royal Hospice for the Poor() in Naples is opening a part of the reconverted area to house several concerts and exhibitions during the month of October.

The Hospice, which is Naples' biggest monumental building and one of the most extensive 18^thcentury buildings in Europe, has been under restoration for some years, after centuries of abandon.

As work proceeds, the terrace and the patio regions will host a series of free concerts, rap performances and theatrical productions presented by local young offenders' laboratories between the 7th- 16^th October 2026.

The Royal Hospice for the Poor (also known as Palazzo Fuga after its main architect) was constructed by King Carlo III di Borbone in the 18^th century to provide a home for some 6,000 beggars and paupers in the realm of Naples. A massive five-storey Baroque edifice, the original plans contemplated five internal courtyards surrounded by rooms, corridors, a church and open spaces. After King Carlo died, his heir, Ferdinand, reduced the project to three blocks complete with factories, laboratories, schools, a music conservatory as well as housing accommodation for the homeless.

The building suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 1980 and was abandoned for many years. After restoration, future plans are to transform it into a vast multicultural centre, with spaces for concerts and theatrical productions, a museum (in collaboration with the Archaeological Museum of Naples,) the new seat of the archives of the historic National Library, the administrative department of the University of Naples and accommodatin for 180 students.

Contacts through Comune di Napoli - Naples City Hall

Info: Tel: +39.081.795111 info@comune.napoli.it

MILAN MUSEUM FOR HISTORIC PUPPETS

Plans are underway to create a museum in Milan dedicated to the two hundred-year- old Carlo Colla & Figli Company that has entertained generations of fans with its puppet shows.

The Colla puppets (based in Milan) were one of the highlight of this year's Spoleto arts Festival with their new production of “Il Ritorno di Ulisse in Patria” (“Return of Ulysses to His Homeland”) with the orchestral accompaniment of Monteverdi's work of the same name.

Differing from the Sicilian “Pupi” (puppets) performances which generally centre on themes taken from Ariosto's classic poem “Orlando Furioso”, inspired by the adventures of medieval Christian knights versus Saracen warriors. the Carlo Colla & Sons repertoire covers a wide range of over 150 works, including fairy tales, Shakespearean dramas, ballet, operas and classic theatrical pieces.

Apart from the subject matter, the Milan marionettes differ from their Sicilian Pupi cousins by the way they are manoeuvred - at the end of 3 metre- long cords attached to a crossbar of wood. The Pupi instead are attached by their heads to a rigid metal bar with less flexibility, but which allows them the traditional clashing movement of their legs, suitable for the battle scenes.

The Colla company keep a stock of over 4000 puppets, all hand crafted in every detail, with sumptuous brocade gowns for the princesses and real metal armour for the knights. The company has a history of performances dating back some two centuries and it can boast a repertoire of over 150 productions.

The museum in preparation will be situated inside the ex-Ansaldo engineering works, one of Milan's most famous industrial conversion spaces. Meanwhile it is possible to visit the Colla Laboratory in the Ansaldo complex.

Info: Tel. +39.0289531301/02.21119151 info@marionettecolla.org

ON TOUR HELP FOR DEPRESSED TEENAGERS

In order to address currently increasing problems among Italian teenagers, the national campaign SO.STARLI ACCANTO, organized by MOIGE - the ITALIAN PARENTS' MOVEMENT (MOVIMENTO ITALIANO GENITORI) was launched on the 25^th September 2026 at the town of Assago (near MILAN) as part of a national campaign to take counselling and support to schools and parental groups all over Italy.

The initiative aims to address an alarming increase in teenage violence and social distress, that began with the confinement imposed by the COVID epidemic and have continued to increase with the dependence on communications through social media.

So.Starli Accanto (translates as: Staying Close to Them) aims at addressing the problem of increasing symptoms of depression reported among young people. It is estimated that some 40% of teenagers between 15 and 19 suffer from problems of anxiety and feelings of estrangement from society, while recent research (Censis – Italian Institute of social and economic research) has revealed that almost 50% of young people between 18 and 25 suffer from some degree of depression and anxiety. Most of these youngsters do not ask for help and their condition goes ignored

The SO.STARLI ACCANTO organization aims to tackle the problem, through a Mobile Consultancy Centre which will visit 40 Italian towns and cities offering psychological help, as well as an online specialist support service for those who cannot or do not wish to come in person, preferring an online contact, rather than speaking directly to an adult.

The project is backed financially by the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, with the support of the Charitable Trust of the historic bank Intesa Sanpaolo.

Info: Tel. +39.06.3236943 www.moige.it

ST. FRANCIS EIGHT HUNDRED YEARS

The spotlight shines on Assisi (Umbria) on the 3^{rd -} 4^th October 2026, which will be the fulcrum of celebrations commemorating the 800^th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis, known as “Il Poverello” (“Little Poor Man”).

This important anniversary of St. Francis (Italy's patron saint and founder of the Franciscan Order) will be marked by a programme of religious and spiritual events, centred mainly in the Basilica of San Francesco in the town of Assisi, where Italy's President, Sergio Mattarelli, is expected to attend the special commemorative mass.

Other events include an evening pilgrimage, touching the town's most celebrated monuments connected with Francis' life and work, such as the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, the Basilica of St. Clare (who founded the sister order of Poor Clares together with Francis) and the Basilica of St. Francis itself. Most events and religious ceremonies are free but require prior booking.

Today, Francis is universally renowned as the saint of concord and brotherhood, as well as for his love of all forms of Nature. Lesser known is his diplomatic role, such as his courageous peace mission to Egypt in 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, when he crossed the battle line to meet the Sultan Malik al-Kamid - as documented by 13^th century chronicler Thomas of Celano and other contemporary historians. He was treated with respect by al-Kamid, who recognized him as a holy man and retained him at court for several days of discussion.

1000. STENHOUSE

1001. For all information consult the official website: www.sanfrancescovive.org

POMPEII CELEBRATES WINE HARVEST

The vineyards replanted inside the ruins of Pompeii launched this year's harvest with a special open day on the 15^th September 2026 where visitors could sample the products of the 14 vineyards planted inside the historic site.

The re-creation of Pompeii's vine cultivation in the original gardens of the Villa of the Mysteries, an ancient Roman domus, has been a joint private and public initiative, with the collaboration of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage. Initiated on an experimental basis in 1999 and based on the analysis of vine roots found in situ as well as the identification of vine varieties depicted in Pompeii frescoes, the vineyards are a modern reproduction of the original plantations, growing where they originally flourished before the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius 2,000 years ago.

The wines of Pompeii are red, due to the hot climate of the area which does not suit white grape varieties. They are, however, rather different from the stuff imbibed by the Ancient Romans, which was mixed with honey and spices to make it drinkably. The ancient Roman wines went off very quickly, turning into vinegar.

Info: Tel. +39.081.8575327 www.pompeiisites.otg

ITALY COMMEMORATES FAMOUS HORSE

Work is shortly to start on the creation of a mausoleum for Italy's most famous horse – the trotting champion Varenne. The memorial will be open to the public and will document Varenne's long racing history, during which he won 62 international championships out of the 73 in which he competed.

A hard life of top level competitions did not seem to have had any negative effects on his health. Varenne lived to the exceptional age of 31 years before he succumbed to a heart attack on the 18^th August 2026 in his stable at his retirement home in the LJ stud farm at Eboli (Salerno, Campania) belonging to his lifetime owner, Enzo Giordano.

After his retirement from competitive racing in 2002, Varenne kept busy, donating his unique and special genes to sire almost 3,000 sons and daughters worldwide, many of which have become champions in turn though non of them have reached their Dad's status.

Info: Tel. +39.345.2939572 info@varenne-official.com