This year falls the 800th representation of the Nativity Scene staged for the first time in Greccio in 1223 by will of St. Francis of Assisi; real cave, live animals, manger and peasants aimed at making the birth of Jesus accessible to the simplest people

Italy has celebrated its first National Made in Italy Day on the anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's birth on 15 April 1452; a number of events and exhibitions all over the world showcased creativity and excellence, promoting the value of Italian creations

Republic's President, highest office of the state, "appreciated the work" of a school in Pioltello, small town in the north, that declared closure to allow the many foreign students to celebrate Ramadan's end, sparking criticism from right-wing party Lega

Two and a half years after the decree-law that banned cruise ships from passing through St. Mark's Basin and the Giudecca Canal, discussions are underway in Venice to bring medium-sized ships back to the Maritime Station