Banksy's 2019 artwork 'The Migrant Child' in Venice is deteriorating due to environmental factors. The building owner's request for restoration by the Sopraintendenza dei Beni Culturali was declined due to the artwork's recency. Venice's mayor and the president of Veneto sought help from Vittorio Sgarbi, who plans to restore the piece with private funding, sparking controversy among local artists and activists who argue that restoration goes against Banksy's intentions and that the community and artist should be consulted. Critics also point out that Venice faces more pressing issues, such as housing shortages and the impact of tourism. Meanwhile, the artwork has influenced local tourism, with agencies like Guided Tours in Venice offering street art tours.

Banksy's 2019 artwork 'The Migrant Child' in Venice is fading due to environmental factors, sparking a contentious debate over its restoration. The building owner sought help from the Sopraintendenza dei Beni Culturali, but the body declined due to the artwork's recent creation. City officials, including the mayor and the president of the Veneto region, enlisted Vittorio Sgarbi, who initiated restoration through private funding, angering local artists and activists. Critics argue that the restoration undermines the artwork's transient nature and that more pressing issues in Venice need attention. The debate highlights the complexities of preserving street art and the broader implications for cultural heritage management.

Alessandro Zan, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights figure in the Italian Chamber of Deputies and a member of the Democratic Party, criticizes the government of Giorgia Meloni for its attack on same-sex families. Italy's lower house has passed the Varchi law, making surrogacy a universal crime, which is seen as the first anti-gay law in Italy. The law, which will be debated in the Senate in September, specifically targets gay couples by criminalizing surrogacy even in countries where it is legal. Fratelli d'Italia, Meloni's far-right party, was fined for using the image of a male couple in an anti-surrogacy campaign, highlighting the targeted nature of the legislation. Zan argues that the law, if passed, would be unconstitutional and unenforceable, and notes the hypocrisy of Meloni's stance when it comes to wealthy, heterosexual, white individuals like Elon Musk.

The article presents a selection of five scenic train routes in Italy, offering an intimate way to explore the country from Lombardy and its lakes to volcanic Campania, including the islands. The recommended itineraries include a journey from Molise to Puglia to discover the Gargano, exploring the volcanic surroundings of Naples and the charm of the Gulf islands, a cross-country adventure from Emilia-Romagna to Tuscany, a trip to the lesser-known maritime Tuscany of Maremma, and a slow travel experience from Milan to Lake Iseo in Lombardy.

The government of Giorgia Meloni in Italy is imposing repressive measures on same-sex parent families, with the prosecutor's office in Padua seizing 33 birth certificates to remove one of the mothers from the records. This action follows the policy of several Italian cities, including Padua, where Mayor Sergio Giordani instructed to include both the biological mother and the intended mother on birth certificates for children of lesbian couples. These children, born in Italy but conceived abroad due to restrictions on medically assisted reproduction for same-sex couples, now face legal uncertainty.

The article provides a detailed guide for visitors planning to explore Pompeii, the ancient city preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD. It offers tips on navigating the vast archaeological site, suggests a personalized itinerary covering both popular and less frequented attractions, and provides practical information on ticket prices, opening hours, guided tours, and transportation options. The piece also recommends extending the historical journey by visiting the nearby city of Herculaneum and the Archaeological Museum of Naples.

In Italy, where 56% of the population owns at least one dog, Venice has introduced a paid dog sitting service for museum visitors. The service, provided by BauAdvisor in partnership with Fondazione MUVE, which manages Venice's eleven municipal museums, allows visitors to book a specific time slot for their dog to be taken care of while they visit the museum. The service costs 10 euros per hour and is part of a trend towards pet-friendly tourism in Italy.

The Carnival of Venice 2023, themed 'Take your Time for the Original Sign,' will take place from February 4 to 21, with main festivities from February 11 to 21. The event will feature parades, aquatic shows, and traditional celebrations like the 'Défilé des Marie.' The carnival, which has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, will focus on creativity and tradition, inviting participants to interpret zodiac signs in their costumes. Key events include aquatic parades on the Grand Canal and performances at the Arsenale. The article also provides insider tips on where to find costumes, masks, and participate in palace festivities.

The Venice Carnival 2023, themed 'Take your Time for the Original Sign', will take place from February 4 to 21, with main festivities from February 11 to 21. The event, rooted in historical traditions, invites participants to creatively interpret zodiac signs through costumes. Key events include aquatic parades on the Grand Canal, the 'Original Signs' spectacle at the Arsenale, and the traditional 'Marie Parade'. The carnival, free and city-wide, encourages visitors to explore Venice's streets and participate in palace festivities. Tips for costumes, masks, and participation in events are provided, highlighting the carnival's blend of tradition and modern creativity.

An absurd game called Fantasanremo, based on the San Remo music festival in Italy, has gone viral, rejuvenating public interest in the event. The game involves creating a team of festival artists, earning points based on their performances, with various humorous bonuses and penalties. Initially created by a group of friends in a bar, it gained popularity online during the pandemic, with the 2022 edition registering over 500,000 teams. The game's success has attracted sponsorships from brands like Pandora, Lavazza, and Philadelphia, and the creators have started a communication and event organization agency. The game reflects the Italian society's engagement with traditional media through social networks and has the potential to internationalize the festival.

Venice is considering a paid entry system to manage tourism and reassure UNESCO, which has threatened to list the city as endangered. The plan, proposed by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and delayed until summer 2023, has faced opposition from residents and activists who demand transparency and seek solutions to mass tourism and housing issues. The system would exempt certain groups and use a smart control room to monitor visitor numbers, but the lack of accessible data and the city's housing crisis, exacerbated by tourist rentals like Airbnb, remain contentious points.

In Italy, historical trains are at the heart of tourism projects that involve reopening abandoned lines due to lack of passengers. This tourism economy relies on the meticulous work of getting old mechanics back on track, performed in workshops essential for restoration. On March 19, 2022, passengers boarded the Gran Confort carriages at Milano Garibaldi station, marveling at the beautifully restored red and cream wagons from the Trans-Europ-Express network. The journey from Milan showcased the luxury of the train's past, including leather seats and a press car from the 1989 World Cup. Enthusiasts gathered at La Spezia Migliarina for a two-day event to admire vintage locomotives.

In the Italian countryside of Volterra, Tuscany, Giovanni Cannas, a festive producer, has been continuing the tradition of making a Protected Designation of Origin cheese since 2015. This cheese is made with raw sheep's milk and wild artichoke flower. The region, characterized by its sandy and clay terrain shaped by erosion, is known for its unique pecorino cheese. Cannas, owner of the Lischeto farm, oversees 800 sheep with the help of Maremma and Abruzzo shepherd dogs.

In Florence, the tradition of aperitivo, an evening ritual of enjoying drinks with small plates of food, has evolved into apericena, a combination of aperitif and dinner. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, local bars have adapted by modifying their offerings to comply with health regulations. The article highlights five establishments: Procacci, known for its truffle-flavored paninis; Colle Bereto, with its terrace and aperibox options; Quelo Bar, a popular spot with a vegetarian-friendly buffet; Kitsch Deux, a festive bar with a comprehensive buffet; and Caffè Cibreo, which offers a terrace to enjoy drinks and snacks like crostini and budino. Fabrizio Rangone of Caffè Cibreo shares the local custom of enjoying a ham sandwich with wine in the evening.

Explores five notable pizzerias in Rome, each offering unique styles and flavors of pizza. Highlights include Piccolo buco's diverse menu, La Gatta mangiona's pizza and wine pairings, Dar Poeta's traditional recipes, Spiazzo's innovative slow food pizzas, and Salvatore di Matteo's authentic Neapolitan offerings. Emphasizes the sociability and cultural significance of pizza in Italy.

Venetian aperitivo culture is celebrated through a tour of various bars and cafes in Venice, each offering unique drinks and atmospheres. Highlights include the classic Spritz at Caffè Rosso, a Cynar Spritz at Hostaria Bacanera, natural wines at Adriatico Mar, and the famous Bellini at Harry's Bar. The article also mentions innovative cocktails at Il Mercante and the Skyline Rooftop Bar, as well as non-alcoholic options at Caffè La Serra. Key figures like Giuseppe Cipriani, the inventor of the Bellini, are noted, and brands such as Aperol, Cynar, and Lurisia are featured for their contributions to the local drink scene.

In Italy, a network of mozzarella enthusiasts, including friends and colleagues, discreetly distribute high-quality mozzarella di bufala. This practice is common, especially among those from southern Italy, who value the fresh taste of mozzarella that diminishes with time and distance from its production region. The article highlights the cultural importance of mozzarella, the dedication of suppliers like Giuseppe, and the success of businesses like La Contadina, which deliver fresh mozzarella across Italy.

The article discusses the history of Italian ice cream, 'gelato', and provides a guide to the best artisanal gelato shops in Rome. It highlights the importance of natural, quality ingredients and the creativity of the gelato makers. The article features interviews with several renowned gelato artisans who share their philosophies and techniques. It also provides a list of recommended gelato shops, each with its unique approach to making gelato, from using fresh fruits from personal orchards to incorporating rare cacaos and local products.

The article highlights four must-try pasta dishes in Rome: carbonara at Roscioli, gricia at Armando al Pantheon, amatriciana at L'Arcangelo, and cacio e pepe at Felice a Testaccio. It details the unique characteristics of each dish and the restaurants' histories, emphasizing the importance of family tradition and quality ingredients in Roman cuisine.

Venetian cuisine is a blend of diverse influences, with local chefs enhancing traditional dishes to cater to discerning palates. The article highlights various dining spots in Venice, from quick bites like tramezzini and cichetti to elaborate dinners featuring seafood and local produce. Notable mentions include Rosa Salva for quick meals, Da Rioba for a vibrant dining experience, and Venissa for a Michelin-starred culinary adventure on the island of Mazzorbo. The piece provides a comprehensive guide to enjoying the culinary delights of Venice, emphasizing the importance of local ingredients and traditional recipes.

Venice experienced one of its worst high tides on November 12, with water levels reaching 1.87 meters above sea level, flooding 80% of the city. The government declared a state of emergency on November 14. Despite frequent high tides, Venice has shown resilience, with most tourist sites and transportation services back to normal. However, some damages persist, and concerns over long-term structural damage due to salt incrustation remain. The tourism sector is worried about reduced bookings, especially with the upcoming Carnival season. The city is currently dealing with unusually low tides, affecting canal navigation.