Italian authorities determined to rebuild after earthquakes

The article discusses the Italian government's commitment to rebuilding towns affected by a series of earthquakes from August to October, with a focus on the central Italian towns of Camerino and Norcia. Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi have both assured citizens that the state will support them in rebuilding their lives. Renzi outlined a four-stage plan for reconstruction, including relocation of citizens and support for farmers. The government has extended emergency powers to the head of Italy's civil protection agency, Fabrizio Curcio, and is sending additional personnel to assist in the affected regions. Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti highlighted the military's role in aiding the civil protection agency and preventing looting.

Film Commission Piemonte lands in Venice and relaunches: It will be an autumn of sets

Piedmontese films are gearing up for the 80th Venice Film Festival, with two notable entries, 'Lubo' by Giorgio Diritti and 'Ferrari' by Michael Mann, both supported by the Film Commission Piemonte. Beatrice Borgia, the president, is heading to the Lido to discuss the industrial side of cinema. The region continues to see active film production, aiming to surpass previous records this autumn.

Museums, festivals and events: what to do on Ferragosto

Concerts, festivals, shows, and exhibitions are abundant for Ferragosto in Piedmont. Highlights include the Bartolomeo Bruni-Città di Cuneo Orchestra concert in Paesana, special museum openings in Turin with free or discounted entry, and live theater and music at the Mausoleo della Bela Rosin. High-altitude events feature the Cine Symphony Orchestra performing film and TV soundtracks at the Forte di Fenestrelle, in collaboration with the Museo Nazionale del Cinema di Torino, including a soundtracked screening of 'Maciste Alpino'.

The Giulia di Barolo Museum and the Turin of the Social Saints

The Giulia di Barolo Museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century Turin, focusing on the lives and contributions of Giulia Colbert Falletti di Barolo and her husband Tancredi. The museum, part of the Distretto Sociale Barolo, showcases elegant clothing, original letters, documents, and everyday objects, emphasizing the couple's dedication to aiding the needy, particularly women and prisoners. The Distretto Sociale Barolo, a social solidarity hub, celebrates its 200th anniversary, continuing the legacy of social attention initiated by the Barolos in 1823.

From 19th-century purses to caricatures: the stories of corkscrews on display in Barolo

The Corkscrew Museum in Barolo showcases a collection of over 1,400 corkscrews of various shapes and sizes, collected by Turin pharmacist Paolo Annoni. The exhibition includes unique pieces from around the world, such as caricature corkscrews of American Senator Andrew Volstead, promoter of the 1919 anti-alcohol law, and figurative corkscrews depicting people, animals, and objects. The corkscrew, originally designed to extract a cork from a glass container, not necessarily a wine bottle, was first patented in 1795 by Englishman Samuel Henshall. In Italy, the trade of wine in glass containers was prohibited until 1728 to prevent fraud, as production was artisanal and could not guarantee bottles of the same capacity.

The Damask Rose, from Syria to Turin

The Damask Rose, known for its aromatic scent and medicinal properties, has been cultivated for over 2,000 years according to historical documents. Hundreds of specimens have been planted in the Giardini Reali of Turin, which now feature a photographic exhibition and an artistic installation. The project, created by Musei Reali in collaboration with the Syria Trust for Development and the Fondazione Santagata for l'Economia e la Cultura, aims to promote Syrian cultural heritage by showcasing the ancient cultivation and transformation of the flower. In 2019, UNESCO listed the practices and crafts associated with the Damask Rose in the village of Al-Mrah as intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition is accompanied by a cultural events program from July 4 to 7 to explore Syrian art, history, literature, and archaeology.

Cinemas try to forget Covid with new funds and many young people in the halls

In Piedmont, new cinemas may open thanks to a regional initiative aimed at reviving the sector hit hard by Covid-19. Announced at the Turin Film Festival, the initiative allocates 20 million euros, with 12 million for production and 8 million for cinemas, funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The program, managed by Finpiemonte, is praised for its innovation and potential to be replicated by other regions. Despite a 30% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels, cinemas show a 50% increase from last year, driven by popular films like 'Barbie' and a notable return of young audiences, fostering optimism among operators.

Inside the secrets of Casa Bellia, a hidden gem of Liberty in Turin

The Art Nouveau Week in Turin, running until July 14, features Casa Bellia, an exquisite example of Art Nouveau designed in 1911 by Vittorio Eugenio Ballatore di Rosana. Located in Borgo Crimea, Casa Bellia showcases the architect's French influences and attention to detail. The event, organized by Associazione Italia Liberty, offers exclusive tours of architectural masterpieces, including Casa Pozzo and the frescoes of Schina's social house. The week also includes events, tastings, and concerts, providing a unique perspective on the city's cultural heritage.

Boom museums, cinemas continue to struggle

Museums in Turin have seen a significant increase in visitors, reaching 2.6 million in the first months of 2023, a 9% rise compared to 2019, driven by tourism. However, cinemas are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, with 3.3 million viewers in 2022, double that of 2021 but still half of 2019 figures. The annual report from the Osservatorio Culturale del Piemonte highlights the uneven recovery of the cultural sector post-COVID, with festivals gaining popularity while indoor cultural activities lag behind. Inflation and lower incomes are reducing cultural consumption, and library attendance has decreased, though digital book lending services are growing.

Movida, the hot July of Turin begins. New municipal rules, moving forward slowly

The municipality of Turin is set to implement new regulations by July to balance the needs of residents and business owners, aiming to relocate nightlife activities away from the city center.