*The garrison public affairs office translates summaries of local news articles for the convenience of non-Italian speaking community members. The information contained in these summaries is originally written by Italian news sources and does not reflect the opinion of U.S. Army Garrison Italy or any of its tenant commands. Direct any questions about the Italian news to the garrison public affairs office.*
Italian News from Camp Darby – July 1, 2025
- Pisa hits highest temperature on record for June
- Lavender Days to be held until July 13
- Sagra del Pinolo, pine nut festival happening in San Piero a Grado
- White Night comes back to Livorno’s Via Ricasoli
- President of Tuscany issues public health ordinance for workers due to extreme temperatures
Pisa hits highest temperature on record for June – July 1, PisaToday
PISA – June 30 was a very hot day, with various fires that affected our region. It will be remembered for setting the record temperature for the month of June in Pisa. At the Pisa Agraria station, which has been collecting data since 1879, the mercury column reached 38.6° Celsius (101.48° Fahrenheit) at 1:10 p.m., shattering the previous day’s record when 37.9° Celsius (100.22° Fahrenheit) was recorded and also that of 2002 (37.5° Celsius/99.5° Fahrenheit). The high temperatures will keep us company for the next few days, with a return to more normal values at the end of the week. In the meantime, given the particularly dry phase, the risk of fires is high. In this regard, the Tuscany Region has published the daily risk bulletin and invites citizens to be extremely cautious. (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
Lavender Days to be held until July 13 – July 1, PisaToday
PISA – This year, the Colli Pisani business network is organizing “Lavender Days” with a very rich program of events to celebrate the flowering of the lavender fields. From June 7 to July 13, the fifth edition will be held between the hills of Santa Luce, Orciano Pisano and Castellina Marittima, where the countryside will be colored purple, with beautiful landscapes to be enjoyed and photographed. (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
Sagra del Pinolo, pine nut festival happening in San Piero a Grado – July 1
SAN PIERO A GRADO – The Sagra del Pinolo, a pine nut festival, will take place in San Piero a Grado from July 4-6 and 11-13. There will be special gastronomic delights and musical performers. Parking is limited, so guests are advised to come early or use public transit to get there. (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
White Night comes back to Livorno’s Via Ricasoli – July 1, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – On Saturday, July 5, the stores of Via Ricasoli in Livorno will display their goods on the street until 11 p.m. The goal is to relaunch the “White Night,” with various events and offerings for each store, plus music and much more. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Livorno. (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
President of Tuscany issues public health ordinance for workers due to extreme temperatures – June 25, Il Tirreno
TUSCANY – The President of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani, has issued a ban on working between 12:30 and 4 p.m. for those who perform intense physical activity with prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, on days classified as having a “high” level of heat stress risk in the Worklimate map, until Aug.31, throughout the regional territory of Tuscany. Giani signed the public health and hygiene ordinance to reiterate the need to protect workers who are most exposed to heat risk, that is, to the consequences of high temperatures and prolonged exposure to the sun. (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
Recent Italian News highlights
Sea turtle “exploring” at Cala del Leone – June 23, LivornoToday
CALA DEL LEONE – Some lucky people were able to witness a sea turtle exploring at Cala del Leone on June 23. “It is the first outing we have recorded on this beach and on this stretch of coast, which is mostly rocky,” highlighted the experts at Tartamare. “Here the sand is very stony and compact and the turtle has decided to give up for now. However, in the next few hours, probably during the night or in the following ones, it could come out again to try to lay its eggs.” (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
An eye drop for cornea care developed from olive leaves – June 22, PisaToday
PISA – A natural, effective and sustainable eye drop, developed in the laboratories of the University of Pisa, could revolutionize the treatment of corneal lesions. The study, published in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, demonstrates how an olive leaf extract, combined with a bio functional polymer, promotes corneal regeneration and protects the eye from oxidative stress. “We have developed a simple, natural and highly effective formulation, which could represent a valid alternative to conventional treatments for corneal lesions,” said Professor Angela Fabiano, coordinator of the study and lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Pisa. “Our goal is to offer safer, more sustainable and accessible therapeutic solutions.” (Summary by Andrea Culletto)
Palio di Siena – June 20, DiscoverTuscany
SIENA – The Palio horse race is a colorful, bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main square, that takes place every July 2 and Aug. 16. The “contrade” (traditional neighborhoods) compete for the “palio,” or banner, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. For the occasion, the perimeter of Piazza del Campo is covered with tuff clay and becomes the racetrack. The horse race usually takes place in the late afternoon, after the historical parade composed of more than 600 people in period costumes representing each of the contrade. The square is filled with costumed pageantry before the race, and massive feasts are set up on long outdoor tables that can stretch for blocks on the medieval side streets. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Puccini festival in Torre del Lago – June 20, Puccinifestival
TORRE DEL LAGO (Lucca) – The open-air Grand Theatre with the evocative backdrop of Lake Massaciuccoli in its full capacity of 3,400 seats will also in 2025 be the natural setting for the productions of Puccini’s operas, just a few steps away from the Villa Mausoleum, where the Maestro Giacomo Puccini lived and composed his immortal works and is now buried. The music and theater of Giacomo Puccini are at the heart of the Puccini Festival’s activities, which aims to offer a special aesthetic, artistic and musical experience through new stagings of its operas. The program includes Tosca, Turandot, La Boheme, Madama Butterfly and Manon Lescot. Check out https://www.puccinifestival.it/en/2025-edition/ for detailed information and ticket purchase. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Eliopoli Summer Festival in Calambrone – June 20, EventsinPisa
CALAMBRONE (Pisa) – Eliopoli Summer Festival, now in its 10th edition will finish at the beginning of September. Shows with free admission take place in Calambrone, Piazza Madonna. The program includes live music concerts and comedy shows, talk shows with important guests and family events. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Pisa Botanical Garden offers guided tours – June 20, TerrediPisa
PISA – On the third Saturday of the month, the Botanical Garden and Museum of the University of Pisa offers Botanical Saturday, a guided tour dedicated to its plant collections, a unique heritage that changes with the seasons. Every first Sunday of the month, entrance to the Botanical Garden and Museum is free. Founded in 1543, it is the first university botanical garden in the world. Originally built on the banks of the Arno River, it was moved to its current location in 1591 and then gradually expanded to its current size of about two hectares. It houses plants from the five continents: succulents from the African and American deserts; aromatic plants from the Mediterranean maquis; species from the Tuscan marshes; numerous centuries-old trees and many others. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
The days of lavender – June 20, TerrediPisa
PIEVE DI SANTA LUCE (Pisa) – There is a little Provence that blooms in the Pisa Hills. Here, between June and July, a unique perfume wafts through the air and crossing the fields gives a feeling of peace and serenity that cannot be described but must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. This year, three locations of the territory invite you to immerse yourself in a unique sensory experience. More details at www.lavandafestival.it (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Festival del gusto offers street food, amusement park and evening shows – June 17, LivornoToday
The Festival del Gusto will take place at the Rotonda di Ardenza from June 26 to July 6. There will be numerous gourmet stands where attendees will be able to taste, from 5 p.m. to midnight, delicacies of Livorno cuisine. There will also be space for the little ones, a classic amusement park and the unmissable evening shows. All events are free to attend.
Lucca Summer Festival boosts tourism – June 17, Il Tirreno
LUCCA – The Lucca Summer Festival is significantly boosting tourism and local business in Lucca, especially around high-profile concerts. The performance by Jennifer Lopez on July 21, is driving the strongest demand for short-term rentals, with a 70 percent occupancy rate already reported. Other popular dates include concerts by Thirty Seconds to Mars; Alanis Morissette; Morrissey and Nick Cave. According to Airbnb ambassador Alessandro Petrini, most booking requests are coming from British, French, German and Scandinavian tourists, while American tourists are notably fewer than in 2023–2024, partly due to rising prices and global uncertainties. Hotel owners report the month-long event is bringing near sold-out conditions. Overall, the Lucca Summer Festival remains a major economic and cultural engine, reinforcing Lucca’s appeal as an international tourist destination. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Free bus service from Rosignano to the white sands – June 17, LivornoToday
ROSIGNANO – The free bus to the beach from Castiglioncello to Cecina (Autolinee Toscane Line 114) is back this summer. From June 13 to 30 and Sept. 1 to 13, the service runs only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:50 p.m. to 00:40 a.m. while from July 1 to Aug. 31 there will be frequent departures every day every 45 minutes. For the White Sand Beaches destination, the “Vada” shuttle is operating every day from June 12 to Sept. 7 with rides every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Antique market in Bientina – June 17, TerrediPisa
BIENTINA – “BientinAntiquaria” takes place every fourth Sunday of the month (July 26) in Piazza Martiri della Libertà and adjacent streets from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. With around a hundred exhibitors, the event consolidates itself as a point of reference for the many enthusiasts looking for antiques; rarities; curiosities; modern antiques; vintage and collectibles. At the same time, the Pieve Museum is open in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Since the 18th century, the remains of St. Valentine the martyr (patron saint of Bientina) have been located here. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:30 to 7 p.m. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
From Pisa to Switzerland by train – June 10, Il Tirreno
PISA – Switzerland is a new Trenitalia connection. Starting this week until Sept. 29, every day Eurocity trains will run from Zurich to Pisa and from Pisa to Zurich starting on June 9. Every day, it leaves Pisa at 1:20 p.m., with a travel duration of around 10 hours, and Zurich at 6:33 a.m., with a travel time of roughly 9 1/2 hours. Trenitalia’s website and app, as well as station ticket offices and approved travel agents, sell tickets, which start at 57.50 euros. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Paid parking will resume along Pisa coastline – May 30, Il Tirreno
PISA – Starting June 1, paid parking will resume along the Pisa coastline, lasting until Sept. 15. The blue parking zones and meters will be active, with tariffs unchanged from last year. Zone 1 charges €1 per hour, €4.50 for six hours, and €6 for a full day, with specific streets and piazzas included. Zones 2, 3, and 4 offer free parking for the first 30 minutes, followed by €1 per hour, with varying timeframes and locations in Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia. Seasonal parking subscriptions are available. Residents of Pisa can obtain reduced-rate seasonal passes for €70, while non-residents can purchase monthly passes for €80 or seasonal passes for €150. Free seasonal passes are available for residents of Marina, Tirrenia and Calambrone who lack private parking, with restrictions on the number of passes per household. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Mercatale, local food market in San Miniato – June 13, TerrediPisa
SAN MINIATO – The third Sunday of the month, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Mercatale takes place under the Loggiati di San Domenico; the event is a “zero km” market of agricultural products. For 10 years, farmers and producers in the countryside around San Miniato have been setting up a market where they can sell the fruits of their labor directly to consumers. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Record brood in Porcari with four chicks in the nest – May 13, Il Tirreno
PORCARI (Lucca) – In Porcari, a record brood of four stork chicks has been observed in the nest on Via Diaccio. The relationship between Porcari and these storks began in 2010 when a pair of storks built a nest on an electricity pylon. The white stork, once common in Roman times, had been absent from the area for centuries until the early 2000s. The first wild nest in Tuscany was recorded in 2005 in the Fucecchio marshes. Since 2010, storks have returned to the province of Lucca, leading to protective measures and the construction of a custom nest by Enel to ensure their safety. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Livorno is the cheapest town for pizza – May 12, Il Tirreno
LIVORNO – Consumers in Livorno spend less money on pizza and drinks than anywhere else in Italy, at €8.75 per dinner. As a result, it is the most affordable meal in the country. The cost of what essentially defines the Made in Italy around the world has risen by 18.3 percent in the last six years, reaching an average of €12.14 per person. Reggio Emilia is the city with the highest pizza prices, with an average dinner at a pizzeria costing around €17.58. Siena, on the other hand, ranks second, with an average price of €17.24 for a pizza and a drink. This is followed by Macerata (€16.25). Of the 59 provinces analyzed, seven have an average spending of more than €14 with drink. After Livorno, the least expensive destinations are Reggio Calabria (€9.15), Pescara (€9.37) and Catanzaro (€9.96). The survey states that these are the only cities where you can pay less than €10. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Dengue fever, one case in Pisa province – May 9, Il Tirreno
CASCINA (Pisa) – The mayor has issued an ordinance directed at all residents, condominium administrators, commercial operators and managers of productive activities to allow access for pest control personnel to carry out larvicidal and adulticidal treatments and remove larval breeding sites in private outdoor areas. Following a report from the ASL about a case of arboviruses from the Dengue virus transmitted by the tiger mosquito, the Municipality of Cascina, in the province of Pisa, will conduct adulticidal, larvicidal and larval breeding site elimination interventions as soon as weather conditions permit. Affected Areas include Via di Mezzo Nord, from house number 397 to 511 (south side) and from 218 to 274 (north side) and Via Laiano di Sotto from house number 1 to 4. In public areas, street drains, private areas and green areas pertaining to residences within the intervention area, the following actions will be taken including disinfestation of the affected area with insecticides, both adulticidal and larvicidal, on public and private properties; search and elimination of peri-domestic larval breeding sites with “door-to-door” inspections of homes within the indicated area. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Montenero funicular free on Sundays – May 5, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – Until Oct. 26, the Montenero funicular will be free on Sundays. Celebrating the 2025 Jubilee, the City of Livorno, in partnership with Autolinee Toscane, has adopted this initiative. “The administration’s plan to improve and revive public transportation includes this effort. Among other things, the funicular will develop into a major tourist destination, contributing to the revitalization of the Montenero district,” said Giovanna Cepparello, Livorno councilor for Mobility. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Pisa-Rome line: delays and cancellations starting from May 5 – April 17, PisaToday
PISA– Starting May 5, passengers traveling on the Pisa-Grosseto-Rome train line should expect delays and cancellations for approximately three months due to major infrastructure upgrades. The work, totaling nearly 100 million euros, includes installing a new European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and renewing 15 kilometers of track. Regional trains: delays averaging 10 minutes, some schedule adjustments and occasional cancellations on specific routes. Intercity trains: delays of 10-20 minutes, schedule adjustments and route diversions for overnight trains impacting stops in Rome, Civitavecchia, Grosseto and Livorno. Frecciabianca (high-speed) trains: schedule changes on the Rome-Genoa route via Civitavecchia-Grosseto-Livorno. Passengers are advised to check train schedules closer to their travel dates using Trenitalia’s information channels. This investment aims to improve the line's technology, safety and efficiency in the long run. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Five hidden gems for a day trip in Tuscany – April 17, Il Tirreno
TUSCANY – Here are five hidden gems in Tuscany for a peaceful getaway suggested by blogger Riccardo Franchini:
Val di Merse, immerse yourself in silent woods and discover hidden churches. Ideal for off-the-grid walks, fresh air and reconnecting with nature.
Montegiovi, this tiny village perched in the Val d'Orcia offers tranquility and breathtaking views. Perfect for escaping noise, finding inspiration, and enjoying the company of welcoming locals.
Isola Santa, this village nestled in the Apuan Alps overlooks an emerald lake, creating a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. Disconnect from technology and find solace in the beauty of your surroundings.
Poggio di Montieri, located in the heart of Grosseto’s hinterland, this ancient ridge is ideal for getting lost in nature with a loved one or finding solitude. Wake up to stunning views and the simple pleasures of life.
Badia Prataglia, this enchanting village lies within the Casentino Forests National Park. Explore ancient beech and fir forests, discover hidden paths and embrace the tranquility of this magical place. Each destination offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and nature. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Road closures for the summer – April 8, Il Tirreno
LIVORNO – Until Oct. 15, the Romito seaside route in Livorno, will be restricted to heavy traffic. This six-month closure, which was prolonged from the previous July-August period, affects the section from Maroccone to Chioma, as well as the SS206 between Vicarello and Malandrone. Traffic will be routed via the A12 motorway between Collesalvetti and Rosignano Marittimo. The CNA (National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) is concerned about the longer closure and lack of notification, citing increased expenses for local transportation companies owing to tolls, mileage and driving time. They seek reimbursement from local governments as well as a system for calculating transit through the affected toll booths. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Wolf sighted near the sea at Vecchiano – April 8, Il Tirreno
PISA – A wolf, nicknamed as the “sea wolf,” has been observed prowling the beach at Bufalina, on the border of Vecchiano and Torre del Lago. A video shows the wolf walking down the beach during the day. This sighting comes after reports of a pack of wolves seen at night on Torre del Lago beach, prompting recommendations to keep pets on leashes. While these wolves are common in the area, they are not members of the established pack in the Pisa sector of the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Park. The park confirms that a distinct wolf family lives in San Rossore, contributing to the ecosystem by regulating the deer population. Researchers are monitoring wolf numbers in the park using a variety of tracking techniques. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Livorno church seeks revival – April 7, Il Tirreno
LIVORNO – The Chiesa dell'Apparizione (Church of the Apparition) in Livorno, Italy, closed for 19 years, is seeking to reopen. The Vallombrosan monks who own the church have launched a fundraising campaign to restore the building, which holds significant historical and religious importance as the site where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd boy in 1345. The initial fundraising goal is €300,000 to repair the damaged roof, with a total of 600,000 euros needed for a complete restoration of the church and adjacent rectory. Don Luca Giustarini, prior of the Montenero Abbey, is appealing to the Tuscan community and beyond for donations. Plans for the restored church include resuming mass celebrations, creating a parking area for pilgrims, establishing a retreat space in the rectory and housing seminarians who will care for the church. Donations can be made by contacting santamariadimontenero@gmail.com. A committee of monks and laypeople will oversee the transparent management of the funds. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Historical reenactment of the Ardenza circuit – April 7, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – Everything is ready for the seventh edition of the Circuito dell’Ardenza, a car reenactment of the historic race of Sept. 12, 1937, which, for the first time in the history of the Italian Grand Prix, left the Monza circuit to be held in Livorno. The crews are going to be in Piazza della Repubblica on April 12 and 13. The participants will travel through beautiful villages, tree-lined streets, the Tyrrhenian seashore, the high Maremma and the Tuscan hills of the provinces between Pisa and Livorno. The tour will include one-of-a-kind beauties, such as the cypress-lined avenue of Bolgheri in Castagneto Carducci and the towns of Cecina; Rosignano, Bibbona; Casale Marittimo; Guardistallo; Montescudaio; Riparbella; Castellina Marittima and Santa Luce to close the circle back in Livorno with the gala evening at the prestigious Yacht Club. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Beaches to have mandatory lifeguards starting May 1 – March 28, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – New Tuscany regulations now require lifeguard services at beach facilities from May 1 to Sept. 30, corresponding with the extended tourist season. Unlike earlier traditions, where lifeguards were mostly present on weekends, the new laws demand their attendance throughout the establishment’s operating hours, including weekdays. However, it has raised concerns among beach operators, who anticipate a substantial shortfall of experienced lifeguards to handle the increased demand. To address these concerns and clarify the new laws, beach operators and the Port Captaincy have met, including a productive discussion with important stakeholders and officials on March 26. The goal is to ensure consistent safety standards throughout all Tuscan beaches, in line with norms in other Italian regions. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Summer vibes return with the reopening of seaside kiosks – March 28, Il Tirreno
PISA – Summer has returned to the shore between Livorno and Quercianella, with the reopening of popular seaside kiosks including the Baretto dell'Accademia, which commemorated its 10th anniversary on March 29; the “twin” kiosk at Tre Ponti opened on April 1. Il Pinguino, a street food and burger restaurant, will also reopen in April. Further south, La Spiaggetta in Quercianella will continue its long tradition of “peace and love” theme. These kiosks provide a casual setting for chatting, enjoying the beach, and commemorating the beginning of the summer season. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Tap&tap service available on regional trains
LIVORNO – The new rapid ticket purchasing channel for regional trains in Tuscany has arrived. The "Tap&Tap" system is operational as of Dec. 19, and it will enable passengers to save time when purchasing the voucher by allowing contactless payment cards to be passed straight from the station’s specific validators. The system is currently in operation at the 16 stops on the Florence-Pisa-Livorno route. To purchase a ticket, simply bring your contactless payment card, smartphone or enabled smartwatches close to the readers located in the validators at the departure station and then perform the same operation at the arrival station. With the same card, it is possible to purchase a ticket for only one adult passenger (ordinary adult fare in second class), while at the checkpoint on board the train it will be sufficient to communicate the last four numbers of the payment card used. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
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