*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 – March 21, 2025
- Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the city built with Carrara marble
- Three days of maintenance work on the Pisa-La Spezia rail line
- Wander and pick tulip garden opened in Livorno
- Tuscany approves pets in hospitals and care facilities
- New storm to hit Tuscany over the weekend
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the city built with Carrara marble – March 21, Il Tirreno
CARRARA – In the 1990s, Turkmenistan purchased large amounts of white marble stone from Carrara to construct Ashgabat, a city of marble. Ashgabat now holds the Guinness World Record for the maximum density of marble structures because of this ambitious endeavor. Ashgabat, however, is scarcely populated despite its lavish architecture, which has earned it the nickname “The Ghost City.” Tourism to Ashgabat remains limited due to strict visa requirements, but the government is attempting to change that. Inspired by Dubai’s success, they are investing in tourism infrastructure and promoting the country’s unique attractions, including the “Gates of Hell” gas crater and the world’s largest Ferris wheel. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Three days of maintenance work on the Pisa-La Spezia rail line – March 20, Il Tirreno
PISA – Starting March 21 to Monday morning, March 24, there will be railway maintenance work between Pisa and Forte dei Marmi. It will cause significant disruptions to train services on the Pisa-La Spezia line. Regional trains will face cancellations and route changes, while Intercity and Frecciarossa trains will experience delays, route deviations and some cancellations. Replacement bus services will be provided, but journey times may be longer. Passengers are advised to check the latest travel information on Trenitalia’s website www.trenitalia.com or App. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Wander and pick tulip garden opened in Livorno – March 20, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – The first “Wander and Pick” tulip garden, featuring 45 rare and ancient varieties, has opened in Livorno, in the green area in front of the church of San Jacopo in Acquaviva. While admiring the tulips is free, those who wish to pick them can do so for a small fee (€1 per flower, €0.50 per bulb) between March 21 and for 20 days (the duration of blooming), from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The garden, designed with labyrinth-like paths, supports the “Tribù della Terra” association’s projects on sustainability, environmental care and social engagement. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Tuscany approves pets in hospitals and care facilities – March 19, Il Tirreno
TUSCANY – The Tuscany region will now allow patients in hospitals and care facilities to receive visits from their pets. This decision is based on scientific evidence showing the positive effects of animal interaction on human health and well-being. Strict guidelines, including proof of health and insurance, leashes/carriers and restricted access to certain areas, will be enforced to ensure safety and hygiene. This resolution positions Tuscany as a leader in patient-centered healthcare, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being alongside medical treatment. By fostering a more welcoming and compassionate environment, the region aims to improve the overall patient experience and potentially enhance recovery outcomes. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
New storm to hit Tuscany over the weekend – March 19, PisaToday
TUSCANY – Italy is in for a prolonged period of unsettled weather with a new storm system bringing rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds this weekend and into next week. While temperatures will rise, ending the recent cold snap, higher elevations will continue to see snowfall. On March 22, heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the Northeast, northern Tuscany and the Ligurian Sea are expected. The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into next week with no sign of stable weather in the near future. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Recent Italian News highlights
“Run For AIRC” in Pisa to support cancer research – March 14, PisaToday
PISA – On March 30, Pisa will host the “Run For AIRC,” with the Piazza dei Miracoli serving as both the starting and finishing point. This non-competitive run/walk offers two distances, 5km and 10km, allowing participants of all levels to enjoy a scenic route along the Arno River. This event is an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activity while supporting the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC). The registration fee contributes to funding innovative projects by over 5,400 researchers dedicated to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Throughout the day, attendees wearing the “Run For AIRC” shirt will also be granted free admission to a number of Pisan historical sites. Registration is open until March 30 at https://www.endu.net/events/id/95573. Participants can also register and collect their official t-shirt at the Village Expo on March 29 and 30. Team registration is also an option, and the three largest teams will receive special recognition. All participants will receive the official “Run For AIRC” 2025 t-shirt and surprise gadgets. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Livorno celebrates St. Patrick – March 11, Il Tirreno
LIVORNO – Livorno celebrates the St. Patrick’s Day Festival until March 23, bringing a taste of Ireland to the Aurora Theater in Viale Petrarca. A whole week of music, cool performances and fascinating literature, basically Irish culture at its finest. It’s all about mixing tradition with a modern twist, right in the heart of Livorno. This festival is part of the epic Ireland Week celebration happening all over Europe. After taking place in Milan (March 9-17), now it is Livorno’s turn to keep the party going, before the fun heads to cities like Madrid and Paris. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Camellia fest in Calci – March 11, PisaToday
CALCI (Pisa) – The picturesque village of Calci (Pisa) will host a charming Camellia Festival on Sunday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to sunset. The event, which winds its way through the heart of the village at the foot of the Nicosia Convent, offers a delightful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of springtime. Stroll along Via Centofanti, where charming alleys, hidden squares, and private gardens will be open to the public for this special occasion. It will be possible to admire vibrant camellias in full bloom and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. Guests can participate in guided walks, engage with unique exhibitions and discover local artisans. Families are welcomed to picnic amidst the beauty of the gardens while enjoying the festive atmosphere, which will include workshops and entertainment. This free festival promises a delightful day of discovery for visitors of all ages. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Tuscany Medieval Festival, from May 9 to 11 – March 11, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – Pre-sales are open on the Liveticket website for the medieval festival that will take attendees to another era filled with traveling performers, music and dancing and daring knights ready to clash in thrilling displays of skill and courage. The festival opens with a parade through the streets of the city center, followed by a grand show with fireworks. There will also be opportunities to visit stands, enjoy performances and knightly duels and listen to lively music. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
The Ferris wheel will be in Pisa beginning March 1 – February 26, PisaToday
PISA – The Ferris wheel in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in Pisa will be inaugurated in a ceremony scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, and will remain in operation until April 13. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
The 2025 Giro d’Italia will travel through Pisa on May 20 – January 14, Il Tirreno/PisaToday
PISA – After 45 years, Pisa is set to experience again the thrill of the Giro d’Italia, the most important cycling race. The stage on May 20, will be historic: the riders will pass through the scenic lungarni before finishing in the majestic Piazza dei Miracoli, providing a one-of-a-kind spectacle in the heart of the city. The Giro stage provides a unique opportunity to highlight Pisa’s strengths. The lungarni, already well-known for their beauty, will be a stunning spectacle for the entire world, while Piazza dei Miracoli, with its ageless appeal, will host an unforgettable finale. (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)
BuBBles Revolution show comes to Livorno – December 13, LivornoToday
LIVORNO – BuBBles Revolution, the biggest soap bubble event in the world featuring the best bubble artists from across the world, is coming to Italy on tour. The performance will take place at the Goldoni Theater in Livorno on March 28, 2025. Magic, enchantment, laughter and poetry at the edge of the imagination for about an hour and a half. An incredible voyage into the amazing realm of soap bubbles, where the possibilities are endless, and the imagination is unbounded. Tickets are available at the link https://www.bubblesrevolution.com/tour (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Snow chains or winter tires mandatory beginning Nov. 15 – November 12, PisaToday
TUSCANY – All motor vehicles on all state highways and highway links in Tuscany are required to have winter tires or snow chains on board from Nov. 15 to April 15, 2025. Motorcycles and mopeds are excluded from the requirement and are only permitted to drive when there is no snow or ice on the road and no snowfall is currently occurring. Appropriate vertical signage on the road will indicate the requirement. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
Heaters on from Nov. 1 to April 15 – September 24, LivornoToday/PisaToday
TUSCANY – Autumn is bringing the inevitable drop in temperatures. Italy is divided into six different climate zones determined by average daily temperatures. Denoted by the letters of the alphabet, zone A is the warmest, while F is the one with harsher climates. According to this subdivision, Zone D affects mainly areas in central Italy such as Tuscany, where heaters can be turned on from Nov. 1 to April 15, 2025, for 12 hours a day. (Summary by Chiara Mattirolo)
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