Ancient Roman cobbled streets and wheelchairs don't normally mix, but new paved passageways have made the Pompeii archeological ruins disabled friendly.

"We have 48 decisive hours in which we can change the future of our children," the Prime Minister told crowds at a rally in his home town of Florence.

All eyes are on Italy as its Brexit/Trump moment arrives in what could plunge the country into financial crisis.

Gold is finding some support from the uncertainty in Italy that's triggered a bid for haven assets.

Going to prison is a nightmare . . . but what if it turns out to be for a romantic dinner, quirky shopping session or dream holiday?

If you think 2016 is a mess, just wait until you see what's next. A toxic mix of potential disasters could send Europe into a death spiral.

Emma Morano is the last person alive who was born in the 1800s and credits her longevity to her rather unusual diet.

Family time out in a spa is just what the doctor ordered, writes Sarah Thornton.

A group of Italian hotels is offering free accommodation to couples who conceive during their stay, in a bid to boost the country's low birthrate.

The Mayor of Florence blocked the fast food chain from opening a restaurant in the Renaissance city. Now the city is being sued.

The rich and famous - and some sex-starved sailors, had a great time until Vesuvius roared, writes Derek Cheng.

Eltham teddy bear involved in international kidnapping case. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

At 117, the world's oldest woman credits one food in particular with the secret to her longevity.

The United Nations have said that at least 239 migrants have drowned this week in two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya.

A group of children from a South Taranaki primary school are appealing to the Pope to intervene in an international kidnapping case involving a very special bear.

Officials are concerns after the latest quake damaged several churches and buildings in the heart of Rome.

The lucky SuperEnalotto winner from Vibo Valentia in Sicily paid just 3 for the record jackpot.

An Italian woman who spoke badly of her former husband in front of their kids has been ordered by a court to pay him 30,000 ($45,570) in compensation.

An Italian prosecutor says he wants to find those responsible for 'inciting' death by unlocking woman's phone.

The Vatican is struggling to cope with a massive rise in demand for exorcists by Italians who are finding themselves increasingly menaced by demons.

Stephanie Kercher, sister of murdered Meredith, says a new documentary about Amanda Knox has hurt her family.

Next month a few hundred bottles of truffle beer will be hitting the shelves of an Auckland gourmet food store.

Francesca Gosling sleeps on board in the lap of luxury and hops off to explore a new Riviera destination every day.

Amanda Knox lied to police, saying she was in the apartment when her roommate was killed. This, she claims, is why.

Italy has a very updated high-speed network of trains.

Xenia Taliotis checks into an elegant Tuscan hotel and decides to never leave.

Sasi Nair takes a whistle-stop tour through some of northern Italy's beautiful regions.

Scientists reveal how 5300-year-old corpse met his end - and that the 'iceman' called Otzi had 61 tattoos.

The bloody handprint on the wall, the ripped bra and a leg protruding out from underneath a duvet. Giuliano Mignini remembers it all.

An Italian woman was bombarded with abuse after an explicit sex tape emerged online.