More than 1.6 billion ($2.6 billion) worth of assets have been seized from a family of five Sicilian pensioners in one of Italy's largest anti-Mafia operations in 20 years, say Italian police.

The New Zealanders collected six medals at the Varese regatta in Italy early yesterday, including four gold, and that without the golden bankers.

Segolene Royal, the French Ecology Minister, has outraged Italy by suggesting that Nutella should be boycotted because it leads to deforestation in the tropics.

Italy is to offer a portfolio of publicly owned castles, monasteries, palaces and lighthouses to the highest bidder in an attempt to improve its finances.

They hoisted up tens of thousands of terrified wild animals to the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum.

Scenery, great food, no packing and not too much exercise... that all suits Roger Hall.

Italy is now the only western European country that does not recognise either same-sex marriage or civil unions.

All Italy stops to watch a spectacular boat race that's been contested for more than 700 years, writes Carol Smith.

A cafe owner found so much archaeological treasure buried beneath his property that he now has a museum. Michael Day hears his story ...

A shipwreck in which hundreds of people are feared dead may be one of the worst disasters of the Mediterranean migrant crisis.

Venice is the setting for Nicky Pellegrino's new novel. On a fact-finding visit she strayed into richly rewarding back streets.

Bev Wood experiences the Italian capacity for both wild frenzy and languid indolence.

For most of their adult lives they have been entangled in one of Europe's most intriguing murder mysteries, prime suspects in the near-inexplicable murder of a young Englishwoman in Italy.

A bar atop a hill in Sicily's Taormina has plenty to seduce eyes, ears and palate, finds Kevin Pilley.

Italy has only grown 4 per cent - in total - since the euro was created 16 years ago.

New Zealand lamb wool prices jumped to their highest level in almost four years this week.

The wall of silence that has protected the Mafia for decades is finally cracking, even in its Sicilian heartland.

Nearly 1000 refugees were safely brought ashore in Italy yesterday after being abandoned by suspected smugglers on a merchant ship.

In 2013 Pope Francis had a lot to celebrate. Not only was he named Time magazine person of the year, but was also awarded the title of Esquire's best-dressed man.

Italy's leading tourist attractions including the Colosseum could soon be in foreign hands as the country seeks new directors from around the world to make its museums more profitable.

Chow Chow dogs, painted and dyed to look like panda bears, have been seized from an Italian circus.

The UN's refugee agency has revealed "the most lethal route in the world" after a record number of deaths.

A fruit fly infestation has ravaged orchards across Italy, one of the world's top producers of olive oil, sending prices soaring.

Visitors to Italy will find its famed foods come in many gluten-free forms they'll love.

Italian police yesterday revealed an enormous collection of animals confiscated in recent months from jailed or arrested mafia bosses.

Make a plan before you leave ship and reap the rewards of your research, Pam Neville says. She shares some shore excursions from a recent Mediterranean cruise.

Security for Italy's most at-risk prosecutor has been increased because of claims that Cosa Nostra bosses have plans to assassinate him with a bazooka.

Rupert Murdoch prepares to complete the merger of his British, Italian and German pay-TV companies next week.

Two Kiwis working in Miami have been victims of fraud - with a $27,000 Italian shopping spree charged to their credit card.