History in Italy

For two decades in the 13th century, the papacy operated from this palace in central Italy, which served as the site of the first—and longest—papal election conclave in history.

Does this church in Naples hold the true tomb of Vlad the Impaler, the notoriously cruel figure who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula?

Why does this Italian coastal city have a statue of a 17th-century samurai?

A memorial to the Vicentine who survived and documented Magellan's circumnavigation of the world.

This small village claims to be independent from Italy because it was left out when the nation was unified.

According to Greek mythology, this natural spring is the home of a freshwater nymph.

An image of two murdered magistrates became iconic and is reproduced in metal as a memorial on the Civitavecchia sea front.

This 10th-century seaside abbey holds spectacular views and a window into the past.

This Art Nouveau mansion was used as the "House of the Screaming Child" in Dario Argento’s giallo classic.

An ancient cemetery hides behind a line of disparate chapels.

A family accused of witchcraft once called this medieval tower home.

A stately castle in the northern Italian countryside has been restored after years of neglect.

First founded in 1472, this is the oldest bank in the world. Its history may explain why we call financial institutions "banks."

This stately palace, first built in the 16th century, was converted into a prison in 1830.

Before it was buried by volcanic ash, this fast-food restaurant fed the hungry hordes of ancient Rome.

The oldest-known example of a historic architectural style recognized by UNESCO.