Over the decades, they've tracked down looted paintings and manuscripts, and rescued artwork after natural disasters. These days, they're salvaging centuries-old works in Italy's Amatrice quake zone.
An exhibit at the Colosseum features life-size reconstructions of ancient works that ISIS damaged or destroyed in Iraq and Syria. "It is a universal heritage," says curator Francesco Rutelli.
The two paintings — of a seascape and of a congregation at a church — were stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 2002. "They are the real paintings!" a curator said in a statement.
Italy is giving 500 euros to every 18-year-old to spend on theater, music, books or other cultural events. The money is aimed at educating native-born Italians and assimilating immigrants.
A crime syndicate reaps billions working out of its base in Italy's Calabria region. But local farmers have found a way to resist the mob's extortion rackets.
Helicopters managed to extract 65 people from the gondolas late on Thursday — but then night fell, and the remaining trapped tourists had to wait until morning to be rescued.
In 24 hours, the Italian navy and aid groups rescued 6,500 people from wooden and rubber boats off the coast of Libya. The migrants did not have enough fuel to reach Europe.
Italy's state museums are donating their proceeds today to reconstruction efforts, following a massive earthquake that killed at least 291 people and nearly leveled three medieval towns.