Groups representing victims of clerical abuse expressed outrage this week after the pope criticised raids on the Catholic church by Belgian police.

One of Tuscany's finest red wines is now a lot harder to find after vandals broke into the producer's cellar and emptied 80 000 litres on the floor.

Italian women are flocking to the country's first all-female beach: a short stretch of sand designed to let bathers relax away from prying eyes and football talk. Bathers arriving at beach number 134 on the 80km stretch of beach clubs linking Rimini to Riccione are greeted by a large sign featuring a crossed-out image of a man.

Researchers say they have found evidence that a lost fresco by Leonardo da Vinci is painted on a hidden wall in a cavity in the town hall in Florence.

Researchers say they have found evidence that a lost fresco by Leonardo da Vinci is painted on a hidden wall in a cavity in the town hall in Florence.

Political refugees who risk their lives to sail from Africa to Italy are being abandoned to a life of poverty and isolation, according to a report.

Groups representing victims of clerical abuse expressed outrage this week after the pope criticised raids on the Catholic church by Belgian police.

One of Tuscany's finest red wines is now a lot harder to find after vandals broke into the producer's cellar and emptied 80 000 litres on the floor.