Whether it was decentralizing power in the church, easing its stance on divorce, pushing for radical action on climate change, or meeting with members of the gay community, Pope Francis is not one to stick to tradition.

Want to escape the crowds during a visit to Italy? Like the outdoors?

Fashion lovers rejoice. The highly anticipated transformation of Venice’s Fondaco dei Tedeschi building into a luxury department store is finally complete. The project was commissioned by Edizione S.r.l., the Benetton family's holding company, in 2009. Led by Dutch architect firm OMA, the landmark building has been redesigned to become a luxury shopping mall. Under a recently signed leasing agreement with Hong Kong based company DFS, the conversion into high end retail space is nearly complete.

The 73rd Venice International Film Festival just wrapped up in the floating city. The event was held at Venice Lido, from August 31 until September 10, 2016. Organized by La Biennale di Venezia and directed by Alberto Barbera, the aim of the festival was to raise awareness and promote international cinema in all its forms: as art, entertainment, and industry; in a spirit of open dialogue and freedom.

For the eighth consecutive year, Joyce Falcone- The Italian Concierge has been selected by Travel + Leisure as a top travel specialist for Italy.