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National Geographic
6 days ago
- National Geographic
This city in the shadow of Venice is filled with UNESCO treasures
About 40 miles from Venice's winding waterways and busy plazas lies Vicenza, an elegant Renaissance jewel. To visit Vicenza is to breathe in the genius of one of history's most influential architects, Andrea Palladio. Though born in nearby Padua, this 16th century architect made his study of classical Greek and Roman architecture central to the design style that later reached throughout Europe and across the Atlantic—a style that inspired Thomas Jefferson to design Monticello after Palladian ideals. Come for the architecture, but stay to explore a rich tapestry of history and gastronomy. From its museums full of fine art to its stately villas, Vicenza is worth the day trip from Veneto's more crowded destinations. Explore Vicenza's main piazza Piazza dei Signori is a beautiful starting point. It's here in the historical center that the city's heartbeat pulses outward with breathtaking views of Palladian Basilica and the adjacent Torre Bissara. The Basilica—not a church, but rather a town hall—features handsomely as the city's symbol and is one of its many UNESCO sites. Leisurely stroll through the piazza, found empty in early morning, or drink in the soft evening glow with an aperitivo at any one of the bustling bars lining the piazza. (Say ciao to these alcohol-free takes on Italian aperitivo classics) Piazza dei Signori is home to the Palladian Basilica, a town hall with rotating exhibits. Photograph By Toni Anzenberger/Anzenberger/Redux Today, the Basilica's spacious council hall now serves as the scene of changing exhibits, with admission to the terrace for views of the square. The rooftop bar makes for a magical viewpoint to watch the evening sun set. Tour Palladio's final masterpiece The year 1555 saw the formation of Accademia Olimpica, a group of artists and noblemen who shared an appreciation for the arts and borrowed inspiration from Greek and Roman ideals. Within this group, Palladio proposed the construction of what would become his last work and masterpiece, Teatro Olimpico. This architectural marvel serves as a beautifully preserved reminder of Renaissance ingenuity. Soak in the atmosphere of the world's oldest covered theater with one of many classical music concerts or jazz performances throughout the year. (Europe's city tours are better than ever—here's where to go) See fine art at Palazzo Chiericati A work of art itself, Palazzo Chiericati owes its appearance to Palladio, built at the behest of Vicenza nobleman Girolamo Chiericati. It was completed at the end of the 17th century from Palladio's own sketches and draws heavily on his study of classical Roman architecture. Today, it forms a stunning backdrop for the art collection within. A city museum, it contains more than 31,000 works of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Before you exit, wander through the salons for a glimpse of the spectacularly frescoed ceilings on the main floor. The Chapel of the Rosary in the church of Santa Corona is made up of 34 canvases. Photograph ByClimb Monte Berico Challenge your lungs with a walk up the two sets of porticoes that connect the city with the Basilica of St. Mary of Mount Berico. More than just a sanctuary for pilgrims and sacred art, Monte Berico's hilltop features sweeping views of Vicenza on a clear day, best enjoyed from Ai Sette Santi's outdoor terrace. Tour Villa La Rotonda Villa la Rotonda exists today as the celebrated union of grace and geometry, prominently located on a hilltop position at Vicenza's edge. Visitors to this Renaissance home enjoy the abundance of clean lines, pure, unfiltered sunlight, and magnificent symmetry that justifies its designation as a UNESCO Heritage Site. One of 24 total Palladian villas in the Veneto, this estate provides an exemplary balance between agrarian function and self-glorification. Its public portion can be accessed with tickets for self-paced tours or with a private guide at various times throughout the year. Villa la Rotonda is one of 24 Palladian villas in the Veneto that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Photograph By trabantos/Shutterstock Where to eat and drink Caffe Pigafetta is named for Antonio Pigafetta, a lesser-known, but still famous, Vicenza local. This 16th-century navigator left his mark as the keeper of explorer Ferdinand Magellan's travel log, and his namesake cafe is the perfect spot to sit and jot down a few travel notes of your own. You'll need to squeeze through the cafe's jostling and cozy interior; a testament to Pigafetta's popularity among the locals. Order a shot of one of their artisanal coffee blends or try a velvety smooth mint or pistachio latte. Vicenza supplies not only a wealth of splendid art and architecture, but also a rich gastronomy scene. There's no better way to end a day of sightseeing than by having dinner at Angolo Palladio. Sit outside in the shadow of the Basilica or tuck into a cozy table indoors. Dine on upscale takes on Veneto specialties: Start with cured ham from Veneto Berico Euganeo and move onto bigoli with duck ragu. The star of Vicenza's cuisine is cod with polenta for a main course, expertly paired with one of many artisanal wines. (Explore the wilder side of Venice—with the help of its fishermen) Veneto Berico Euganeo ham is produced in the Veneto region. Photograph By Anika Buessemeier/laif/Redux Where to shop Vicenza shares notoriety not only with Palladio's architectural prowess, but also a long tradition of gold work. Roughly a third of Italy's gold work comes from 'the city of gold,' a history and craftsmanship you can learn more about with a brief visit to the Jewelry Museum, located just under the Basilica's archways. Next, shop for a glittering souvenir to purchase from the family-owned jewelers next door, right where the city's first guild of goldsmiths was founded in 1333. How to get to Vicenza Hop a train from Venice's Santa Lucia train station direct to Vicenza's only rail stop. You can book your roughly 45-minute journey on Trenitalia or Trainline apps. Once there, it's a 10-minute walk to Vicenza's compact city center. Alyssa Blakemore is an American freelance writer based in northern Italy, specializing in culture, history, and international relations.
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Estate for sale in California has a history of ‘high-profile' owners. Take a look
A jaw-dropping estate with a compelling history has hit the South Pasadena market in California. It also has a unique design that you don't see too often in this part of the world. Welcome to Villa Arno, an Italian Renaissance Revival estate that was deemed a Cultural Heritage Landmark and is now listed for $12.5 million. 'Commissioned by Dr. John Stewart Tanner in 1916 and designed by the celebrated architect Reginald Johnson, this stunning Italian Renaissance Revival estate boasts a history enriched by high-profile owners ranging from philanthropists and scientists to Hollywood designers,' a news release says. Notable owners include interior designer Raymond G. Gould; president of the Southern California Gas Company in 1927, Alexander B. Macbeth; and Pasadena artist Earle Hugens. The home is currently owned by Richard Tyler, a designer of clothing worn by Elton John, Cher, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross. 'In an unusual transaction, present homeowner Tyler traded his Hollywood Hills mansion (one formerly built for actress Dolores del Rio) for the Villa Arno estate,' the release said. The home itself is a marvel of Italian architecture and features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, high ceilings, a one bedroom guest house and so much more. Other features, per the release, include: 'Original Palladian doors'Swimming poolCabanaGrillPrivate gardensSpacious atticBasementChef's kitchenMotor court The listing is held by the George Penner Team.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jeff Bezos' lavish wedding secrets leaked: Who made the cut, dress designer and eye-popping price tag
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are having a very fancy and private wedding in Venice, Italy. But now, all the secrets are out — like who's going, what she's wearing, how much it costs, and where it will happen. And it's way more dramatic, expensive, and private than people thought. The wedding will have 3 big events over 3 days starting off with a pre-wedding party, the main wedding, and a final celebration. The first dinner will be on a quiet island in Venice called San Giovanni Evangelista, where only 11 people normally live. The location is super exclusive and only reachable by boat. Guests will sit at long tables in a vineyard, with presidential-level security, according to the report by Daily Mail. About 200 rich guests are coming, including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Barry Diller, and Diane von Furstenberg. Bride-to-be Lauren Sanchez will likely arrive by helicopter and land on the floating helipad of their support yacht Abeona. The wedding planners, a company called Lanza & Baucina, got this last-minute venue. The villa, Villa Baslini, is usually rented out and booked for 2 years straight, as per reports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Jeff Bezos is worth $224 billion, but a wedding source called him 'unlucky' because so many things have gone wrong. The original wedding budget was $50 million, but after criticism, it was cut down to around $5 million. Critics slammed Sanchez's recent space flight as a rich-person stunt. It was supposed to be a feminist mission but didn't go well with the public, as stated by Daily Mail. Plans changed after backlash and protests To calm the backlash, the couple changed plans and made the wedding look more like a family gathering than a billionaire party. The original idea was to use Bezos's $500 million yacht, Koru, for the wedding events. But because of security issues and protests in Venice, they kept it away in Croatia, as per reports. Live Events Posters saying 'No Space for Bezos' were spotted in Venice, so the couple didn't want to cause more public anger. Security fears increased after Trump's military actions in Iran, so plans had to be changed again. Koru is staying far away, and even the guest travel plan got adjusted. Trump was supposed to be invited, but now probably won't come. However, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are already in Venice. Guests are staying at luxury hotels like the Aman Palace and Cipriani, where rooms cost up to £10,000 a night. The wedding day itself will be in San Giorgio Maggiore, at a beautiful outdoor place called the 'green theatre', according to a Daily Mail report. This theatre can hold up to 1,500 guests, has white stone seating, and was recently redesigned by famous architects Foster plus Partners to include drone-proof canopies. The wedding dinner will likely be in Palladian rooms, outside, or in a cloister. The couple is planning to light up the sky with fireworks after the wedding. Dresses, parties, and what happens next There are rumors that Anna Wintour helped pick Lauren's dress and Bezos's tux, but she may not attend because of Dior's Paris show. Lauren Sanchez will wear Dolce & Gabbana for the main ceremony. She picked them because she likes them and Anna Wintour approves. She may change her outfits over a dozen times during the wedding week, and also wear Oscar de la Renta for some events, as per the report by Daily Mail. One event even has a 'pyjama' dress code. Saturday's party will be a big ball at the Arsenale, an ancient, secure shipyard used for art shows and fashion events. Some other places were considered for events, like Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but were not used because of logistics and size issues. There are secret mini parties planned on smaller islands like Burano, Giudecca, and Sacca Sessola, and on yachts. Some guests will get private art museum tours too, according to the reports. After the wedding, the couple will sail to Taormina, Sicily, to relax at the San Domenico Palace, known from 'The White Lotus' Season 2. The official wedding photos will likely be published in Vogue or Vanity Fair. Bezos and Sanchez met through her then-husband Patrick Whitesell, a top Hollywood agent, as per the report by Daily Mail. They first got close while planning a documentary about Blue Origin, Bezos's space company, which turned into a secret 8-month affair. Tabloids followed them across 5 states and 40,000 miles, exposing their romance. In 2019, Bezos divorced his wife MacKenzie Scott, and Sanchez also ended things with Whitesell. Bezos gave Sanchez a huge pink diamond ring worth around $2.5 million when they got engaged in May 2023. Sanchez now works on several charity projects, including the Bezos Earth Fund, Day 1 Families Fund, and Bezos Academy. The couple is expected to donate a large sum to Venetian charities, but only after the wedding to avoid seeming like they are 'buying' Venice. The wedding planners said they are doing their best to respect Venice, hire locals, and support the lagoon, according to the report by Daily Mail. FAQs Q1. Where is Jeff Bezos getting married? Jeff Bezos is getting married in Venice, Italy, with events on islands like San Giovanni and San Giorgio Maggiore. Q2. Who is invited to Jeff Bezos' wedding? Around 200 rich and famous guests, including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and Ivanka Trump, are attending.
Vogue Singapore
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
A look at Bottega Veneta's cultural footprint through time
Courtesy of Bottega Veneta There are brands that dress the moment and then there are those that seem to shape time itself. Born in Vicenza in 1966, in a region cradled by the Palladian hills and steeped in centuries of goldsmithing, Bottega Veneta has always felt more like a philosophy than a fashion label. From its infancy, the brand's artisans worked with leather in a way that defied the logic of machinery. Lacking industrial sewing tools strong enough to handle their fine hides, they invented Intrecciato, an intricate lattice-like weave that remains the house's enduring emblem. More than a technique, it is a metaphor signifying luxury without excess and a tribute to the beauty of invisibly meticulous work. 'Taken together, what stands out most in Bottega Veneta's cultural initiatives is that there seems to be no attempt to universalise taste.' This reverence for craftsmanship has, over time, translated into a broader cultural ethos. In 1983, decades before 'brand philanthropy' became a buzzword, Bottega Veneta underwrote the restoration of Titian's 'The Penitent Saint Jerome' in Milan—an act of reverence not for publicity but for posterity. It is this commitment to legacy rather than branding that distinguishes the house's cultural footprint. As I linger at the entrance of Liminal in the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, this conviction becomes even more apparent. Housed in the sprawling expanse of a pitch-dark gallery where you can barely make out what is in front of you, French contemporary artist Pierre Huyghe's first solo show in South Korea arrives with the support of Bottega Veneta. South Korean actress Kim Da Mi at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, attending the opening of Pierre Huyghe's exhibition, Liminal. Courtesy of Bottega Veneta A wholly transportive universe spanning large-scale video, installations and even performance, Liminal has no prescribed route. Instead, what awaits is a shifting terrain of image, matter and mood: a masked monkey enacts uncanny rituals; an aquarium hums with artificial intelligence and crustacean indifference; and faceless figures dressed in Bottega Veneta garments glide through Huyghe's constructed ecosystems—like apparitions with impeccable taste. In Huyghe's cosmos, the exhibit is alive (conscious, even), insisting that our outdated framework of separating nature and technology is no longer sufficient to capture our evolving cultural landscape. That Bottega Veneta has lent its hand to this effort makes sense. The house's legacy is one of tactile mastery, yes, but also of subtle provocation. Here, in collaboration with the Leeum Museum of Art, it champions a wonderfully unsettling vision of the world. Presented with the support of Bottega Veneta, the French contemporary artist's first solo show in South Korea spanned large- scale video, installations and performance. Courtesy of Bottega Veneta As one of South Korea's top artistic institutions, Leeum is, in itself, an architectural marvel—designed by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas. Inside, a 12th-century celadon sits metres away from Yves Klein and Suki Seokyeong Kang; gold-threaded ritual robes glow under the same light as a Louise Bourgeois spider. The museum's curatorial approach transcends both country and era, privileging nuance over narrative. As a result, the museum represents less an institutional partner for Bottega Veneta than a kindred spirit. The brand's relationship with the museum began in 2023 and has since been cultivated with care. What has grown between them is a cross-cultural dialogue on the value of craft. Just as the museum preserves the intricate traditions of Korean metalwork and ceramics, Bottega Veneta continues to honour its artisanal roots through Intrecciato and hand-finished leatherwork. The synergy lies not in sameness, but in the parallel belief that heritage is not a static thing. Instead, it needs to be re-interpreted and reimagined. It's a sensibility that extends beyond Seoul into the rest of the continent. Over the past few years, Bottega Veneta has steadily expanded its footprint across Asia—not through ubiquitous storefronts or monogrammed flash, but through a carefully calibrated localised presence. There are ambassadors, yes, but even these appointments feel unusually grounded. Instead of flattening its representatives into global campaign cliches, Bottega Veneta seems to prefer that they remain rooted in their own contexts, their own emotional registers. Now in its fourth year, the 2024 edition of Bottega for Bottegas showcased brass objects by Fonderia Artistica Valese; a wooden puzzle by Signor Blum; a set of playing cards in a leather case by Modiano; and glass creations by Laguna~B, Bruno Amadi and Wave. Courtesy of Bottega Veneta This respect for specificity is arguably most visible in The Square, a series of intimate cultural programmes the brand has hosted in prominent cities around the world. Each edition brings together local artists and thinkers in a temporary space that functions more like a salon than a showroom. In Tokyo, guests encountered tatami rooms, ikebana installations and conversations on impermanence; in Dubai, there were Arabic calligraphers, poets and scent-makers in dialogue with one another, rather than orbiting a Western centre. Then there is Bottega for Bottegas—an initiative that perhaps speaks most directly to the brand's instinct for humility. Launched as a gesture of reciprocity, it spotlights small businesses around the world, ranging from florists and ceramicists to noodle- makers and bookbinders. In its third edition, it featured three artisans hailing from Asia, each rooted in their own cultural histories and techniques: Taiwanese artist Cheng Tsung Feng, known for his elaborate bamboo installations; third-generation Korean kite-maker Kitai Rhee; and Chinese artisan Liu Wenhui, who makes modular sculptures inspired by classical joinery. Through these collaborations, Bottega Veneta offers not just visibility but solidarity—using its global platform to amplify the value of small-scale craft. In 2022, Bottega Veneta collaborated with The Strand, one of New York's most iconic bookstores, releasing a line of leather totes (some featuring its emblematic Intrecciato weave). Courtesy of Bottega Veneta Taken together, what stands out most in the brand's cultural initiatives is that there seems to be no attempt to universalise taste. Instead, Bottega Veneta seems content to become a guest, a student even, in the cultures it enters. The result is something that is quieter and perhaps more radical: a luxury house that doesn't aspire to omnipresence but to intimacy. In an age when cultural capital is often confused with reach, there may be no approach more subversive than this. Vogue Singapore's June 'Gold' issue will be out on newsstands from 13 June and is available to preorder online.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Hyderabad's James Street Police Station, built in 1870s, revitalised for future
Nearly a decade after the Hyderabad police vacated the premises, the iconic 19th-century James Street Police Station, later known as Ramgopalpet Police Station, has been revitalised through conservation efforts. This Palladian structure, built in the 1870s, with its distinctive colonial features including semicircular arches, louvred windows, doors, and a prominent clock tower, has been given a new lease of life. The police station was originally named after British Resident James Kirkpatrick and later renamed after businessman Seth Ramgopal, who financed its construction. In 1998, the fully functional police station was designated as a heritage building under the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. Over time, this grand structure succumbed to the elements. Leaking roofs and broken rafters became common, clear signs of deterioration due to the passage of time and nature's relentless touch. Conservation architect GSV Suryanarayan Murthy of Kshetra Consultants said his team studied the original geometry, architectural features, and material used, along with archival research, to restore the building. Asked about the condition of the building at the start of the conservation project, he said that the structure was intact, though portions of the roof at the back had cracked. 'People had added a water tank, damaging the brackets and parapet, and the roof portion. We removed it and tried to load the water tank appropriately so that it does not further damage the structure in the future,' he added. According to him, the 'Madras terrace' and 'jack-arch roof' are unique to the era's buildings. 'There are no people who know the know-how of this kind of roof. So, we studied the previous specifications from old documents, trained people, tested at some place, did trial and error, and we continued only after finding them appropriate,' he said, adding that the famed British Residency and iconic Kurshid Jah Devdi are examples of similar architecture to be found in Hyderabad. Mir Khan of Deccan Terrain Heritage, who carried out the restoration work, said that several layers of foreign material, such as cement and synthetic paints, were carefully removed and redone with ancient lime plaster techniques, as part of the restoration. 'The ornamental lime plaster over typical colonial brick masonry is one of a kind in clock tower design, signifying the era of brick and lime mastery, where curved steps and grooves on the outer walls distinguish it from general lime buildings' ornamentation,' he said. According to Khan, wooden rafters, due to constant moisture, were damaged, and wherever required, propping was done and replaced. 'Due to ageing and interventions, the building, like any heritage building, required detailed analysis before taking up restoration. We have to retain the breathability in the walls. So, for aeration, we have to have lime plaster on both sides. Terrace leakages are common in any heritage building. However, if you don't attend to them in time, the water penetrates the building and becomes a problem. The clock tower was in bad shape. There was a 400-kg brass bell. We have kept it on the ground floor as a memento,' he explained. Rahul V Pisharody is an Assistant Editor with the Indian Express Online and has been reporting from Telangana on various issues since 2019. Besides a focused approach to big news developments, Rahul has a keen interest in stories about Hyderabad and its inhabitants and looks out for interesting features on the city's heritage, environment, history culture etc. His articles are straightforward and simple reads in sync with the context. Rahul started his career as a journalist in 2011 with The New Indian Express and worked in different roles at the Hyderabad bureau for over 8 years. As Deputy Metro Editor, he was in charge of the Hyderabad bureau of the newspaper and coordinated with the team of district correspondents, centres and internet desk for over three years. A native of Palakkad in Kerala, Rahul has a Master's degree in Communication (Print and New Media) from the University of Hyderabad and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Long motorcycle rides and travel photography are among his other interests. ... Read More
