Latest from Local Italy
Local Italy
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
'Eat the rich': Venice protests shadow Bezos wedding
"Bezos, out of the lagoon", the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: "Eat the rich", "Rejected", and accusations that Venice's mayor is "corrupt". The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the "No place for Bezos" group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city. "We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land," said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with "No Space for Bezos" who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV. Protesters later unfurled a large "No place for Bezos" banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that "Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's". "We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in," he added. Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square. The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball Saturday night -- as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image. Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.
Local Italy
a day ago
- Business
- Local Italy
Why Vienna is Europe's hidden gem for life sciences
With its impressive architecture and coffee house-lined streets, Vienna is a city like no other. Situated on the banks of the Danube, it is steeped in history and has long been a cultural capital of Europe. These days, however, the city is just as defined by its future as its past. Thanks to forward-thinking research centres, top-ranked universities and an expanding base of life sciences companies, Vienna is a rising powerhouse in biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical research. Morning in Vienna's city centre, home to a growing community of global researchers 'Life sciences are one of Vienna's key drivers of innovation,' said Dominic Weiss, Managing Director of the Vienna Business Agency, which supports the ecosystem through funding programs, location scouting and other expert support, such as immigration advice. 'Over many years, life sciences companies ranging from international pharmaceutical giants to startups working on the bleeding edge of technology have repeatedly chosen to move to, invest and expand in this city, collaborating with local universities to create an internationally competitive hub that produces game-changing therapies, devices and diagnostic tools.' The sector is made up of over 750 organisations, generating about €22.7 billion a year. The vast majority of revenue – just over 80 percent – stems from the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors alone. More than 49,000 people currently work in life sciences – and the numbers are rising as ever more international experts are drawn into the ecosystem. 'Part of what makes Vienna an attractive location for life science companies is that the city combines an excellent research landscape and university talent pool with a great deal of attractiveness for top international researchers and executives,' Weiss added. 'Moving to Vienna is not a hard sell.' Combining top-ranked livability, affordability and a strong work-life balance, it's no wonder that international researchers and entrepreneurs are choosing to call Vienna home. In fact, around 40 percent of the Austrian capital's two million residents were born abroad, giving the city a truly diverse feel. Thriving life sciences hub Some of the world's top life science firms – including pharma giants Takeda, Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis – have offices in Vienna. Meanwhile, cutting-edge research institutions working on everything from tissue regeneration and cancer therapies to prosthetics are well established in the Austrian capital. What really sets Vienna apart is how closely connected this ecosystem is. Research labs, clinical research facilities and companies are often within walking distance of each other. 'This spatial density creates collaboration opportunities and translational potential that researchers find on par with top global locations,' says Dr Michael Stampfer, Managing Director of the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF). Groundbreaking research is underway in facilities such as the Vienna BioCenter, which has more than 2,000 scientists covering fields like cancer biology, immunology, and RNA therapeutics. One standout project is US biochemist Elly Tanaka's work in regeneration biology. By studying animals that can regrow limbs and tissues, Tanaka's lab at the IMP is researching potential treatments for human diseases. And the city isn't slowing down. The soon-to-launch AITHYRA Institute, a revolutionary research hub for biomedical AI, will be one of the first of its kind in Europe. With Michael Bronstein, DeepMind Professor of AI at the University of Oxford, at the helm, the institute will bring together experts and apply state-of-the-art technology to better understand diseases, speed up diagnoses, and help develop new treatments. Dr Stampfer sees this growth as part of a larger trend. He describes Vienna's life sciences sector as being 'on a qualitative and quantitative growth course', which means there are 'lots of attractive positions available' for international talent. Young pharmacy researchers. Supportive community and funding opportunities Moving to a new country can feel daunting but there is plenty of support for newcomers. The Vienna Business Agency offers free consultations, events and guidance to researchers and entrepreneurs on everything from funding applications to finding a flat. Support is also available at the WWTF, which provides research funding as well as a Dual Career Service to assist researchers and their partners in settling in Vienna. According to Dr Stampfer, researchers are 'pleasantly surprised by our comprehensive support system for international scientists and the efficiency of our funding administration'. LISAvienna, the city's life sciences platform, offers targeted support for biotech and digital health startups, including help with grants, contacts and networking. Vienna is also gaining recognition on the global stage. Researchers are publishing in prestigious journals, while centres such as the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), are winning competitive European Research Council grants. 'We also witness an expanding life sciences startup ecosystem, and venture capital funds taking a closer look at what is happening in Vienna,' Dr Stampfer adds. Meanwhile, international recruitment is strong, particularly among early-career scientists. This can be seen in initiatives such as the WWTF's Vienna Research Groups programme. Dr Stampfer says the rising number of young people coming to Vienna 'creates a vibrant research environment with fresh perspectives'. Working in one of Vienna's many welcoming cafés. Life beyond the lab Science isn't the only reason for choosing Wien. The city is regularly crowned one of the most liveable in the world due to its excellent infrastructure, healthcare, cultural scene and green space. Residents enjoy affordable and efficient public transport alongside family-friendly policies like free childcare for young children. Vienna's international connections are another advantage. Thanks to a major airport and fast train links it's easy to travel around Europe or further afield. 'The central European location and rich cultural landscape exceed expectations, even for those with high initial hopes,' says Dr Stampfer. Of course, there is the odd Viennese quirk. 'Researchers might be a little surprised by the playful grumpiness of our local coffee house waiters – and the many urban legends around it,' adds Dr Stampfer. 'But this is something people get used to quickly.' 'Building the future' From Freud's psychoanalysis to Schrödinger's quantum theory, Vienna has long attracted brilliant minds. That tradition has continued with major contributions to fields such as gene editing, attosecond physics and quantum entanglement. Now, new projects in digital medicine and AI-driven health research are opening up even more possibilities. With centres like AITHYRA on the horizon, a flourishing startup scene and a growing international community, Vienna is quickly becoming the top choice for researchers and entrepreneurs looking for a European base. Through the platform ViennaBusiness, the city is now offering expert consultations and other support to international researchers and life-science companies interested in exploring the city. 'It's exciting to see great minds flourish in Vienna,' says Dr Stampfer. 'We are building the future here.'
Local Italy
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
Bezos, Sánchez say 'I do' in a divided Venice
"This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" an enchanted Bezos told a La Repubblica journalist Thursday who got close to the magnate as he whizzed around the canals by boat. But protesters had a different view, wondering how long Venice can endure: While the billionaires party, activists say the fragile city is sinking, overrun by tourists, and a victim of depopulation as locals unable to pay soaring rents are forced out. "No Kings, No Bezos" read a sign in green neon projected on the St Mark's Campanile tower on Thursday night. Serenaded Sánchez late Friday posted a photo on Instagram -- under a new name, laurensanchezbezos -- showing her in a long flowing white dress and him in black tie, though it did not provide any indication where it was taken. Bezos and Sánchez, a former news anchor and entertainment reporter, celebrated their nuptials with guests including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Orlando Bloom. The tech magnate, 61, and Sánchez, 55, are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge. Other A-list guests are staying at the Gritti Palace and the St. Regis. The couple exchanged vows at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore Friday afternoon, according to Italian media reports. The wedding is thought to have taken place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from Venice's iconic St Mark's Square. The newlyweds were to be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, son of the famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, reports said. Michelin-starred chef Fabrizio Mellino prepared the wedding dinner, while the cake has been made by French pastry chef Cedric Grolet, the Corriere della Sera said. Sánchez is alleged to have prepared 27 outfits to wear during the festivities. 'Enchanted' Wedding guests snapped by paparazzi as they hopped into boats included Jordan's Queen Rania, French luxury goods executive Francois-Henri Pinault, American football player Tom Brady, US fashion designer Spencer Antle, the singer Usher, and Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. The guests reportedly lunched Thursday in the gardens of Villa Baslini, on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista. The celebrations are set to end Saturday with a party likely at the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the city was a naval powerhouse. Bezos and Sánchez are donating three million euros ($3.5 million) to the city, according to Veneto's regional president Luca Zaia, and are employing historic Venetian artisans. Venice's oldest pastry maker Rosa Salva is baking 19th-century "fishermen's biscuits" for party bags that will also contain something by Laguna B, renowned for its handblown Murano glass. Trump and her family visited a glass-blowing workshop on the small island of Murano on Wednesday, according to the owner. "They were amazed and enchanted by the magic of glass," Massimiliano Schiavon told the Corriere della Sera, adding that the family had a go at blowing glass. Venice, home to the oldest film festival in the world, is used to VIPs whizzing around in speed boats, and happily hosted the star-studded nuptials of Hollywood actor George Clooney in 2014. Some say this wedding too brings good business. Italy's tourism ministry said Friday it expected the wedding to bring the city nearly one billion euros, with about 895 million of that estimated to come from the "media visibility" generated. But critics say Bezos, one of the world's richest men and founder of a company regularly scrutinised for how it treats its workers, is different. "Tax Billionaires", read protest signs along canals. "In the time it takes you to read this, Jeff Bezos's wealth has increased by more than your monthly salary", they read in English and Italian. Environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and dozens of private jets -- at least 95 -- bringing the rich and famous to the city. But Samuel Silvestri, a 55-year-old salesman, welcomed the extravaganza. "Over-tourism is caused by those people who come with a backpack and their own food, and contribute very little," he said, "not those who transform Venice into a mini-Monte Carlo. This marriage helps the image of the city." Italy's health ministry has issued a red heat alert for Venice for the weekend, part of a heatwave affecting much of southern Europe.
Local Italy
3 days ago
- Local Italy
Via Spluga: The Alpine walk that inspired my lifelong love of Italy's mountains
If you go north of Lake Como and up towards Chiavenna, instead of going straight on to Switzerland and St. Moritz, you turn left up into the Spluga Valley, or Val di Giüst, as the locals call it. Giüst because it refers to the giusti, those who were 'in the right', who kept well away from the religious disagreements in the 15th and 16th centuries, and so enjoyed a certain level of autonomy. The road starts to climb up in a series of switchbacks and a few hairpin bends, through the village of San Giacomo Filippo, up to Campodolcino, and then on and up through the Spluga Valley (or Val di Giüst) and up to the Spluga Pass. I spent two summers up here in 2022 and 2023. The first year we rented an apartment in Campodolcino and the year after in Madesimo, known for its skiing and loved by the Milanese. In many ways, it was a return to my early years in Italy at the turn of the new century. I'd walked, camped up mountains and on mountainsides with the sound of cowbells to wake you up in the morning, skied, eaten in the restaurants and refuges, and generally lived what I call the second part of my youth. I arrived in Italy at 24 because it seemed like as good an idea as any at the time. The first time I slept in a tent up a mountain was with my new Italian boyfriend, now husband, and his mates just above Campodolcino. It was the blueprint for a relationship and for a life of mountains, refuges, walking, skiing, always being in nature. At the time I was living in Lecco on Lake Como. My life took place between Lake Como and Livigno, which was our favourite skiing destination, and around pretty much all that there was between. The Spluga Valley, Campodolcino and Chiavenna all played major parts. Fast-forward 25 years, and going back to that apartment in Campodolcino was in many ways like coming home. I'd drive up the SS36 along the lake. It was a route I'd done so many times, and I knew it like the back of my hand. During this summer, I often sat outside the Albergo Posta up at Montespluga, just before you go over the pass and down into Switzerland. It was then that I started to wonder: Who walked these routes? Why were they used? What was their purpose? I could find all the relevant information for walking them, but what about the stories behind them? A view of the Alpine village of Montespluga, along the historic Via Spluga route. Photo by Rachael Martin. I walked along parts of the Via Spluga, with its stories of merchants and travellers, smugglers, pilgrims and armies. Back and forth between Italy and the rest of Europe they went along a vital route that linked Milan with Chur in Switzerland and the rest of Europe. However you choose to leave Italy and go north, it involves mountains and the Alps. The Via Spluga was a major route across those Alps. It dates back to Roman times when Emperor Augustus wanted a route along which he could go off and conquer the region of Raeita, as it became known in Latin, on the other side of the Alps. It covered Alto Adige, western Austria, part of Bavaria, the Swiss region of the Grigioni or Grisons, and the Valtellina. It was an important route during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when the Duchy of Milan was one of the most powerful states in northern Italy. Leonardo da Vinci lived at the court of Milan for a while. It was during this period that he painted The Last Supper at the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. We know that he also visited Chiavenna and the Acquafraggia waterfalls as he writes about them in his Codex Atlanticus. Nowadays you'll find a stream of tourists, walkers and motorcyclists coming across the pass, as other passes have taken precedence with the advent of the railways and roads. The railway arrived at the Brenner Pass during the middle of the 19th century, and the first road, as we know it, was built at the Stelvio Pass in the 1820s under the Austrian Empire. It was in this way, sitting up at Montespluga and walking parts of the Via Spluga, that a map started to form in my mind. It was made up of places I'd loved and walked in, places that had so many stories to tell of the local areas and of Italy as a whole. It involved maps all over the walls of my kitchen as it gradually began to take shape. The result is my latest book, which is my own love letter to Italy, and links my past here with my present. A view of the Via Spluga trail above a water reservoir in the heart of the Swiss-Italian Alps. Photo by Rachael Martin. My husband's grandfather, who was born in Lodi and lived the second part of his life up in Valsassina in the mountains above Lecco, used to say that la vita è una ruota: life is a wheel. We come back to places for a reason. I write my books in order to understand place and my own relationship to place. In this sense, Walking Italy was an exploration of my relationship to the country I have grown to call home.
Local Italy
3 days ago
- Climate
- Local Italy
MAP: Which parts of Italy will be hottest this weekend?
Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Bologna, Venice and Palermo were among the cities placed under the government's highest-level 'red' alert for Saturday as the heatwave gripping the country intensified. Ancona, Bolzano, Brescia, Frosinone, Latina, Perugia, Pescara, Turin, Trieste, Verona were also under a red-level warning, according to the ministry's latest heatwave bulletin. Five other cities – Genoa, Catania, Civitavecchia, Rieti and Viterbo – were placed under a medium-high 'orange' alert for Saturday. Italy's red alert (bollino rosso) indicates heat levels that may pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of the general population, including healthy and active people. An orange alert indicates a health risk to vulnerable groups including the elderly, children and people who are sick or disabled, while a yellow warning is described as a 'pre-alert'. For Sunday, four more cities – Catania, Civitavecchia, Rieti and Viterbo – were added to the government's list of cities under red alert, bringing the total to 21. The ministry advised people not to go outdoors between 11am and 6pm if possible, and seek shelter in airconditioned public places. Rome's city council said it planned to set up three Red Cross stations with cooling tents in strategic locations to provide first aid to people affected by the extreme heat over the weekend. Inland areas of central Italy, Sicily and Sardinia were expected to see daytime temperatures of up to 40°C on Saturday, according to the latest forecasts from weather website Il Meteo. Hot and muggy conditions were also expected in the north and south of the country, with temperatures forecast to hover in the high 30s during the day. 13 cities were already under a red heat alert on Friday as the heatwave took hold. The current ondata di caldo was caused by an anticyclone set to affect most of Italy for "at least 10 days... with a probable slight drop in temperatures after Wednesday, July 2nd," meteorologists at weather site Il Meteo said. Italy is in for another long, hot summer, with "long-lasting and persistent heatwaves" forecast for July and August, Il Meteo meteorologist Mattia Gussoni said earlier this month.
