Paolo Veronese’s Feast in the House of Levi was originally called Last Supper until the Catholic Church condemned the artist for featuring drunkards, dwarves, dogs and Reformation-minded Germans among the apostles. Veronese agreed to change the name, but refused to revise the painting. In defiance against Rome, Venice stood by the painter. See this wall-sized […]
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Grand Canal, Venice
One of Venice’s many special qualities is the absence of autos. Instead, Venice relies on boats since the city is comprised of 117 islets and 150 canals, all connected by 400 bridges. You’d think lack of emissions would make Venice the healthiest place in the world, but it has a different problem: its environment is […]
Alilaguna
When in Venice, taking a €15 Alilaguna ferry from the airport to the city is not the quickest mode but it can be relatively direct. Buses and taxis drop passengers at different points in the city, but then other modes of transport such as water taxis, vaporettos (water busses) or walking is required. Three different […]
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale, a stunning Gothic building, is situated on the best real estate in Piazza San Marcos. In addition to being lagoon-front, this grand government building is arranged around a colonnaded courtyard. Inside, amidst the gilt and marble are extravagant staircases and official rooms such as the Collegiate Antechamber, Council Room and the Senate Hall. […]
Campanile de San Marco
This 30m tall bell tower is visible from many points in Venice. It was constructed in 888 and, after it collapsed in 1902, was rebuilt exactly as it was. It was used as the city’s main lighthouse. Today, a lift raises visitors to the top for incredible panoramic views.
Torre dell’Orologio, or astrological clock
This Early Renaissance building with a gold-leafed clock was originally a showpiece for Venice. It was placed strategically so as to be visible from the lagoon to announce Venice’s wealth and beauty to visitors. The structure was built in 1496-99. Mauro Codussi designed it and the father-and-son team Gian Paolo and Gian Carlo Ranieri built […]
Akkordeon Orchester Menningen-Minden
Seen and heard in Echternach: an all-accordian orchestra. Who knew ABBA could sound so good? My favorite member was the sound guy who also doled out the beers.
Basilique Saint-Willibrord
Echternach is dominated by Basilique Saint-Willibrord. Saint Willibrord was a Northumbrian monk who arrived in town in 698 A.D. Immediately after receiving this land from Irmina, daughter of Dagobert II, King of the Franks, he began construction. A Benedictine abbey developed around the basilica and a town around that. If you’re seeking an ancient basilica, […]
Echternach
Echternach, one of Luxembourg’s oldest towns, is a tiny (population 5,000), picturesque village surrounded by medieval walls and towers. It sits alongside the River Sûre, near the German border. Aside from the charming town square, the main attractions are the hiking and biking trails that lead into the mountains and along the Sûre. I also […]
Carine’s World
Sidewalk inspiration: Carine Roitfeld speaks! Stop by Barneys and see how Mario Sorrenti artfully captured this icon’s thoughts on Paris, fashion and how she conquered both.
