Our history is our starting point, solidity and experience are the basis of our future. Family tradition and unity, passion and commitment: these qualities have helped us create a solid business that stands out in every sector. Today, Podini Holdings is synonymous with quality and excellence, in every field. We get the job done; we are flexible yet solid: these are the qualities that sustain our business. Awareness and dedication push our companies and partners to achieve increasingly better results, to reach the highest objectives together: excellence! Our values are our strength. Tradition and family unity, passion and commitment, have allowed us to create a solid reality with the ability to establish ourselves in every sector. Podini is a company synonymous with quality and excellence in every field. Reliability, flexibility and concreteness animate our business, sensitivity and dedication push our companies and our collaborators towards ever better results, to reach ever higher goals together! In 2010 all humanitarian interventions were institutionalized through a non-profit organization: the Podini Foundation. This was born with the desire to spread the values, spirit and charity that have always guided our family over the years. A story of love and solidarity. The Podini family through the Podini Foundation has been carrying out, for more than 40 years, humanitarian actions for the Eritrean and Cambodian populations living below the subsistence level, focusing mainly on children and young people and supporting initiatives to promote their right to education and health. improving their quality of life. In recent years, the projects have also spread to our region: Trentino Alto Adige. We are committed to protecting the environment. The noble feeling of harmony and respect for all environmental and natural forms is reflected in all the entrepreneurial initiatives connected to each company of the Podini Group. For this reason, we support initiatives and policies that help reduce the ecological impact on the community in order to improve the quality of life today and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Piazza San Marco is in the heart of Venice. It is 590 ft (180 m) long and 230 ft (70 m) wide, and is the only “piazza” in Venice, since the rest of the squares are called “piazzales” or “campos”. It was established during the ninth century, but adopted its current size and form in 1177, and was paved one hundred years later. The Piazza San Marco is one of the most beautiful in the world. Napoleon called it “the world’s most beautiful drawing room”. It is the lowest point in Venice; therefore, when there is Acqua Alta, it is the first place to be flooded. When this happens, the authorities place wooden footbridges for the locals and tourists. Several times a year, the square is completely flooded, so depending on whether you want to experience the Acqua Alta, you might be lucky or not, depending on when you visit the city. The most famous buildings in the piazza are: St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Museo Correr and the Campanile (the Basilica’s bell tower) and the Torre dell’ Orologio. In the Renaissance-style top balcony of the Torre dell’ Orologio (Clock Tower), two bronze figures representing Moors strike the hour. During Ascension week and Epiphany, statues of the Three Wise Men emerge from the clock tower and are presided over by an angel every time the little figures strike the hour. A real treat for all visitors. It is also worth highlighting the Columns of Saint Mark and Saint Theodore. The two columns are made of granite and marble and were placed near the entrance of the square in 1172. During the eighteenth century, public executions were held between the two pillars.

The Basilica of San Marco welcomes the faithful and visitors who every day have the opportunity to come to pray and admire its extraordinary artistic heritage, except for those days when for reasons of worship the access of visitors to the Basilica can be temporarily suspended. To build the basilica of San Marco, Venice transfers the spiritual and material heritage of Byzantium to the West. The Greek cross plan rests on a structure which in the central longitudinal nave shows basilical architectural motifs: the vertical arm of the cross is larger than those of the transepts, the altar is placed in the apse area. Above the cross rest the five domes, symbol of the presence of God. The articulation of the space is full of suggestions not found in other Byzantine churches. Inside, a unitary sequence is proposed divided into individual spatial scores, to which the mosaic with a gold background guarantees continuity and the particular way of being of the church. On January 31 of the year 828 the relics of the patron saint Marco, which were in Alexandria in Egypt, are adventurously transferred to Venice and welcomed by the Doge Giustiniano Particiaco. In those times, the relics represented a powerful social and economic aggregator, attracting pilgrims and merchants. Every relic is therefore welcome and that of St. Mark is particularly welcome in Venice, as that Saint would have evangelized the Venetian people, becoming their patron and emblem in the form of a winged lion, armed with a sword and equipped with a book on which, in time of peace, you can read the phrase Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus (Peace to You or Marco Mio Evangelista); a book that is threateningly closed when the sword, instead of discriminating between good and evil, is stained with warrior blood. La Basilica di San Marco dà il benvenuto ai fedeli e ai visitatori che ogni giorno hanno la possibilità di venire a pregare e ad ammirare il suo straordinario patrimonio artistico, fatta eccezione per quei giorni in cui per motivi di culto l’accesso dei visitatori alla Basilica può essere temporaneamente sospeso. Per edificare la basilica di San Marco, Venezia trasferisce in Occidente l’eredità spirituale e materiale di Bisanzio. L’impianto a croce greca poggia sopra una struttura che nella navata longitudinale centrale riporta motivi architettonici basilicali: il braccio verticale della croce è maggiore rispetto a quelli dei transetti, l’altare è posto nell’area dell’abside. Al di sopra della croce poggiano le cinque cupole, simbolo della presenza di Dio. L’articolazione dello spazio è ricca di suggestioni non riscontrabili in altre chiese bizantine. All’interno si propone una sequenza unitaria suddivisa in singole partiture spaziali, cui il mosaico a fondo d’oro garantisce continuità ed il particolare modo di essere della chiesa. Il 31 gennaio dell’anno 828 le reliquie del Santo Patrono Marco, che si trovavano ad Alessandria d’Egitto, vengono avventurosamente traslate a Venezia ed accolte dal Doge Giustiniano Particiaco. In quei tempi le reliquie rappresentano un potente aggregatore sociale ed economico, attirano pellegrini e mercanti. Ogni reliquia è quindi bene accetta e quella di San Marco lo è particolarmente a Venezia, in quanto proprio quel Santo avrebbe evangelizzato le genti venetedivenendone Patrono ed emblema sotto forma di leone alato, armato di spada e munito di un libro sul quale, in tempo di pace, si può leggere la frase Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus (Pace a Te o Marco Mio Evangelista); un libro che viene minacciosamente chiuso quando la spada, anziché discriminare il bene dal male, si sporca di sangue guerriero.

Save Venice Inc. is the leading American nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. Since 1971, Save Venice has funded the conservation of nearly 2,000 individual artworks. In 2015, Save Venice established the Rosand Library & Study Center in Venice, creating a nexus for the research of Venetian art, history, and conservation. Save Venice also provides grants for fellowships, exhibitions, and publications to advance Venetian scholarship and conservation. Conservation projects are selected on the basis of artistic merit, historical importance, and urgency of need by the Save Venice Board of Directors and its Projects Committee of renowned experts in the fields of art, history, and conservation. Save Venice works in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture. Save Venice has numerous restorations underway throughout the city, carried out by carefully selected restorers who are supervised by the Superintendency and Save Venice staff. This oversight assures that donations are tracked at each step of the restoration process and are used wisely. Conservation treatments are made possible with support from individuals, foundations, and corporations that believe in a shared responsibility to preserve the world’s irreplaceable artistic and cultural treasures found in Venice.

Orsolina 28 came to life in 2016 by the enthusiasm and passion of its founder, Simony Monteiro. She chose an unconventional place, an eighteenth-century farmhouse that once accommodated the monastery of the Orsoline Sisters of Moncalvo. Built in 1794, next to a Romanesque parish surrounded by vineyards, O28 is located between Moncalvo and Penango, the heart of the Monferrato Astigiano region in Italy. The winding hills protect the land, while the Western Italian Alps and Mount Monviso observe from afar. Orsolina Art Foundation was born to promote and transform the future of the performing arts into a social culture. It is a place devoted to the universal language of the arts that transcends time. The spectacular colors and sensations of nature, seasonal gifts and surprises, and breathtaking harmony of the landscape all represent the generating forces and exquisite beauty of Orsolina 28. Orsolina Art Foundation supports the local community by promoting encounters with O28 guest artists and offering complimentary classes to primary schools, introducing students to movement and the world of dance. Their desire at Orsolina 28 is for every individual to experience dance as a powerful vehicle for discovery, freedom, courage, joy, and human connection. O28 offers a breathtaking atmosphere that welcome anyone who wishes to study, research, or explore dance as a means for personal growth. They also support the educational commitment by offering merit-based scholarships and guaranteeing eligible students access to preparatory courses. The Foundation also supports young choreographers through calls for grant-based choreographic residencies. Orsolina Art Foundation is always committed to developing activities of inclusion: motor-skills education for people with or without disabilities, children at risk of marginalization, and people with diseases, in cooperation with associations and foundations of social engagement. Over the years, many artists have shared the magical atmosphere of Orsolina 28, including those who taught, performed, or completed choreographic residencies. To each artist who has contributed to O28, they offer their deepest thanks for embracing our mission and vision.

In the 1980s, Tony Margolis, Bob Emfield and their wives mused about never leaving the beach. This led to the invention of a character named Tommy Bahama. By asking "What would Tommy wear?" and imagining the details of his life, they unwittingly created the springboard for a new brand and the Tommy Bahama Group, Inc. In 1991, Tony and Bob discussed their concept with Lucio Dalla Gasperina. From the outset, the three envisioned the kind of upscale casual apparel Tommy would wear: printed silk shirts and tailored pants for refined island living. They soon launched a collection of menswear that transported people to an island state of mind and celebrated the best part of the week - the weekend. Tommy Bahama has since become a total "island lifestyle" experience that includes men's and women's clothing and accessories, food, cocktails, home furnishings, beach gear and more. From days at the water's edge to elegant evenings out on the town, their guests are treated to subtle textures and refined finishes that are all carefully considered and meticulously crafted. Since 2003, the Tommy Bahama Group has been wholly owned by Oxford Industries, Inc., an international apparel design, sourcing and marketing company. Oxford's acquisition of Tommy Bahama gave the brand more exposure and the secure financial backing to grow. They share their values and respect their desire to maintain the unique culture of the brand. Tommy Bahama is committed to extending the relaxed, positive vibe of our brand into philanthropic efforts. Their primary areas of focus are cancer research, assistance for disadvantaged families and children, and the ethical treatment of animals. Their support of the Garden of Hope and Courage is an example of this commitment. Janet Emfield (wife of Bob) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990; she envisioned a peaceful garden in the midst of a sterile hospital setting. In 2004, the Garden of Hope and Courage Foundation became a reality. Its goals: to increase public awareness of breast cancer; to improve early detection and treatment; and to fund research. Since 1996, they've donated a percentage of sales from apparel and accessories designed specifically for this cause. They donate to hundreds of other organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, United Way, American Heart Association, Gift of Life, Shane Victorino Foundation, Ryan House, Food Bank for New York City, Citymeals-on-Wheels, Olive Crest and the Humane Society. Their retail stores also provide community support by hosting events like Shop for a Cause, with a portion of the profits from the events going to local charities. And each of their restaurants sponsors annual golf tournaments to raise funds for the local non-profit organizations of their choice.

The Regional Institute for the Tuscolan Villas, IRViT, is based in Rome and in the splendid Villa Mondragone of Monte Porzio Catone. The institution has a public legal personality and works to promote and ensure the conservation, enhancement, the most suitable use and better knowledge of the Tuscolan Villas and their parks and gardens. There are ten Tuscolane Villas distributed throughout the Castelli Romani territory: in Frascati, Villa Aldobrandini, Villa Falconieri, Villa Lancellotti, Villa Sora, Villa Torlonia and Villa Tuscolana; in Monte Porzio Catone, Villa Mondragone and Villa Taverna Borghese (Parisi); in Grottaferrata, Villa Grazioli and Villa Muti. One of the objectives of the IRViT is to promote, disseminate and encourage the knowledge of these wonderful Renaissance mansions which represent, for the whole territory, not only a heritage of history and culture to be cared for, restored, handed down and enhanced, but also a concrete resource for the growth and development of the Tuscolo area. Rediscover the past, therefore, looking to the future. In order to give greater visibility to the immense architectural complex formed by the Tuscolan Villas on a national and international level, the Institute organizes various initiatives with the aim of educating the new generations to respect and protect their historical and artistic heritage. The IRViT collaborates with various institutions, associations and national cultural institutes for culture including APGI - Italian Parks and Gardens Association, FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano and the Circuit of Italian Historic Houses. The IRViT was established with Regional Law no. 43 of 6 November 1992, within the scope of the powers contained in the decree of the President of the Republic of 16 July 1977, n. 616, and in compliance with the principles contained in the law of 8 June 1990, n. 142. L’IRViT, l’Istituto Regionale per le Ville Tuscolane, ha sede a Roma e nella splendida Villa Mondragone di Monte Porzio Catone. L’Ente è dotato di personalità giuridica pubblica e opera per favorire e assicurare la conservazione, la valorizzazione, la più idonea utilizzazione e la migliore conoscenza delle Ville Tuscolane e dei relativi parchi e giardini. Le Ville Tuscolane sono dieci così distribuite sul territorio dei Castelli Romani: a Frascati, Villa Aldobrandini, Villa Falconieri, Villa Lancellotti, Villa Sora, Villa Torlonia e Villa Tuscolana; a Monte Porzio Catone, Villa Mondragone e Villa Taverna Borghese (Parisi); a Grottaferrata, Villa Grazioli e Villa Muti. L’IRViT si pone tra gli obiettivi quello di promuovere, divulgare e incentivare la conoscenza di queste meravigliose dimore rinascimentali che rappresentano, per tutto il territorio, non solo un patrimonio di storia e cultura da curare, restaurare, tramandare e valorizzare, ma anche una concreta risorsa per la crescita e lo sviluppo dell’area del Tuscolo. Riscoprire il passato, dunque, guardando al futuro. Per dare maggiore visibilità in ambito nazionale e internazionale all’immenso complesso architettonico formato dalle Ville Tuscolane, l’Istituto organizza diverse iniziative con l’intento di educare anche le nuove generazioni al rispetto e alla tutela del loro patrimonio storico-artistico. L’IRViT collabora con diverse istituzioni, associazioni e istituti culturali nazionali per la cultura tra cui l’APGI – Associazione Parchi e Giardini d’Italia, il FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano e il Circuito delle Dimore Storiche Italiane. L’IRViT è stato costituito con Legge regionale n. 43 del 6 novembre 1992, nell’ambito delle competenze contenute nel decreto del Presidente della Repubblica 16 luglio 1977, n. 616, e nel rispetto dei principi contenuti nella legge 8 giugno 1990, n. 142.

Casa Tosca is the design lab of Nicolò Castellini Baldissera and was founded in 2019 as an extension of his interior design studio. All products are hand made by artisans in Italy and Morocco with a desire to blend comfort and elegance. Nicolo Castellini Baldissera, a Milan-born designer, draws inspiration from over thirty years of experience working across Europe. The descendant of a long line of architects, artists and industrialists, his work is rooted in the traditions of Italian design and employs a production team that has been built up over generations.

Lunigiana World was born to promote the homeland of two young boys, Federico and Maurizio, who together have bet on this project, together offer everyone the beauties that that wonderful land with the name of Lunigiana encloses. Lunigiana is rich in history, it is located in the north of Tuscany, on the border with Emilia and Liguria, an ancient crucial crossing point of the Via Francigena. Born for fun, and for the spirit of initiative Lunigiana world offers to those who want to visit this splendid territory, the complete guide of what nature offers, visible on the App with the name "LUNIGIANA WORLD", the application already boasts 25,000 downloads and more than 2500000 pages open, it is very successful because all the locations are geolocated and described in a precise way. Lunigiana deserves to be visited by everyone, and we hope that all institutions develop a unique project in the tourist development of the territory, useful to allow a univocal and organized organization. Lunigiana world nasce per promuovere la terra natia di due giovani ragazzi, Federico e Maurizio, che insieme hanno scommesso su questo progetto, insieme propongono a tutti le bellezze che racchiude quella terra meravigliosa con il nome di Lunigiana. La Lunigiana è ricca di storia, si trova a Nord della Toscana, a confine con Emilia e Liguria, antico punto di passaggio cruciale della Via Francigena. Nata per gioco, e per spirito di iniziativa Lunigiana world offre a chi vuole visitare questo splendido territorio, la guida completa di quello che la natura offre, visibile sull’App con appunto il nome "LUNIGIANA WORLD", l’applicazione vanta già 25000 download e più di 2500000 di pagine aperte, riscuote molto successo perche tutte le località sono geolocalizzate e descritte in modo preciso. La Lunigiana merita di essere visitata da tutti, e speriamo che tutti gli enti sviluppano un progetto univoco nello sviluppo turistico del territorio, utile a permettere una organizzazione univoca ed organizzata.

CRIZU is craftsmanship and mind, patience and passion, abstraction and materia. It is a pure act of creativity. It is an object that inspires peace of mind and harmony. It is a gesture, deeply humane, repeated over and over, like a prayer. It is a second life for books. CRIZU gives old books a second chance: all pages are folded by hand, one by one, with art and patience until and old volume is transformed into a new and marvelous paper sculpture. Old manuals and encyclopedias are reborn into sophisticated pieces of design. The shape changes, but the book remains intact: it can still be read and scrolled through or, more simply one can admire it’s metamorphosis in an object of art and design. Old, but new. Poetic in it’s simplicity. At the beginning you have the book. The volumes chosen by CRIZU have many pages, good quality paper and the binding is stitched: beautiful in form but no longer up to date in contents. Only when a book looses it use, it is ready to be transformed into sculpture: maybe it will no longer be read, but surely admired. The folded is done by hand, one page at a time. All done slowly and without interruption, repeating each gesture thousands of times, watching the paper transform under the fingers: touch is more important than sight. It is an art that requires patience and dedication, a sort of meditation where the rhythm of the gestures synchronize with the rhythm of the soul until the metamorphosis is complete. These objects are imbued with memories and become more and more beautiful with the passing of time. By folding the pages of such books, I bring elements of history, culture and beauty to the finished piece. CRIZU also produces a small line of paper jewelry. The collections are limited edition and entirely hand made in Italy. Starting from paper of old books and mixing the most unexpected materials, earrings and necklaces are created with a very unusual, unique and sophisticated design.

At Gabriella Molinari Storie di Tela we can tailor everything: bed linen, table linen. We love the most ECOLOGICAL and NATURAL materials: Linen, Cotton, Hemp, Fine wools. We have an amazing assortment of Embroidery Cloths. Our shop has always been in the heart of San Giovanni in Persiceto! We sell home linen, linen and natural fibers, home textiles. Our Values + our Passion + our Work = our shop. Possiamo confezionare tutto su misura: biancheria per il letto, per la tavola. Amiamo i materiali più ECOLOGICI e NATURALI: Lino, Cotone, Canapa, Lane pregiate. Abbiamo un sorprendente assortimento di Tele da Ricamo. Da sempre nel cuore di San Giovanni in Persiceto c'è la nostra bottega! Vendiamo Biancheria per la casa, Tele in lino e Fibre naturali, tessuti per la casa. I nostri Valori + la nostra Passione + il nostro Lavoro = la nostra Bottega.

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is a place where you can discover the world of science behind our botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found across our UNESCO World Heritage site. Our mission at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. Earth is the only planet in the universe that we know for certain supports life. Yet that life is in crisis. The unprecedented rate of degradation means we are living through an age of extinction. We know the next decade is critical to reverse this trend. Our aspiration at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is to end the extinction crisis and help create a world where nature is protected, valued and managed sustainably. Our scientists will identify and strive to protect species of plants and fungi globally, as well as revealing those that could be new sources of food, medicine, fuel or materials. We will promote and provide access to knowledge, ideas and beautiful gardens that motivate individuals to be advocates for nature. The world needs brilliant scientists and horticulturists. We commit to training students from the UK and around the world. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a public body and charity with global collections and influence. We must be for everyone, disseminating our knowledge and collections both physically and digitally for global benefit. We will speak with confidence and prominence to advocate policies aligned with our mission. We will be an exemplar of environmental responsibility in all that we do, including by exceeding net-zero carbon emissions to become Climate Positive by 2030.

Traditional or innovative, everyone has their own taste. La Sirenetta Ice Cream Parlour has been producing ice cream since 1969 with the same unchanged dedication and care. A passion that has been handed down for generations and that chooses only quality raw materials. For a tasty break overlooking the enchanting beach of San Vito Lo Capo, choose The Little Mermaid. Founded by Adele Pizzimenti and continued by his son, the master of ice cream Natalino Pizzimenti, the artisan laboratory of the La Sirenetta ice cream parlour has been producing ice cream since 1969, today as then, with the same unchanged dedication and care. A passion that has been handed down for generations and that chooses only quality raw materials. The choice of ingredients of the highest quality and the knowledge of a sophisticated technique makes our production of ice cream and desserts unique. All our products are free of preservatives and additives and are made with artisanal processing methods and a great deal of care. Our ice cream meets everyone's tastes, consistency and balanced proportion of ingredients enhance the flavour. There is a lot of choice to satisfy your sweet wishes. Indulge the craving for chocolate or enjoy the velvety softness of mulberry trees, the tasteful creations of La Sirenetta are a dip in authentic Sicilian flavours. For a sweet lunch, an energetic breakfast or a delicious after dinner, stop at our terrace overlooking the sea. Sweeten your holiday with unique moments, enriched by the view of the beautiful sea of San Vito Lo Capo. At La Sirenetta you can enjoy, in addition to ice cream, also the typical Sicilian sweets such as cannolo and cassata.

52-year-old Gianluigi Colucci from Bari, Assemble new volumes and save ancient texts using only vintage needle, thread and tools. A craftsman who in his small workshop carries on a historical and "poetic" profession: that of the restorer and bookbinder. To differentiate Gianluigi from the others is precisely the manual skills. In fact, if his colleagues have long since adapted to new technologies and modern equipment, he continues to be faithful to the tools of his father Giuseppe, the one who opened the shop in 1971. The binding and the restoration are carried out by Gianluigi using his own hands. For example, he continues to join the pages using only the needle and thread, as well as to cut cardboard and paper he uses tools that can only work with the strength of the arms. Most of his colleagues now use devices where you just need to push a button to make sure the game is done. The restoration of ancient books: a passion passed on to him by his father. "It is a niche profession - he underlines -: it is reserved for collectors, people who want their volumes to return to their original appearance". Gianluigi say that the binding is what makes him live, above all thanks to the degree theses, while the restoration satisfies the unconditional love he feels for the beautiful and immortal ancient books. Gianluigi Colucci, 52 anni di Bari, Assembla nuovi volumi e salva testi antichi usando solo ago, filo e strumenti vintage. Un artigiano che nel suo piccolo laboratorio svolge un mestiere storico e “poetico”: quello del restauratore e del legatore. A differenziare Gianluigi dagli altri è proprio la manualità. Infatti, se i suoi colleghi si sono adattati da tempo alle nuove tecnologie e alle moderne attrezzature, continua ad essere fedele agli strumenti del padre Giuseppe, colui che nel 1971 aprì il negozio. La legatura e il restauro sono eseguiti da Gianluigi con le proprie mani. Ad esempio continua a unire le pagine usando solo ago e filo, oltre a tagliare cartone e carta usa strumenti che possono lavorare solo con la forza delle braccia. La maggior parte dei suoi colleghi ora utilizza dispositivi in ​​cui è sufficiente premere un pulsante per assicurarsi che il gioco sia terminato. Il restauro dei libri antichi: una passione tramandatagli dal padre. "E' un mestiere di nicchia - sottolinea -: è riservato ai collezionisti, persone che vogliono che i loro volumi tornino al loro aspetto originale". Gianluigi dice che la rilegatura è ciò che lo fa vivere, soprattutto grazie alle tesi di laurea, mentre il restauro soddisfa l'amore incondizionato che prova per i bei e immortali libri antichi.

The Goodwood Estate is in the heart of West Sussex and is home to the world-famous Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Glorious Goodwood. Goodwood House and Estate have been a family's home for over 300 years, and there can be few places as beautiful. The history began with the first Duke of Richmond, illegitimate son of Charles II by his French mistress, Louise de Kérouaille, when originally rented Goodwood to enjoy the fox hunting with the nearby Charlton Hunt, then the most fashionable hunt in the country. In 1697, he bought the house, built in 1616-17 by the 9th Earl of Northumberland - known as the ‘Wizard Earl’ - whose main home was at Petworth. There is evidence that a house had existed at Goodwood as early as 1570. Colen Campbell’s floorplan of 1724 shows the small Jacobean house with gabled ends and, later, sash windows, which must have been added by the first or second Duke. The second Duke of Richmond employed Matthew Brettingham to enlarge the house to the south, with a pedimented front based on William Kent’s Devonshire House in Piccadilly. This was unfinished when the Duke died in 1750, so it was left to Sir William Chambers to complete the interiors. His son, the third Duke of Richmond, employed a young James Wyatt to remodel and extend the north wing (now mainly demolished) in 1771. This included the Tapestry Drawing Room, which was decorated in 1776-7. In 1791, the family’s main seat, Richmond House in Whitehall, London, burnt down. Much of the great art collection was saved, and James Wyatt added two great wings to showcase it, taking advantage of the sweeping views across the park. To give unity to the two new wings and Brettingham’s south wing, Wyatt added copper-domed turrets framing each façade. When the third Duke died in 1806 he left massive debts, so the wing containing the Ballroom was only completed in 1836, when the fifth Duke of Richmond inherited the Scottish properties of his maternal uncle, the last Duke of Gordon. When the tenth Duke and Duchess of Richmond moved into the house in the late 1960s, the north wing was riddled with dry rot. The decision was taken to demolish the wing but preserve the Tapestry Drawing Room. During this period, the external colonnade and modern kitchens were added to the rear of the house. In 1994 the Duke’s son and daughter-in-law, the eleventh Duke and Duchess of Richmond, moved into the house and completed an extensive refurbishment programme, restoring the rooms to their original Georgian glory. Nowadays, Goodwood is England’s greatest sporting estate. Seat of the Dukes of Richmond for over three centuries, the family has always welcomed their friends and guests to share in their love of sport. Horseracing, motor racing, golf, flying, shooting and cricket have all been introduced by enthusiastic family members since the first Duke came to Goodwood in 1697. Within its 12,000 acres, Goodwood is home to one of the largest lowland organic farms in England, a famous Battle of Britain airfield, a celebrated racecourse, a historic motor circuit, two golf courses and one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country, all centred around Goodwood House with its magnificent Regency interiors.

The historic city of Bukhara has been a hub for traders and travellers since its foundation over 2,000 years ago. Situated on an oasis in the Zerafshan river delta in central Uzbekistan, Bukhara lies on a crossroads of ancient trade routes that stretched across Central Asia, and was a vital stopping point for merchants on the edge of the Kyzyl Kum (Red Sand) and Kara Kum (Black Sand) deserts. It was one of the most prosperous cities in Central Asia throughout the Middle Ages, and became a centre not only for exchange between merchants but also for culture, scholarship and religious studies. Bukhara also contributed many locally produced goods that enriched Silk Road trade, and was particularly renowned for its textile industry. Karakul lambs' fleeces, silk, cotton, leather, carpets and clothing were all traded from Bukhara, as well as gold embroidery and metal work, and many of these crafts are still practised in the city today. Bukhara's ancient history was closely intertwined with the growth of the Silk Roads through Central Asia. Indeed, a settlement on the site of Bukhara has been discovered dating from as early as the 2nd millennium BC, and the city grew up nourished by the merchants that arrived from Persia, India, China, and Russia as well as those travelling east from the Caspian Sea and beyond. Its geographical situation, on the edge of the deserts but also close to Uzbekistan’s most prosperous agricultural region, meant that Bukhara was a popular and important resting point in the development of these routes. Following the Arab conquest of the city in 709 AD, Bukhara also became a major cultural and religious centre, and was chosen by the Emir Ismail ibn Amad to be the capital city for the independent Samanid kingdom in 892. The Emir’s tomb, built in Bukhara in the early 10th century, is one of the most striking and well-preserved examples of the architecture of the Muslim world from this period. The city increasingly attracted intellectuals and religious scholars, gaining a reputation as a centre of Islamic learning, and so earned the title of Bukhoro-i-Sharif, or "Noble Bukhara". The scholars and students from across the Muslim world who gathered in the city to learn and teach were themselves partaking in travel along the Silk Roads, and brought their own cultures and ideas with them. The city continued to expand, both economically and socially, under the rule of the Karakhanids in the 11th century, up until the invasion by Ghengis Khan in 1220, and became part of the Timurid Empire in 1370. However, it was in the 16th century that Bukhara reached the peak of its prosperity and renown as a cultural, trading and religious centre on the Silk Roads. Conquered in the late 15th century by Khan Sheibani, a nomadic Uzbek tribal leader, the city went on to become the capital of the Khanate of Bukhara under the Sheibanid dynasty. As Sheibanid rule expanded and was consolidated over large areas of Central Asia, Bukhara was the first to benefit from this prosperity, and the majority of the most celebrated and striking monuments that distinguish the city today date from this period. Many of these reflect Bukhara's status as a spiritual and cultural as well as economic centre, such as the remarkable Poi-Kalyan complex, which consists of the Kalyan mosque, minaret and the Mir-i Arab madrassah. The Lyabi-Khauz ensemble similarly dates from this period, as well as the Kosh madrassah and the Gaukushon madrassah. The Taki Sarafon (Dome of the Moneychangers) and the Taki-Tilpak-Furushan (Dome of the Headguard Sellers) both hint at the vibrant commercial activity that was taking place in Bukhara in this period. The Magoki Kurns and Abdullaziz-Khan madrassah were added in the mid-17th century. This historic old town is in fact the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia today, and its well-preserved urban structure and striking medieval architecture, as well as the remains of many covered bazaars, all reflect the influence of the Silk Roads throughout the long history of Bukhara.

i-Italy is a group of journalists, academics and “public intellectuals” determined to create an authoritative point of encounter, information, and debate on the Internet concerning Italy and Italian America. i-Italy is a TV, a print magazine and a multimedia, bilingual web project which focuses on three major fields: Information and discussion on current, social and cultural events. In-depth examination and cultural debate, hosting opinions, comments, columns, analyses, and reviews; Community building/social networking Our project addresses three major segments: American "Italophiles" who love Italy and everything Italian. Americans of Italian descent. Italians living and working in the U.S. It also addresses three main topics: Italian America: social, political and cultural events related to the Italian/American community. Italy in the U.S.: Italian events in America, including among others artistic, cultural, and business events; Italy in Italy: Italian current events and lifestyle. Finally, our project is bilingual, with English as its main language as it is spoken by the most part of our target audiences.

The Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais is a cultural operator whose mission is to promote access to culture throughout the national territory, and beyond. It brings together expertise of excellence in the artistic and cultural field: production of exhibitions, reception of the public, mediation, art history courses, publishing, management of museum shops and publishing of cultural products, art, photographic agency, acquisitions of works of art for national collections, cultural engineering, digital innovation... These allow it to play a unique role in the cultural world, with one ambition: to encourage the greatest number of people to meet art, the art of all cultures, of all eras and in all its forms. The Grand Palais, which entered an important phase of work in 2021, is the emblem of the institution: it exercises many of its skills there, including the production of major exhibitions and cultural events. Temporarily installed on the Champ-de-Mars, the Grand Palais Éphémère will host the event program presented in the Nave of the Grand Palais until the reopening of the monument. In Paris, at the Luxembourg Museum, and everywhere in France, the Rmn - Grand Palais deploys its skills around ambitious and innovative projects. Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900 and consecrated "by the Republic to the glory of French art", the Grand Palais was classified as a historic monument in 2000. Its architecture combining classicism and modernity, its exceptional dimensions (70,000 m²) and its remarkable volumes (the largest Nave in Europe with a surface area of ​​13,500 m², crowned by a glass roof of 17,500 m²) make it a unique cultural and heritage site. La Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais est un opérateur culturel dont la mission est de favoriser l’accès à la culture sur l’ensemble du territoire national, et au-delà. Elle regroupe des expertises d’excellence dans le domaine artistique et culturel : production d’expositions, accueil des publics, médiation, cours d’histoire de l’art, édition, gestion de boutiques de musées et édition de produits culturels, Ateliers d’art, agence photographique, acquisitions d’oeuvres d’art pour les collections nationales, ingénierie culturelle, innovation numérique… Celles-ci lui permettent de jouer un rôle singulier dans le monde culturel, avec une ambition : favoriser la rencontre du plus grand nombre avec l‘art, l’art de toutes les cultures, de toutes les époques et sous toutes ses formes. Le Grand Palais, entré dans une phase importante de travaux en 2021, est l’emblème de l’institution: elle y exerce nombre de ses savoir-faire, dont la production de grandes expositions et d’événements culturels. Installé provisoirement sur le Champ-de-Mars, le Grand Palais Éphémère accueillera jusqu’à la réouverture du monument la programmation événementielle présentée dans la Nef du Grand Palais. À Paris, au Musée du Luxembourg, et partout en France, la Rmn - Grand Palais déploie ses compétences autour de projets ambitieux et innovants. Construit pour l’Exposition Universelle de 1900 et consacré «par la République à la gloire de l’art français», le Grand Palais a été classé monument historique en 2000. Son architecture mêlant classicisme et modernité, ses dimensions exceptionnelles (70 000 m²) et ses volumes remarquables (la plus grande Nef d’Europe avec 13 500 m² de surface, couronnée d’une verrière de 17 500 m²) en font un site culturel et patrimonial à part.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing their resources with the world. The Smithsonian Institution was established with funds from James Smithson, a British scientist who left his estate to the United States to found “at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Smithson died in 1829, and six years later, President Andrew Jackson announced the bequest to Congress. On July 1, 1836, Congress authorized acceptance of the Smithson bequest, but it took another ten years of debate before the Smithsonian was founded. The Institution was founded in 1846 according to Smithson wishes. Once established, the Smithsonian Institution became part of the process of developing an American national identity—an identity rooted in exploration, innovation, and a unique American style. That process continues today as the Smithsonian looks toward the future. They continue to honor this mission and invite you to join them in their quest. When you visit the Smithsonian, you’re entering the world’s largest museum complex, with approximately 155 million artifacts and specimens in its trust for the American people. As a center for research, they are also dedicated to public education; national service; and scholarship in art, design, science, technology, history, and culture.

The Sassi di Matera are two districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, of the Italian city of Matera, well-known for their ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period. The Sassi di Matera quarters were listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. They are a unique place with extraordinary charm that shows how man has lived in a fairytale-like environment for thousands of years: both the Sassi districts and the surrounding area - comprised by the Parco Archeologico Storico Naturale for the most part - are characteristically rocky. The sassi quarters are connected to the current town centre all throughout, admittedly there are many streets and alleys that lead down to the old town. Initially, the Sassi di Matera were just a rocky area, very similar to the opposite side of the canyon created by the Gravina river. The western side of the canyon is made up of a steep side overlooking the stream, along with several hills and terraces more suitable for human habitation. As time went on, these places transformed into villages and ultimately into a fully-fledged town. The first human settlements date back to the Palaeolithic age, and they developed in the many caves that characterize the local rocky landscape. Over time, the landscape has been increasingly modified by man, as the local sandstone is soft enough to be carved, meaning that it can be manipulated to create shelter. The caves that were dug in this period constitute the basis of urbanization, still visible in the buildings constructed during the last millennium. Hence, Matera has gone through the prehistoric phase, comprised of the Palaeolithic age, the neolithic age and the Iron Age, and later its history was strongly affected by the advent of Christianity, which quickly became culturally prevalent. During the Middle Ages, the landscape was transformed as a result of the systematic construction of a series of places of worship. Today, the Sassi di Matera represent a fascinating cultural landscape, which is the reason why they are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Architecturally, they encompass a mixture of different elements that were stratified over time, such as rock dwellings, cave churches and burial grounds that repeatedly alternate with buildings belonging to disparate time periods such as the Middle Ages, the renaissance, the baroque and the modern age. As a matter of fact, caves, hypogea, palaces, churches, neighbourhoods, staircases, galleries and gardens all intertwine together, creating a magical and unique atmosphere in this place.

The Oropa Sanctuary is the most important and largest Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary to be found in the Alps. It is located in a unique, natural and unspoilt setting at only 15 minutes drive from the centre of Biella. Historical lore states that the Sanctuary was founded in the 4th century AD by St. Eusebio, the first bishop of Vercelli. The first written documents that mention Oropa date back to the beginning of the 13th century and mention the first simple churches of St. Mary and St. Bartholomew. These served as important reference points for ‘viatores’ (travellers) who travelled back and forth to the nearby Aosta Valley. The Sanctuary grew and has been developed through the years into a spectacular architectural ensemble of important monumental buildings. This led to a change in the use of Oropa from one of transit to a destination used by pilgrims brought here by their strong sense of devotion. The complex is made up of three large courtyards built on three levels and was designed by the great Savoyard architects Arduzzi, Gallo, Beltramo, Juvarra, Guarini, Galletti and Bonora between the mid 17th and 18th centuries finishing with the “Upper Basilica” which was consecrated in 1960. The first courtyard, faced by restaurants, bars, and several shops for the visitors, is followed by the wide square containing the Ancient Basilica. It can be reached by the monumental staircase and the Royal Door. The majestic buildings of Oropa have been edified in the course of the centuries starting from a core unit: the small sacellum of the Black Virgin. The rooms of the Sanctuary offer hotel-quality accommodation suitable to meet all needs, for tourism accessible to all. Il Santuario di Oropa sorge a 1200 m di altitudine ed è il più importante Santuario mariano delle Alpi: inserito in una cornice naturale di assoluta bellezza, si trova a 15 Km dal centro di Biella. Secondo la tradizione l’origine del Santuario è da collocarsi nel IV secolo, ad opera di S. Eusebio, primo vescovo di Vercelli. I primi documenti scritti che parlano di Oropa, risalenti all’inizio del XIII secolo, riportano l’esistenza delle primitive Chiese di Santa Maria e di San Bartolomeo, di carattere eremitico, che costituivano un punto di riferimento fondamentale per i viatores (viaggiatori) che transitavano da est verso la Valle d’Aosta. Lo sviluppo del Santuario subì diverse trasformazioni nel tempo, fino a raggiungere le monumentali dimensioni odierne tramutandosi da luogo di passaggio a luogo di destinazione per i pellegrini animati da un forte spirito devozionale. Il maestoso complesso è frutto dei disegni dei più grandi architetti sabaudi: Arduzzi, Gallo, Beltramo, Juvarra, Guarini, Galletti, Bonora hanno contribuito a progettare e a realizzare l’insieme degli edifici che si svilupparono tra la metà del XVII e del XVIII secolo. Dal primitivo sacello all'imponente Basilica Superiore, consacrata nel 1960, lo sviluppo edilizio ed architettonico è stato grandioso. Articolato su tre piazzali a terrazza, il complesso è imperniato su due grandi luoghi di culto: la Basilica Antica, realizzata all'inizio del XVII secolo e in cui si venera la Madonna Nera, per tradizione portata e nascosta da S. Eusebio ad Oropa, e la Chiesa Nuova. Completano la struttura monumentali edifici, chiostri e la solenne scalinata che conduce alla Porta Regia.

Saving Castles, where a castle is only as good as the ground it stands on! They are saving castles one project at a time, in the hope that by building a global community, many people can help them do their job! The castles of Europe are unlike any other. They range from fancy, to small and simple; but they all have one thing in common: every castle has a story behind it that makes it so special! Some people have dreamt since they were kids, about owning their own personal castle or château with cobblestone streets leading up to the gates. For others, inheriting property is just an expectation-a family tradition passed down through generations for centuries. And then there’s those who contribute to projects for these majestic structures because of the beauty or history within them, no matter how old or new…all kinds come together under the banner of “Saving Castles.” We all will be saving history as Guardians of the Saving Castle Foundation. When you become involved in the preservation and protection of these historic buildings, it’s more than just your support that saves them – their transformation will impact all who visit! Savings Castles Foundation hopes to bring life back into history by giving contributors, partners and visitors first-hand experiences with historic castles, châteaus, manors, events, artifacts, and more! Their projects are reviewed by experts, then chosen because they deserve and need more public attention. If you want to get involved, there are lots of different ways to join in! Project Guardians, Defenders and Saviours are key supporters that often have the opportunity to become intimately involved with restoring their chosen castle. This is a hugely important role, which enables these monuments of history to stay standing for future generations and visitors alike! Guardians play an integral part in saving Castles from destruction or deterioration by funding necessary repairs that can’t be done on their own as volunteers. They have several contribution levels and all include some wonderful gifts from their online shop in appreciation. The Volunteer Program offers challenging alternative opportunities. The Saving Castles staff place individuals who wish to contribute their time and expertise as part of a project. Volunteers in this program work with their staff members on both short-term or long-term projects, bringing the necessary knowledge base that is desperately needed for specific areas such as restoration, construction, remodelling, archaeology, engineering, fund-raising, event planning, website work, etc. The volunteer positions change from helping out at one event to becoming an important member of the team working alongside them in different parts of the world. They want to create inspiring member experiences that bring the story of Europe’s history alive by selecting historic buildings and sites that need expert care, so that in turn they can be enjoyed by future generations. Building on their work with heritage experts, they’ve partnered up with local organizations around the world who share this passion and interest in preserving history – it’s a way to give back what was once taken away from them without forgetting where you came from!

Gone are the days when people learned about history simply from reading books. People are increasingly looking for experiences that bring history to life in an engaging way and nothing beats standing on the spot where history happened. English Heritage wants to create inspiring visitor experiences that bring the story of England to life. They ensure that their historic sites and artefacts are expertly cared for, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations From small beginnings towards the end of the 19th century, the collection of historic places now managed by English Heritage has grown to over 400, inspired by a determination to put England's heritage ahead of private interest. The extraordinary collection of buildings and monuments now in the care of English Heritage began to be amassed in 1882. At that stage heritage was the responsibility of the Office of Works, the government department responsible for architecture and building. In 1913 an Act of Parliament was passed that gave the Office new powers. These were essentially to make a collection of all the greatest sites and buildings that told the story of Britain. At that stage these were regarded as being prehistoric and medieval remains - country houses and industrial sites were then not really seen as heritage. After the Second World War the Ministry of Works (as it had become) started to be interested in buildings other than castles, abbeys and manor houses. Its first industrial sites were acquired and in 1949 it acquired its first country house, Audley End in Essex. The Ministry had its sights set on a number of other big houses, but the Treasury was very nervous. The government felt it was one thing to take on old castles and abbeys, but quite another to look after, and maintain, huge roofed buildings full of works of art. After some debate it was decided that it would be financially more sustainable if the National Trust took on the country houses and that the Ministry of Works confined itself to the older monuments. This ruling, though disappointing to the men at the Ministry, did not stop them collecting and huge numbers of historic sites, as windmills, iron works and Georgian villas were added to the collection. By 1970 the English part of the collection alone stood at 300 sites visited by more than 5.5m people: it was by far the largest visitor attraction business in the country. Many of the sites now had museums and shops selling souvenirs and it was possible to buy a season ticket and visit the Ministry's sites across the country for free. In 1983 what had effectively become the English national heritage collection was transferred to a new body set up by Mrs Thatcher's government. It was called the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission. Its name was not thought to be very snappy by its first Chairman, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, and so it was re-christened English Heritage. Under Lord Montagu's inspired leadership English Heritage did two jobs: it cared for the National Heritage Collection and it ran the national system of heritage protection, including listing buildings, dealing with planning issues and giving grants. By 1933 there were 273 sites in the collection including Stonehenge, Rievaulx Abbey, Carisbrooke Castle and Richborough Roman Fort. Preservation of these important places was, of course, the primary objective, but telling their stories was almost as important. All these places were open to the public and had guidebooks and explanatory signs. Some also sold postcards and even had tea shops. Over a period of a decade or more, the collection became better run, better displayed and the old season ticket was transformed into a membership scheme. Lord Montagu and his successor as chairman, Sir Jocelyn Stevens, began to collect more buildings, now including country houses, such as Brodsworth Hall. Membership grew, visitor numbers increased, and people enjoyed the collections more than ever before. In fact, by the mid-2000s, income from the collection was beginning to make a contribution to their maintenance and conservation. In 2011, for the first time, the national heritage collection made an operational surplus. In other words, instead of costing money to open it to the public, a small surplus was made. Thanks to these successes, the government agreed that it would provide £80m to English Heritage if it transferred the national heritage collection to a charitable trust. This happened on 1 April 2015 when the old English Heritage separated into two parts: a charity that looks after the collections, and Historic England that champions the nation's wider heritage, running the listing system, dealing with planning matters and giving grants. English Heritage offers a hands-on experience that will inspire and entertain people of all ages. Their work is informed by enduring values of authenticity, quality, imagination, responsibility and fun. Their vision is that people will experience the story of England where it really happened. They seek to be true to the story of the places and artefacts that they look after and present. They do not exaggerate or make things up for entertainment's sake. Instead, through careful research, they separate fact from fiction and bring fascinating truth to light. They pursue the highest standards in all their work, from the service they provide to their visitors to the quality of their communications, from the way their events are run to the standard of their conservation work. They seek to be imaginative in the way that history is brought to life, thinking creatively, using the most effective means, surprising and delighting people. They want each experience to be vivid, alive and unforgettable. English Heritage wants people to enjoy their time with them. That doesn't mean they are frivolous or superficial. They want to provide experiences that elicit emotion as well as stimulate the mind. They aim to entertain, as well as inspire!