Category Archives: Tours

Walking Tours: Volterra In West Tuscany, Italy (4K)

Volterra is a walled town southwest of Florence, in Italy. The central Palazzo dei Priori has medieval frescoes and a bell tower with expansive views. Volterra Cathedral has a marble entrance and a gilded coffered ceiling. Nearby are the remains of the Etruscan Acropolis. The Guarnacci Etrurian Museum has a rich collection of archaeological artifacts. The Roman Theater complex includes the ruins of 3rd-century baths. 

Video timeline: 0:00 – [Brief intro] 1:15 – [Walking tour begins / Piazza dei Priori] 3:20 – [Palazzo dei Priori☀️🏰] 9:50 – [Piazza San Giovanni⛲] 11:40 – [Chapel Addolorata – *tour inside*⛪] 18:30 – […back to Piazza dei Priori…⛲] 19:20 – [Medieval Show…To see the FULL Show skip to 02:31:00 📸🎼] 27:00 – [Cloister of the Cathedral of St.Maria Assunta – *tour inside*⛪] 32:30 – [Piazza San Giovanni⛲] 37:30 – [Baptistry of St.John – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 46:20 – [Cathedral of St.Maria Assunta – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 58:40 – [Piazzetta dei Fornelli⛲] 59:30 – [Via Orto Tondo] 59:40 – [📋𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆📋] 1:02:20 – [Vicolo del Mandorlo] 1:04:50 – [Via Francesco da Volterra] 1:05:50 – [Via San Filippo] 1:08:40 – [Via della Pietraia] 1:10:30 – [Vicolo dei Belladonna] 1:11:50 – [Church of San Cristoforo – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 1:14:00 – [Vicolo Chinzica] 1:15:50 – [Church of Madonna del Gabellino – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 1:17:20 – [Ancient Roman Baths🏛] 1:18:10 – [Via San Felice] 1:20:50 – [Via San Lino] 1:21:40 – [Church of St.Lino – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 1:25:10 – [Church of St.Francis – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 1:27:20 – [Cappella della Croce di Giorno☀️] 1:32:20 – [Porta San Francesco (St.Francis Gate)🏛] 1:34:20 – [Via Ripetta] 1:35:40 – [Porta San Felice (St.Felice Gate)🏛] 1:38:25 – [Panoramic Point⛺] 1:41:10 – [Via Lungo le Mura (along the wall alley)] 1:44:25 – [Porta all’Arco (Gate of the Arch)☀️🏛] 1:45:25 – [Via Porta all’Arco] 1:50:00 – [Piazza Martiri della Libertà⛲] 1:50:50 – [Via di Castello] 1:52:10 – [Via Giacomo Matteotti] 1:55:50 – [Via A.Gramsci] 2:00:00 – [Parrocchia della Cattedrale Church – *tour inside*⛪] 2:02:00 – [Piazza XX Settembre⛲] 2:02:30 – [Panorama on Volterra⛺] 2:05:30 – [Church of St.Augustine☀️⛪] 2:09:20 – [Porta Marconi (Marconi Gate)🏛] 2:12:00 – [Via Don Giovanni Minzoni] 2:15:50 – [Medici Fortress☀️🏰] 2:19:30 – [Porta a Selci (A Selci Gate)🏛] 2:20:40 – […a little far to the north… walking near Porta Fiorentina (Florence Gate)] 2:23:45 – [Church of St.Michael Archangel – *tour inside*☀️⛪] 2:26:10 – [Piazzetta San Michele⛲] 2:27:10 – [Via dei Sarti] 2:28:00 – [Viti Palace☀️🏰] 2:28:50 – [Via delle Prigioni (Prisons’ Alley)] 2:30:45 – [☕️📸🎼… the Medieval Show in Volterra! …☕️📸🎼]

Architect’s Tour: Toorak Residence In Melbourne

Approached with experience and discernment, Toorak Residence is an architectural dwelling with a considered interiority. Designed by Architecton, the luxury home embraces its context, enabling seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor space.

Video Timeline: 00:00 – The Local Project Print Publication 00:15 – Introduction to Architectural Toorak Residence 01:02 – The Levels and Layers of the Home 01:46 – Blurring the Lines Between Living and Landscape 02:30 – The Material Palette of the Architectural Home 03:15 – A Sculptural Champagne Cork 03:28 – Lighting Considerations 04:08 – A Range of Versatile Living Areas 04:44 – Ageing Like a Fine Champagne 05:13 – Subscribe to The Local Project Print Publication

Located in the affluent suburb of Toorak in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Toorak Residence is strong element in the impressive architectural environment. Marked externally by a bold sculpture, the home sits at over 1000 square metres and features three spacious levels. Arriving at Toorak Residence, the process of entry is elongated by carefully layered experiential details. Beyond the front gate lies an informal garden space – a tactile composition of pleasant greenery – which effortlessly navigates residents towards the main entrance. Stepping inside the architectural home, the material palette is intentionally restrained. Architecton champions concrete, natural stone, timber and glass as the ideal canvases for light and bases for architectural detail. Flowing out towards the landscape whilst internally welcoming sunlight, Toorak Residence does justice to the rigour of Artchitecton. A house tour reveals the architectural residence to be a peaceful dwelling, encouraging intuitive patterns of movement for superior living.

Island Views: A Van Tour Around Corsica, France

Corsica, a mountainous Mediterranean island, presents a mix of stylish coastal towns, dense forest and craggy peaks (Monte Cinto is the highest). Nearly half the island falls within a park whose hiking trails include the challenging GR 20. Its beaches range from busy Pietracorbara to remote Saleccia and Rondinara. It’s been part of France since 1768, but retains a distinct Italian culture. 

Art & Design: ‘Aerial Roots’ Galerie Philia, Cote d’Azur

Galerie Philia is proud to announce its summer exhibition taking place in two villas designed by Jean Nouvel and commissioned by Rivere Group on the luxurious Cote d’Azur. Villa Maeterlinck in Nice and villa in St Jean Cap Ferrat, both are perfectly integrated into the landscape and boast terrace gardens in front of wide private sea views on the Mediterranean.

Tillandsias in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Monsteras in Nice were planted by Jean Nouvel as an ode to their aerian roots. This specific fauna is in complete harmony with the asesthetic of the influential architect whose innovative aerian principle transforms buildings into dematerialized natural environments. Set in a mesmerizing atmosphere, between the breath-taking coast and the unassuming minimalism of Nouvel, Galerie Philia enhances this dialogue between the aesthetic of the architecture and its natural surroundings.

The concept of aerian roots is in the heart of the scenography of Galerie Philia as transcultural art and design works were selected for the plural and complex aesthetic and national identities they convey. Completed in 2015 and placed right by the famous Maeterlinck Palace, Villa Maeterlink is carved into the rock. Situated just by the waterfront, all of the rooms in the villa have a full view of the sea, with a living room spanning 40m2 without posts (cantilevered).

Set in a grand plot of 8600 m2, the entire house is made to measure including the stainless steel ceilings, light fixtures, and inox surfaces along with a multitude of special details that make this a truly unique place. The space breaths at all times thanks to the sliding partitions that were built in a studied way to dissipate the boundary between interior and exterior in this house that opens to the sea, and the stainless steel ceiling of the house allows one to see the sea at all times.

Blending with the unique and entirely customized architecture of Jean Nouvel, Galerie Philia’s elegant collection of sculptural design and art dresses these villas in a new look and create stunning vistas, transforming them into a living and breathing homes. The gardens and the interior of both villas are united by a harmonious scenography and become a reflection of the lightness of Nouvel’s aesthetic. The exhibition features unique pieces by Frederic Saulou, Andrés Monnier, Arno Declercq, Jojo Corväiá, Rick Owens, Elsa Foulon, Jan Ernst and many more designers represented by Galerie Philia.

The hand-carved stone firepit of Andres Monnier creates a radiant atmosphere in the patio with the ravishing views of plants as Gerard Kuijpers’ Dancing Stones move with the breeze from the mediterranean. Arno Declercq’s unique daybed accommodates a relaxing environment in the cozy living space and Jörg Pietschmann’s solid oak unique bench invites one to enjoy the monstera haven. The Revue Eclipse collaborated with Galerie Philia on the fine art selection, and internationally known artists will be exhibited such as Sam Szafran, Flora Temnouche, Edgar Sarin, Manuel Merida, Francisco Salazar, Jörg Kratz and Mateo Revillo.

Architectural Tours: New York’s Greenwich Village

Architectural Digest takes you to New York City for an insightful walking tour of Greenwich Village with architect Nicholas Potts. From jazz clubs and coffee shops to the dramatic arch at Washington Square Park and the landmark buildings on Waverly Place, “The Village” continues to exist at the nexus of New York’s past, present, and future.

Come along with Nick as he explores the architectural details hidden in plain sight. Check out Nicholas Potts here:

Website: https://nicholasgpotts.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholasgpo…

Architect’s Tour: Casa Mia In City Beach, Australia

Offering a playful rendition of the familiar sustainable narrative, Casa Mia enables residents to experience life inside a dream house. Crafted by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects in collaboration with Caroline Di Costa Architect, the residence uses brickwork to convey a liberating message.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to Casa Mia 00:28 – High-Density Living 01:11 – A Playful Space 01:53 – Providing a Presence and Privacy 02:13 – Sustainable Brickwork 03:08 – Love and Appreciation for Brickworks 03:39 – Historic and Ancient Japanese Architecture 04:25 – Utilising Unfinished Materials 05:00 – Sustainable Design 05:47 – The Architect’s Favourite Aspects of the House

Located on the Ocean Mia Estate in City Beach, Casa Mia is an architect’s own home, sitting in contrast to the built context. Constructed from carefully positioned brickwork with spaces between bricks at its edge, the dream house juxtaposes the rectilinear forms of the surrounding buildings, presenting a dynamic profile of surprising lightness.

Liaising with Brickworks, Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects both inheres the project with a sense of sustainability and makes the concept legible as a prominent feature of the architect’s own home. Brickworks enables its products to be applied to the dream house in their uncut state – an atypical usage – in order to minimise waste. Every brick of the dream house is locally sourced and exhibits colours reminiscent of the earthy natural landscape. Inspired by Japanese architecture, Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects employs fully-glazed bricks around particular openings.

The bricks bounce sunlight into the depths of the home, allowing the residents to save energy where possible. Although Casa Mia represents the weight of responsibility architects have towards the environment, it also presents this responsibility as beneficial. Iredale Pederson Hook Architects and Caroline Di Costa Architect craft a dream house that rejoices in its sustainability, utilising the colour and texture of brick to suggest a playful variation of an architect’s own home.

Italian Classics: The ‘Myth’ Behind Riva Aquaramas

During Italy’s post-war boom years, Riva’s glamorous wooden boats were the pinnacle of “la dolce vita” – the Ferraris of motorboats, owned by movie stars, tycoons and royalty. Correspondent Seth Doane takes a spin on the water in a classic Riva; checks out a new edition of the famed Aquarama boat; and learns how the company is working to keep Riva’s spirit alive.

Alberto Galassi is raving about his Riva, a 1970 wooden Aquarama, formed of cedar from Lebanon and mahogany. The CEO of the Ferretti Group, which now owns the Riva boat brand, he took correspondent Seth Doane on a ride on Italy’s picturesque Lake Iseo, racing past Riva’s factory.

“Riva is beyond boating; Riva is a myth,” Galassi said of the classic Riva speedboats, which have been in the hands of royalty, movie stars, rock stars and tycoons. “Let’s be honest. I mean, when you say, ‘I have a Ferrari,’ you need to say you ‘have a car’? Everybody knows what a Ferrari is. Riva is the same thing.”

Travel Guide: Top Things To Do In Porto, Portugal

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors.

Archaeological Views: Bosra In Southern Syria

Bosra is a major archaeological site in Syria, with ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Muslim times. The most impressive of all is the magnificent perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater, built in the second century. Bosra, also spelled Bostra, Busrana, Bozrah, Bozra and officially called Busra al-Sham, is a town in southern Syria.