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During the American Revolutionary War in the awful winter of 1777-79 at Valley Forge, General George Washington defied the wishes of Congress by ordering Joseph Addison’s play, Cato: A Tragedy, performed for his bedraggled troops. Fearing that its sad conclusion would demoralize the men (Cato took his own life rather than submit to rule by Julius C...

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Art, history, and modern technology helped researchers unveil hidden tunnels beneath Milan’s Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), structures that perfectly match sketches made by Leonardo da Vinci over five centuries ago.  Built in the 15th century, the Sforza Castle had been originally commissioned by Galeazzo II Visconti in the late 14th century;...

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Did you know that an Italian inspired the design of the White House, Monticello and the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Andrea Palladio was born in Veneto in Padua in 1508. He began as an apprentice in sculpture which led to his admission into the stonemason’s guild. He moved to Vincenza and worked for a patron who supported the classical style of Anci...

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The arch is one of the most important architectural innovations in history, and while its basic concept may have existed in early civilizations, it was the Etruscans and, later, the Romans who perfected and popularized its use. This seemingly simple curved structure revolutionized architecture, as it allowed for stronger, more durable buildings and...

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Among the most distinctive landmarks in Chicago's northwest suburbs is Niles' unexpected Leaning Tower. This architectural curiosity is a precise half-scale version of Italy's famous Pisa tower, rising 94 feet tall with a 28-foot diameter and leaning a significant 7.4 feet, according to the town's website. But what led to this striking Italian trib...

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From 25 December 2024 to 6 January 2026 Rome will vibrate with spirituality and hope for the future. The Jubilee 2025 is not only a religious event but above all an opportunity for the city to tackle unresolved issues and to transform itself with a view to increased liveability and fruibility, beyond the institutional season of representation and c...

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Milan, a global hub of fashion and finance, increasingly asserts itself as a leading center for architecture and design. Its status as Italy's second-largest city underpins its vibrant cultural scene, attracting both established and emerging creative talent. Additionally, Milan is home to esteemed educational institutions recognized for their focus...

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A few weeks ago we explored Italian architecture across the globe, ended with a nod to Rosario Candela’s work in NYC, and hinted that there was more to discuss. On April 3, we pick up the conversation with a deeper dive into the wonderful examples of Italian architecture in NYC. RSVP here. Whether it is works inspired by the Italian Renaissance or...

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Providing insight to the beliefs, values, and needs of a particular culture, architecture and design prove crucial to better understanding a group of people. The design of different buildings and structures, for instance, must be functional to meet the needs of a community, but the way in which the design accomplishes its goals reveals the values o...

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Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi architect who became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004, has built an incredible body of work that is so revolutionary and daring that it has brought her worldwide fame. From the Fire Station in Weil am Rhein, Germany (1993) to the Guangzhou Opera House in China (2010) and the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku (2013),...

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