Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The ceiling fresco Aurora, by Guercino, after which the villa has been named, Source: Wikimedia Commons, public domain
The princess occupying it is also facing eviction
The property saga surrounding the Renaissance Villa Aurora, in Rome, has concluded yet another chapter after the Renaissance palace failed to attract any buyers in its fifth auction. It turns out that despite the significant drop in the asking price from the head-spinning 471 million euros, a little over a year ago, to the latest 141 million euros there was still scant interest in acquiring the historic mansion.
Initially, it made news when it was deemed to be the most expensive property in Italy, and among the top-rated in the world. It was rumoured that Saudi princes and even Bill Gates had their chips in the game. But it all fizzled out into nothing, as the sellers kept reducing the initial price tag.
Yet, the whole thing could make a good story for a film or for a soap opera as it has all the spicy elements of melodrama: luxury, art and family feuds.
The sale is the result of a bitter inheritance battle following the death in 2018 of Prince Nicolò Boncompagni Ludovisi, whose family has owned the site near Via Veneto for the last 400 years. The children of the prince are contesting his will, which stipulated that his American-born widow, Princess Rita Jenrette Boncompagni Ludovisi, can stay there for the rest of her life, or if the house is sold the proceeds will be split between her and the heirs.
The court finally ordered for the palace to be put on auction, which spun into a series of auctions and this is where we are now. Yet, Villa Aurora is generally regarded to be an important architectural gem and a site of national (even global) heritage importance.
It is something of a museum on its own, given that it contains the only known Caravaggio ceiling mural in existence. What’s more, on its grounds one can also find a statue attributed to Michelangelo and frescoes by Guercino. It is precisely these art treasures which would oblige any potential buyers to fork out an additional 11 million euros on restoration costs alone, as mandated by the courts. Also, the Italian state has a 60-day window to exercise its right of first refusal after a sale agreement to a private buyer.
The situation has taken an even more gloomy turn, since apart from the sale failure, the widowed princess now also faces eviction, according to media reports. The reasons behind this are two.
On one hand, the bad upkeep of the property has caused on of the walls to collapse and block an adjacent street. On the other hand, Princess Rita had given unauthorized tours of the property, which she claimed were a fund-raising venture.
She has 60 days to leave the villa, although she’s told Reuters that she is planning to appeal the decision.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team