Campidoglio, Rome

Posted by James Turnbull, Friday, 16th December 2005

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The Campidoglio is located on the most important of Rome’s seven hills and features an equestrian bronze of the “philosopher emperor”, Marcus Aurelius, which is the prototype for all modern equestrian sculpture.

The piazza was designed by Michelangelo and, athough faithful to his designs, was not completed until the 20th century with the installation of the marble star shape which is so clear in the satellite photo. (There’s lots of ground level photos here).

Thanks: cacafuego

Coral Gables Venetian Pool

Posted by Alex Turnbull, Friday, 16th December 2005

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In 1924 this former coral rock quarry near Miami was transformed into Coral Gables Venetian Pool, complete with cascading waterfalls, coral rock caves and a palm-fringed island. Apparently it is the only pool in the US to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Coral Gables Venetian Pool

Today the pool has over one hundred thousand visitors a year, and the official site says that at one time:

orchestras serenaded pool side dancers as they swayed beneath the stars on outdoor terrazzo dance floors. Bathing beauties by the hundreds promenaded across specially constructed walkways, while visiting dignitaries passed through the circular aquarium room entry to tour the “world’s most beautiful swimming hole.”

Many thanks to… (drum-roll please…) Phillip Lockwood-Holmes!!