Kitchen Design Luxury Homes: penpal

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Sanssouci details

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXMv3yiPl1tTnRXbpGxIkz4TioOpicWtmOpF-3yPmvfCjahFmORVBYB3mdOO5XtaU0djiuuMAfRtvZgBSyu2Z5XQmei-5ExLaAojIENkRfCcIwJ5BrwJloLhEhZtge-DUg1lFA4KWDwg/s1600/Meissen+vases.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXMv3yiPl1tTnRXbpGxIkz4TioOpicWtmOpF-3yPmvfCjahFmORVBYB3mdOO5XtaU0djiuuMAfRtvZgBSyu2Z5XQmei-5ExLaAojIENkRfCcIwJ5BrwJloLhEhZtge-DUg1lFA4KWDwg/s1600/Meissen+vases.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>While summertime 'downtime' (obviously) continues on this blog I thought I'd share some images my Australian penpal was nice enough to share with me of <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2008/02/sans-souci.html">Sanssouci</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjD3eQnO7AvqE9r5fVFKIEIt6qPuyvTYFjAVUstAFaNGN0GSHvX2xeUfy4mep_gi6HeuBERxMg_EP9InpL3E0lMcotRD_CcF3EveYOWt_-oPMds1Oz-l0o8TrHNLf84GFtsxq2knC8zA/s1600/music+room+Gilded+boiserie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjD3eQnO7AvqE9r5fVFKIEIt6qPuyvTYFjAVUstAFaNGN0GSHvX2xeUfy4mep_gi6HeuBERxMg_EP9InpL3E0lMcotRD_CcF3EveYOWt_-oPMds1Oz-l0o8TrHNLf84GFtsxq2knC8zA/s1600/music+room+Gilded+boiserie.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> I've blogged about the rococo palace in the past (<a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2008/02/sans-souci.html">here</a> and <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2009/12/potsdam.html">here</a>) and it never gets old.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43KdbCckdO52tAhkAiD_g42eW5h4899CIRXiars5PTBaJpru5yqx__t6Zl0qHKLG-4OpDd8Cxqy9pziipnUf0nrQItDKP-shUEe6B3IeSkccGTzUIl3R2L35Fa9_vMiyBMcYgKSnx51Q/s1600/music+room+gilded+mirror+and+boiserie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43KdbCckdO52tAhkAiD_g42eW5h4899CIRXiars5PTBaJpru5yqx__t6Zl0qHKLG-4OpDd8Cxqy9pziipnUf0nrQItDKP-shUEe6B3IeSkccGTzUIl3R2L35Fa9_vMiyBMcYgKSnx51Q/s1600/music+room+gilded+mirror+and+boiserie.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> While this style may not interest you the attention to detail cannot fail to impress.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtI1JH-B8c4vbb14OGy-YRpXDmo9lGNQiM8IFgUAFl099-z3lOXrD5Gj1CUWJ2SV1XbUoLfKFMYThrqhgFIFUxxKi836TCcPL5iI5Q-eUkDIp7pU963hKhOjcH3_87sCu9wYM5XUoOq4/s1600/brackets+porcelain+collection.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtI1JH-B8c4vbb14OGy-YRpXDmo9lGNQiM8IFgUAFl099-z3lOXrD5Gj1CUWJ2SV1XbUoLfKFMYThrqhgFIFUxxKi836TCcPL5iI5Q-eUkDIp7pU963hKhOjcH3_87sCu9wYM5XUoOq4/s1600/brackets+porcelain+collection.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> This collection of porcelain on gilded brackets above reminded me of <a href="http://www.howardslatkin.com/interiordesign/">Howard Slatkin's</a> NYC apartment.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiRlujOq9EV5E3fVbLdJOM3pI_BuG6S_ptYZnqGhON1hoQNS9iqIfNZ7hM-_T74cdJE_TPaVo_gPU75OIg9KkvJsf2lDVHPnUDUOPs781LH5VEDyxJmOF0qorn43GhX4x7bWRxd6VY-c/s1600/guest+room.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiRlujOq9EV5E3fVbLdJOM3pI_BuG6S_ptYZnqGhON1hoQNS9iqIfNZ7hM-_T74cdJE_TPaVo_gPU75OIg9KkvJsf2lDVHPnUDUOPs781LH5VEDyxJmOF0qorn43GhX4x7bWRxd6VY-c/s1600/guest+room.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Notice the very successful jib door (closed) to the left of the chairs in the guest room above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg3Mz82D5t3WCUpAf1aZi-IGpmruvGu94iAIddSYDTBicx8UkYsbo-oR1mgV4pwYO73qaRAEmQ0IwW3dS5699i7PVf5Jrd6bNgp0gK0wKZyWAv6RSbF70za9Rhy6rbFsGxFlElT4lOtQ/s1600/guest+room+ikat+chairs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg3Mz82D5t3WCUpAf1aZi-IGpmruvGu94iAIddSYDTBicx8UkYsbo-oR1mgV4pwYO73qaRAEmQ0IwW3dS5699i7PVf5Jrd6bNgp0gK0wKZyWAv6RSbF70za9Rhy6rbFsGxFlElT4lOtQ/s1600/guest+room+ikat+chairs.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The chairs have a very modern looking ikat type fabric. Many of the fabrics and wallpapers were recently replaced by a company in Lyon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9i7odksoZ5f_30A-5moj1hMs7UPQPMssM_RCpiwWUTNEoCLwmmRXurnhWWqa0K56LJubxSq7to-U_9fEmGcgDDqEIrcyhroHgjyYSDKeUerwYJ5jTqgI4PRkjGvh0JziHPA9lyjMmbxo/s1600/guest+room+ikat+chairs+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9i7odksoZ5f_30A-5moj1hMs7UPQPMssM_RCpiwWUTNEoCLwmmRXurnhWWqa0K56LJubxSq7to-U_9fEmGcgDDqEIrcyhroHgjyYSDKeUerwYJ5jTqgI4PRkjGvh0JziHPA9lyjMmbxo/s1600/guest+room+ikat+chairs+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> I especially love the blue version. Notice the matching curtains.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MU-ilrCwpPCPcGT7Kh2Qah1TScb1opms75Z87rPn8R5Pgc8lcY_2ZtTNkmBUzuJhEBQYOqXJRcFiqNTs4JdnS1q8ls7_kQMGjzgX8_ssFZgeCfkzM1pv_Ba_-6BdLmlNJemziLvfXvg/s1600/guest+room+ikate+chairs+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MU-ilrCwpPCPcGT7Kh2Qah1TScb1opms75Z87rPn8R5Pgc8lcY_2ZtTNkmBUzuJhEBQYOqXJRcFiqNTs4JdnS1q8ls7_kQMGjzgX8_ssFZgeCfkzM1pv_Ba_-6BdLmlNJemziLvfXvg/s1600/guest+room+ikate+chairs+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Here you see the same fabric in green to match a green guestroom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ8lrgcCnuoOkJOLH5uRhM9dMIf0ktN7I3tdMa9gor_6nBzpDh4xp-AgEIzvyeyD23b3JiMB_hCqjIFd5mn7aItVA1_2y6seq4o7rXk-7C7M4TgyMMHrtsBg8eMPDRqemNzli2Ow1skI/s1600/marquetry+walls.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ8lrgcCnuoOkJOLH5uRhM9dMIf0ktN7I3tdMa9gor_6nBzpDh4xp-AgEIzvyeyD23b3JiMB_hCqjIFd5mn7aItVA1_2y6seq4o7rXk-7C7M4TgyMMHrtsBg8eMPDRqemNzli2Ow1skI/s1600/marquetry+walls.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> The marquetry work in this small cabinet is amazing. These side chairs sport a more expected silk damask.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNOrONKvgLziszv1U24lyTgUZhD28_Ujxfn2Lw_3ZfJQWYp-sYqaLzd3XuHY7cbKrySLb1RTPCXIwg8yjWLsyVjOREqv4PMDkC8NbWwtNxjYEkTzc93d-xnhOkGkRYK5aSoeh-HoY2oI/s1600/Voltaire+room+fireplace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNOrONKvgLziszv1U24lyTgUZhD28_Ujxfn2Lw_3ZfJQWYp-sYqaLzd3XuHY7cbKrySLb1RTPCXIwg8yjWLsyVjOREqv4PMDkC8NbWwtNxjYEkTzc93d-xnhOkGkRYK5aSoeh-HoY2oI/s1600/Voltaire+room+fireplace.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>My favorite room at Sanssoci, as I've said in previous posts, is surely the Voltaire guest room which he inhabited for a time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDarluTUi20WKnx_htkdW3AWSuEKzg1jfsFiWkuTUMb5eq-bQKAKROmmlWKOG36KWmaOz1Inx9b9PjfAZ6mipWHHvBfWEfPVNfzzUJdfch3trA-xk8gMv29vcgy7Dz-xebyborl8EyBCU/s1600/Voltaire+room+detail+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDarluTUi20WKnx_htkdW3AWSuEKzg1jfsFiWkuTUMb5eq-bQKAKROmmlWKOG36KWmaOz1Inx9b9PjfAZ6mipWHHvBfWEfPVNfzzUJdfch3trA-xk8gMv29vcgy7Dz-xebyborl8EyBCU/s1600/Voltaire+room+detail+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> The polychromed boiserie are so fun and cheerful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2O8m1FMW3-PHQJvMmMGymwYKbxP1AOJPlnLQawTtbyv1eirAlZOsnaVqwlwRa3z91DCYKyezpk46sJf2tezMsvxAPuk2K_zI5sjF8u3Fjidm0SCigu6tPukRC1Fv75pGNzVB9294sP0/s1600/Voltaire+room+detail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2O8m1FMW3-PHQJvMmMGymwYKbxP1AOJPlnLQawTtbyv1eirAlZOsnaVqwlwRa3z91DCYKyezpk46sJf2tezMsvxAPuk2K_zI5sjF8u3Fjidm0SCigu6tPukRC1Fv75pGNzVB9294sP0/s1600/Voltaire+room+detail.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Birds and fruits sit next to monkeys and parrots - could it be more whimsical?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5R3h37gTWCYechZpPvmLL9sC43_ZmWW_1RIOoY38H1D8dgc0Szmg6OAA-Olo44ttnOV7BpRThem1fbFunXSCjLh2E9Fbp3r2Dq8WZ22JRSQHKcHq670tbyNgJvwrrpbhsk6_UFGKEEa8/s1600/voltaire+room+polychrome+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5R3h37gTWCYechZpPvmLL9sC43_ZmWW_1RIOoY38H1D8dgc0Szmg6OAA-Olo44ttnOV7BpRThem1fbFunXSCjLh2E9Fbp3r2Dq8WZ22JRSQHKcHq670tbyNgJvwrrpbhsk6_UFGKEEa8/s1600/voltaire+room+polychrome+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Notice the very modern looking grotto-esque icicles at the top of the mirror.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk23WPwtH3jgKhswjfMHZxxsBcd2QQ-uxOi5qw6eFWXvManDnWCYif41RbSovt4_xYrgsqmcs1OoKQNiIfzlfZ-oA9WbbOGl6IQLEietRKcpAeX4l6AFSBOWNZr_biSjzXMWDuNDs2H6M/s1600/Voltaire+room+polychrome.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk23WPwtH3jgKhswjfMHZxxsBcd2QQ-uxOi5qw6eFWXvManDnWCYif41RbSovt4_xYrgsqmcs1OoKQNiIfzlfZ-oA9WbbOGl6IQLEietRKcpAeX4l6AFSBOWNZr_biSjzXMWDuNDs2H6M/s1600/Voltaire+room+polychrome.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> The parrots almost look entirely free standing on their brackets.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmchnu9BT10BjOJb80XFB0dM93iJ4cWcIYjq-ldN7F21Ra7OkvnXmXxTmq5cU06LNNZSYCMAzpkWEB6VA5Yp5U6Wl5-TvsJpoPQMWRhgoAq3PM5-6W4ZlMA-93e6YxFc9rUQq8hofZOM/s1600/sanssouci+wallpaper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmchnu9BT10BjOJb80XFB0dM93iJ4cWcIYjq-ldN7F21Ra7OkvnXmXxTmq5cU06LNNZSYCMAzpkWEB6VA5Yp5U6Wl5-TvsJpoPQMWRhgoAq3PM5-6W4ZlMA-93e6YxFc9rUQq8hofZOM/s1600/sanssouci+wallpaper.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> The wallpapers are also a riot of pattern and color.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_8R5zGT1LF11jswrPKNkUU0LErJeEPd5G4wGdkedBzbMfbnLBX8J63AoFI3KOooowoBi8w-pyh0W52pEP82agK43B-ZI_lh7O8y_lXjUo00e-1GTmgCkwsDu6kwXcXo239y8OBf_oCk/s1600/sanssouci+wallpaper+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_8R5zGT1LF11jswrPKNkUU0LErJeEPd5G4wGdkedBzbMfbnLBX8J63AoFI3KOooowoBi8w-pyh0W52pEP82agK43B-ZI_lh7O8y_lXjUo00e-1GTmgCkwsDu6kwXcXo239y8OBf_oCk/s1600/sanssouci+wallpaper+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Notice the intriguing electrical switch below which blends right into the paper. Of course in the 18th century they wouldn't have had any switches so it's nice to hide them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC91De1JTkWQximjod2xMfWoMzk7nERwfy4xARmys8SfMOxNKq722q3I7-tNhTPlm6CvYlG_xlvBURa86fOkzINzWqGQCMeMJQ3aKOzTxxdwdMoVzeqHjTYjDsMpdWJhnvrctQUYLAGE/s1600/sanssouci+wallpaper+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC91De1JTkWQximjod2xMfWoMzk7nERwfy4xARmys8SfMOxNKq722q3I7-tNhTPlm6CvYlG_xlvBURa86fOkzINzWqGQCMeMJQ3aKOzTxxdwdMoVzeqHjTYjDsMpdWJhnvrctQUYLAGE/s1600/sanssouci+wallpaper+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Again with the modern fabrics, doesn't this fabric below remind you of something from the 1950s?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf5QAauMlngIcuD0AN6o5LAslya9KyLadKwrv3EEtcAzrMHqVHBPps5xxkF17z3306Rfir5QuyvLBR2sJ3vkrh2F_zBTYOawmUfIlt3FgMH5KLNNPo_3RonvE9_mxoGrgdZ5OQg7ub0A/s1600/Sanssouci+fabric.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf5QAauMlngIcuD0AN6o5LAslya9KyLadKwrv3EEtcAzrMHqVHBPps5xxkF17z3306Rfir5QuyvLBR2sJ3vkrh2F_zBTYOawmUfIlt3FgMH5KLNNPo_3RonvE9_mxoGrgdZ5OQg7ub0A/s1600/Sanssouci+fabric.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I hope you enjoy these delicious detail shots of <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2008/02/sans-souci.html">Sanssoci Palace</a>!

Sanssouci details

While summertime 'downtime' (obviously) continues on this blog I thought I'd share some images my Australian penpal was nice eno...

11:25 AM

Santos Museum of Economic Botany

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WiWmFqLSm0YO0C0AziEr37Kst1fzNdtlkjnyyI93Va3_7Mfuh2HwXOLfKKV0hxwRjaBzgWKlsyG7VLUMoPPQLiof1Zfw4_R2HBGExa3tLyPFC-THI5Kyug7UCaUuwaWlpehRvLPdDiI/s1600/adelaide+botany+room.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WiWmFqLSm0YO0C0AziEr37Kst1fzNdtlkjnyyI93Va3_7Mfuh2HwXOLfKKV0hxwRjaBzgWKlsyG7VLUMoPPQLiof1Zfw4_R2HBGExa3tLyPFC-THI5Kyug7UCaUuwaWlpehRvLPdDiI/s1600/adelaide+botany+room.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Sometimes museums which might sound rather dull (to design aficionados such as myself) can be held in the most astonishingly beautiful buildings. Such is the case with the <a href="http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/Visit/Adelaide_Botanic_Garden/Santos_Museum_of_Economic_Botany">Santos Museum of Economic Botany</a> at the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, Australia which my penpal recently sent to me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPU1SGjEYP8wQwR1Cah75s1zO20M1WDZZA-cwa9a-Q-0XLUlJLKpERPOmVC_FHLV559OPKp5gUi0fN6V84pLoF2-RYAmKQ_Ck-rj5BxltpNneowJscXquE96_mVdGCcJnmIuhg8WoDaM8/s1600/Santos+Museum+of+Ecoomic+Botany+photo+by+Grant+Hancock+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPU1SGjEYP8wQwR1Cah75s1zO20M1WDZZA-cwa9a-Q-0XLUlJLKpERPOmVC_FHLV559OPKp5gUi0fN6V84pLoF2-RYAmKQ_Ck-rj5BxltpNneowJscXquE96_mVdGCcJnmIuhg8WoDaM8/s1600/Santos+Museum+of+Ecoomic+Botany+photo+by+Grant+Hancock+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This little classical gem of a building from 1879 was just extensively and sensitively renovated. The structure wasn't built as the Greek temple it resembles but rather as the science museum it remains.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uycW11dGpsSEYzVbxA3_20psVjtcqet3EBD0N9fXGkBJQBZ8i7dV8bVHhpT_7ta0zIu1eqfYyPdAY3WIJsaFMEPdCQHtMj-BYmkZJFgKDGrr7pzP63F6RbAiAIlJWmyxYSKJ7OIV2iU/s1600/adelaide+botany+room+ceiling.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uycW11dGpsSEYzVbxA3_20psVjtcqet3EBD0N9fXGkBJQBZ8i7dV8bVHhpT_7ta0zIu1eqfYyPdAY3WIJsaFMEPdCQHtMj-BYmkZJFgKDGrr7pzP63F6RbAiAIlJWmyxYSKJ7OIV2iU/s1600/adelaide+botany+room+ceiling.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The ceiling is a good example of how the Victorians were able to meld together decorative detailing with highly detailed and rather commercial looking steel structure. I love the gilded mechanical vent. If you can't hide it -make a feature of it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdKcVOaMkXQo-cKuv1IU15HjRZWuJp_ukiRqbtxn9RFwNxOoSyJ4c5_nKuTnRUxPIqNXFRaeSNOE9WoWuVzoJLLm-Pw7q5r3etfeeryq0MF-Mp2X0BYIkyed92NZucIv31Nz7R-OKcrA/s1600/wax+mushrooms.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdKcVOaMkXQo-cKuv1IU15HjRZWuJp_ukiRqbtxn9RFwNxOoSyJ4c5_nKuTnRUxPIqNXFRaeSNOE9WoWuVzoJLLm-Pw7q5r3etfeeryq0MF-Mp2X0BYIkyed92NZucIv31Nz7R-OKcrA/s1600/wax+mushrooms.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The collections themselves are just as decorative as the building - these rather amazing Victorian models of mushrooms above are entirely made of wax! I remember even as a child going to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buhl_Planetarium_and_Institute_of_Popular_Science_Building">Buhl Planetarium</a> in Pittsburgh which at the time was the science museum (now the <a href="https://pittsburghkids.org/">Children's museum of Pittsburgh</a>) and being more interested in the beautiful building than in the exhibits themselves. Design inspiration can come from the most surprising places, no?

Santos Museum of Economic Botany

Sometimes museums which might sound rather dull (to design aficionados such as myself) can be held in the most astonishingly beautiful build...

2:52 PM

Palazzo Madama: a grand stair

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSocFIYoBK40S51AJc1JHqKFdHUDl8gzblfYGZOObu5S8_6Q0txLQNmmq7ZmE3Bg7Q_pmdluHa8U1tD1V8ggzbacEfj_5vdj3k32z1SF6EfSev3mcqLiTgZNNZOx1qdDGe2_LEkuU5M7u/s1600/Palazzo+Madama.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSocFIYoBK40S51AJc1JHqKFdHUDl8gzblfYGZOObu5S8_6Q0txLQNmmq7ZmE3Bg7Q_pmdluHa8U1tD1V8ggzbacEfj_5vdj3k32z1SF6EfSev3mcqLiTgZNNZOx1qdDGe2_LEkuU5M7u/s400/Palazzo+Madama.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Many of us have heard of the <a href="http://www.palazzomadamatorino.it/">Palazzo Madama</a> and its famous stair but how many of us have visited? My Australian penpal made a beeline for Turin and the palace while in Italy recently.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f6y0oI7iU4zk8phYCfFJWcev7bwp3tB2exziuax3cpI7EZwZSnC2Q23cswLHVoVyuw8tBvZ5McDlfaqIV6LLeRZ-oAgfpG27Ef06VL-8iLOaxaNRu2RTjEDYkWy4C27oH-ccx69Xn9v_/s1600/Madama+stair.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f6y0oI7iU4zk8phYCfFJWcev7bwp3tB2exziuax3cpI7EZwZSnC2Q23cswLHVoVyuw8tBvZ5McDlfaqIV6LLeRZ-oAgfpG27Ef06VL-8iLOaxaNRu2RTjEDYkWy4C27oH-ccx69Xn9v_/s400/Madama+stair.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>He wrote that the stair did not disappoint and even took his breath away. The stair has been copied around the world and for good reason: just look at it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlToSYJl_KhPLXMpaaJK1HRXZV52m2NO8dEsY_PIEkk35R1eDZxzeXjEFofW8FVM3zXTpI7nW-VN3dBVz1tQR6godgyKnJZUXyjVB-7O73RUJLhw-9lx7QYLkoS96EtPqkzQPJigq3AF2f/s1600/Madama+stair+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlToSYJl_KhPLXMpaaJK1HRXZV52m2NO8dEsY_PIEkk35R1eDZxzeXjEFofW8FVM3zXTpI7nW-VN3dBVz1tQR6godgyKnJZUXyjVB-7O73RUJLhw-9lx7QYLkoS96EtPqkzQPJigq3AF2f/s400/Madama+stair+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>While the palace dates to the 1st century BC (seriously old) the stair was the last addition done to the complex in the early 18th century. The work was supposed to be a part of an enormous new baroque palace taking the place of the old castle designed by the Italian architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Juvarra">Filippo Juvarra</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi0bKrknO9YogwfkW47-tx72Ax58cDVyH86JwQ1Dim9aApE7zX_yDsjr_Q9qVd7MbA8uydSO8gZ25QM_6TsOfuZgV1GaFbzGh9jLAJLFzpXiauv3_eh33Xjy32DdK-o4W8QRunoupgRX9/s1600/Madama+stair+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi0bKrknO9YogwfkW47-tx72Ax58cDVyH86JwQ1Dim9aApE7zX_yDsjr_Q9qVd7MbA8uydSO8gZ25QM_6TsOfuZgV1GaFbzGh9jLAJLFzpXiauv3_eh33Xjy32DdK-o4W8QRunoupgRX9/s400/Madama+stair+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Only this stair and some interior renovations were completed thanks to numerous wars.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX40kmTsycuhAxpIEfzLdXLHMhhjdeLxKhkslu1OpmPtVyy5WaAwBrWQ6nnKEBKOIsBzl4FDmdbFQsC8cuF0XJIgDzdhztSgOvJJ5KD4P3zOwaeio_netLP7g3vKi5Q9Xq_eBaNs0diyyC/s1600/Madama+stair+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX40kmTsycuhAxpIEfzLdXLHMhhjdeLxKhkslu1OpmPtVyy5WaAwBrWQ6nnKEBKOIsBzl4FDmdbFQsC8cuF0XJIgDzdhztSgOvJJ5KD4P3zOwaeio_netLP7g3vKi5Q9Xq_eBaNs0diyyC/s400/Madama+stair+4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Despite this there is still much to see; it's a large castle turned fascinating museum with something for everyone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7048rWRzUi2y8eg4aamd8s0XgpE5o38KIOqARi3mk8iKCKOjG_G77t7Kv_0vgnQibVvPQdhDATZ1xPoHQZgBSRTuIl2pQZRxZJqtLtL4rgazLIa0gubJl7hbL9SFePhKq0zTNns3vQgN/s1600/main+floor+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7048rWRzUi2y8eg4aamd8s0XgpE5o38KIOqARi3mk8iKCKOjG_G77t7Kv_0vgnQibVvPQdhDATZ1xPoHQZgBSRTuIl2pQZRxZJqtLtL4rgazLIa0gubJl7hbL9SFePhKq0zTNns3vQgN/s400/main+floor+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The stair is seen above on the <i>piano nobile</i> plan at the bottom center in gray with the Hall of the Senate located in light blue in the center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLfEp-7nTRRlcS3iItnUM00A8-drfkMozlebHNrnfnKL_ppt-lsmhUYTVjnkm8Wh1rw0WITCQdnvHiMPZnU0hGkas34YZj0UNSpkyCa-jgyECwPK1eX7mOTx-68BwDenqU860AeWb7Oz1/s1600/Hall+of+the+Senate+2+1645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLfEp-7nTRRlcS3iItnUM00A8-drfkMozlebHNrnfnKL_ppt-lsmhUYTVjnkm8Wh1rw0WITCQdnvHiMPZnU0hGkas34YZj0UNSpkyCa-jgyECwPK1eX7mOTx-68BwDenqU860AeWb7Oz1/s400/Hall+of+the+Senate+2+1645.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This grand and impressive hall was built atop a medieval courtyard with Roman excavations which is accessible from the ground level. I love the picture above with the group of people enjoying a snack in the corner of the grand space.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWSyl8U8bntaHH4leCl-szVbUhhZDRTR5NT4Jcj7bbx6DxrF6ciJg9lRNQtklz-hYH45wo6R3IMAZon368Uhm1wd7imAHshviPtnRW21a0-cgxHQMAlKFfHpGrolrBYa1TnpX4m-_zlRH/s1600/Hall+of+the+Senate+1645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWSyl8U8bntaHH4leCl-szVbUhhZDRTR5NT4Jcj7bbx6DxrF6ciJg9lRNQtklz-hYH45wo6R3IMAZon368Uhm1wd7imAHshviPtnRW21a0-cgxHQMAlKFfHpGrolrBYa1TnpX4m-_zlRH/s400/Hall+of+the+Senate+1645.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The collections include art of the Italian Piedmont region with everything from an impressive collection of pottery and china (still in their same location from a 1950s reorganization), fine arts, furniture, and sculpture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy68SQeCAJDlB5s4tj0LG2X1l053u8bmvCoPq4BlVlstjLNf3mLGao5oK7GqfPO7qIvV70gC_i7_-2hfN69XiZ0QWz-wnie81wHerxsHtHWur7aHn87vY5kfyB-_cSRiAdYrF0Av0U1gm5/s1600/ceramic+gallery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy68SQeCAJDlB5s4tj0LG2X1l053u8bmvCoPq4BlVlstjLNf3mLGao5oK7GqfPO7qIvV70gC_i7_-2hfN69XiZ0QWz-wnie81wHerxsHtHWur7aHn87vY5kfyB-_cSRiAdYrF0Av0U1gm5/s400/ceramic+gallery.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> I wish this was my butler's pantry!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpTNB-k0w6thUljX-S5UwvSxNXIYALjHGloWi__4vxGI4Mb7wjqEO-z66EhLnRFTt_4YUOKiZ_03C3Ka0Ajhqm_10yE7qJo7g6WL2j7-S0X1tc9JJufC9PvYoLJh9hDsKFeBgsw747j04/s1600/ceramic+collection.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpTNB-k0w6thUljX-S5UwvSxNXIYALjHGloWi__4vxGI4Mb7wjqEO-z66EhLnRFTt_4YUOKiZ_03C3Ka0Ajhqm_10yE7qJo7g6WL2j7-S0X1tc9JJufC9PvYoLJh9hDsKFeBgsw747j04/s400/ceramic+collection.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Below you see a painting and model of the immense Palace planned for the site by Juvarra of which only the stair was realized.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ_OXXRAChFyEOd1Z_yvm9eNtjDhd3tvYhY9CfTRm7wRUVSuJoJDORF3jYCtwOSjUUK1WrJO2RoukVeasd3iRwN9CI7BqxdZhMwK8N1aATq1-aXBg9KKd0bdKCHXYDefaczhDB-aK9aoN/s1600/Guidobono+room+-+castle+of+Rivoli+by+Juvarra.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ_OXXRAChFyEOd1Z_yvm9eNtjDhd3tvYhY9CfTRm7wRUVSuJoJDORF3jYCtwOSjUUK1WrJO2RoukVeasd3iRwN9CI7BqxdZhMwK8N1aATq1-aXBg9KKd0bdKCHXYDefaczhDB-aK9aoN/s400/Guidobono+room+-+castle+of+Rivoli+by+Juvarra.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> The baroque interiors shimmer with gold and shine under colorful silks and beautiful paintings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt_oBLQF2Q0NR_nj4Vh4rO2l-e6Yuc5_KuPNvCWfte5B8TxmOkCMVMUGe8QdXs01DgjCyQhTzgzdctnC7puihjn5mZYdV53AnWC0FLcqBNuzAEvRmyUyd5kcVepTmqcguDqhaoQPZr6m9/s1600/Hall+of+the+four+seasons+1715+-+following+Berain+of+Louis+XIV.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt_oBLQF2Q0NR_nj4Vh4rO2l-e6Yuc5_KuPNvCWfte5B8TxmOkCMVMUGe8QdXs01DgjCyQhTzgzdctnC7puihjn5mZYdV53AnWC0FLcqBNuzAEvRmyUyd5kcVepTmqcguDqhaoQPZr6m9/s400/Hall+of+the+four+seasons+1715+-+following+Berain+of+Louis+XIV.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The baroque period was one in which the arts delighted the senses - who can't help but feel overwhelmed and awed by this beauty?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsb3o3CdGRKZSkbMr5g3YxRd1CkOaFv133cBjCblzPYV60mfCmyck7yvYBN2vRWwUnvgwk0ah4JDRCqxKeNmzY_3r3_lvSo-M617wM4aow1kF1f8BZhKjiUrVzp9Gpeu6V7LGYbMR3GXdq/s1600/red+damask+salon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsb3o3CdGRKZSkbMr5g3YxRd1CkOaFv133cBjCblzPYV60mfCmyck7yvYBN2vRWwUnvgwk0ah4JDRCqxKeNmzY_3r3_lvSo-M617wM4aow1kF1f8BZhKjiUrVzp9Gpeu6V7LGYbMR3GXdq/s400/red+damask+salon.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Either Neil is a patient man or the museum is unfortunately under-populated; all of these immense empty rooms with so much to see and no people!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B24WInlpKfgYT1ZIF0Ij34nsVVWPWFOW4DYEU6MeX8PotqtXoh2QQxXTt2JKwiBOQcC9qk7U0byaD0hZVvdQU0LWc1qNokCgjg3UZrqPD9V4tVWhuR0UvfI9CYc5lKwhd3ytfnINqh8P/s1600/Madama+Reale+chamber+1715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B24WInlpKfgYT1ZIF0Ij34nsVVWPWFOW4DYEU6MeX8PotqtXoh2QQxXTt2JKwiBOQcC9qk7U0byaD0hZVvdQU0LWc1qNokCgjg3UZrqPD9V4tVWhuR0UvfI9CYc5lKwhd3ytfnINqh8P/s400/Madama+Reale+chamber+1715.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The Italians did tend to over do things. One's eye has nowhere to pause in the image above; maybe not so much of a delight as an inundation of the senses. Bling Bling Bling!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuY_2x8GfZSw4nE-K-2hyphenhyphen6QhQURV_deBUVhTrWh7tEs_7AdmFwCLiFP-ewfPHTnW06QpS7mcIouYi4yzjOpFQNUVqafiiaV2MzMAIBpQoWLe3ddko0Bm9D4d5UQEjElpwaaw2DD_oYd3n/s1600/sculpture+gallery+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuY_2x8GfZSw4nE-K-2hyphenhyphen6QhQURV_deBUVhTrWh7tEs_7AdmFwCLiFP-ewfPHTnW06QpS7mcIouYi4yzjOpFQNUVqafiiaV2MzMAIBpQoWLe3ddko0Bm9D4d5UQEjElpwaaw2DD_oYd3n/s400/sculpture+gallery+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I think I could spend an entire day in the museum though browsing the collections, maybe a trip to Turin is in my future?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0WXFt_yzOjA8zlBJ2HbvfoIEXxavomJAlVtuD-p4FOGUDdkRxw-6PI0Mhgm8Eq0WEtT3oi8x6i8rSkg9F4fHWoDJYpfVWM9c9Z9w2cXJJ4mrrjGLSW6qZKoDQo_uHItif_oljfiKHCYr/s1600/painting+gallery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0WXFt_yzOjA8zlBJ2HbvfoIEXxavomJAlVtuD-p4FOGUDdkRxw-6PI0Mhgm8Eq0WEtT3oi8x6i8rSkg9F4fHWoDJYpfVWM9c9Z9w2cXJJ4mrrjGLSW6qZKoDQo_uHItif_oljfiKHCYr/s400/painting+gallery.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> From the gardens one can see the earlier parts of the castle. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Pj0flEcUGWsqT2aeHZYJFnSKnyPko1SCLYQ0FZrCUyzXf-DEJMH4QZu88VhyphenhyphenyeS71BCXwOdPrsahF0yinxyDcii6IE-bxrZSfznHNUv7aUpvP_CL9V2mOinxosUt2gwwnfqlrCw1UMJ/s1600/Palazzo+madama+fortress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Pj0flEcUGWsqT2aeHZYJFnSKnyPko1SCLYQ0FZrCUyzXf-DEJMH4QZu88VhyphenhyphenyeS71BCXwOdPrsahF0yinxyDcii6IE-bxrZSfznHNUv7aUpvP_CL9V2mOinxosUt2gwwnfqlrCw1UMJ/s400/Palazzo+madama+fortress.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> They look particularly lush and green in the springtime and certainly well cared for!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72Djvkt2WoCVvfY8tGxa_ezez1jGqItYNNH4wlb7u6PnKCUossQRSt8Gm6mYwk9qg1YqesULaVeldc8iWWp4cd3xUrKRiWl-f1GUcUMtnhgkjd3526D-a07mZ7-4YDQ7IrFWioPQOcvwv/s1600/Palazzo+Madama+garden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72Djvkt2WoCVvfY8tGxa_ezez1jGqItYNNH4wlb7u6PnKCUossQRSt8Gm6mYwk9qg1YqesULaVeldc8iWWp4cd3xUrKRiWl-f1GUcUMtnhgkjd3526D-a07mZ7-4YDQ7IrFWioPQOcvwv/s400/Palazzo+Madama+garden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> I love the little fountain in the image above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIMESWEI98F_crvf8NuB2UGu0w-rqJupPT_8j_DwTB4GNN9xjR4VarJ0NT5-cjyYIGaVjop12ddDndZkuDsv7Xpe4r0_DzjeoVSwphN3bxpqeI_yWf4NXixfckrAV1EUeq2g8MEj05Aj_/s1600/Palazzo+Madama+kitchen+garden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIMESWEI98F_crvf8NuB2UGu0w-rqJupPT_8j_DwTB4GNN9xjR4VarJ0NT5-cjyYIGaVjop12ddDndZkuDsv7Xpe4r0_DzjeoVSwphN3bxpqeI_yWf4NXixfckrAV1EUeq2g8MEj05Aj_/s400/Palazzo+Madama+kitchen+garden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Such orderly vegetable gardens in raised beds, I'm sure Martha Stewart would call it <i>a good thing</i>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sOvBYdYKXsJevMGZ_7Kv8mkBnYfJb_K5KlluBgctgL0Byo4VtbyeVco4ZV0El5G4hgFwuCZdrfweOv29Ue-4ec2mJgIPeHtlBH1RJD3Qik0z2kOOHn_SHExjkm8evM7SnfeDk7fBGE18/s1600/Palazzo+Madama+daytime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sOvBYdYKXsJevMGZ_7Kv8mkBnYfJb_K5KlluBgctgL0Byo4VtbyeVco4ZV0El5G4hgFwuCZdrfweOv29Ue-4ec2mJgIPeHtlBH1RJD3Qik0z2kOOHn_SHExjkm8evM7SnfeDk7fBGE18/s400/Palazzo+Madama+daytime.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the <a href="http://www.palazzomadamatorino.it/">Palazzo Madama</a> as much as me!</div>

Palazzo Madama: a grand stair

Many of us have heard of the Palazzo Madama and its famous stair but how many of us have visited? My Australian penpal made a beeline for T...

1:31 PM

A hidden Venetian garden

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoflqNU7gPo4CnuxaP-oj9xpisw0v23Uwsz_uCt1zc9kDWYvQHbkusGVfFqQ7pET2bWj6Z_5_iexqHcB83qW4qUFbfx8V-4pd2kSY7T4TErqbdZmjcu6m2vz_Xp7V04utzkJmheP1WKZ-/s1600/garden+statue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoflqNU7gPo4CnuxaP-oj9xpisw0v23Uwsz_uCt1zc9kDWYvQHbkusGVfFqQ7pET2bWj6Z_5_iexqHcB83qW4qUFbfx8V-4pd2kSY7T4TErqbdZmjcu6m2vz_Xp7V04utzkJmheP1WKZ-/s400/garden+statue.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>My <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2010/10/franziskanerkirche.html">Australian penpa</a>l, Neil, has been traveling again, this time to Italy. He sent me photos of this hidden garden in Venice that I just had to share with you!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfoFRRhKrz-jvaTiHRlkWJYj6OpSE9zPK7CblFchanKKdX_n12WZ4qM7HUUpXT2zqqR-WR8PL0IPX-o-SL6s4laEXtz1Xzc_gkUcq-PCRr_uiONPiRts5oJYegsXCjhQeXY4sT05F5M53/s1600/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+garden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfoFRRhKrz-jvaTiHRlkWJYj6OpSE9zPK7CblFchanKKdX_n12WZ4qM7HUUpXT2zqqR-WR8PL0IPX-o-SL6s4laEXtz1Xzc_gkUcq-PCRr_uiONPiRts5oJYegsXCjhQeXY4sT05F5M53/s400/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+garden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.soprintendenza.venezia.beniculturali.it/soprive/restauri/percorsi-tra-i-cantieri/mappa-del-quarto-percorso/palazzo-soranzo-cappello">Palazzo Soranzo Cappello</a> dates to the late 16th century and now houses the architecture authority for Venice, Belluno, Padua, and Treviso.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3d-9hyphenhyphenu_F9QJPyZWO74Has5VKfLXc1susnPwq2qQRxUTb9vaNCgHznPCEJlic34aef5WpmAg6AY5vKd1JhSIMUZPn38wXskKt1rDoK7lghtgz4jYwH6gZFEj7FNpA8Vl9AqlzrHGD8yj/s1600/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+rear+facade.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3d-9hyphenhyphenu_F9QJPyZWO74Has5VKfLXc1susnPwq2qQRxUTb9vaNCgHznPCEJlic34aef5WpmAg6AY5vKd1JhSIMUZPn38wXskKt1rDoK7lghtgz4jYwH6gZFEj7FNpA8Vl9AqlzrHGD8yj/s400/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+rear+facade.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The house is beautiful but it's the garden that steals the show.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzgkHF8CVvgV3srd2dcnnEf4fuuVKBCEdoltU63iK6Oe12lWDVY73VycS89Yu2LHEZqtmI5lYg03inGcCCW_qYpaEmEkttDQ-9lmxDQAA8TOOPu6BDD0UwkVZlk74Byc8nHxmk6MzX_NW/s1600/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+interior.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzgkHF8CVvgV3srd2dcnnEf4fuuVKBCEdoltU63iK6Oe12lWDVY73VycS89Yu2LHEZqtmI5lYg03inGcCCW_qYpaEmEkttDQ-9lmxDQAA8TOOPu6BDD0UwkVZlk74Byc8nHxmk6MzX_NW/s400/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+interior.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This classical folly anchors the end of a lush, green garden.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL6iX1Ew96OyW1WhDAgvI9KhpK5-Ti1IB4Gr55Eh14e8nSkAnVhEHYHLZjsdqKsgBTZq-tY-EzSwcr3Hlm3Eq9MXUn2S5V6KWfeDZVpgpxHIrTEHFuQPz2Q3GFdTkZ_TlNU30g-uGYmwf/s1600/garden+folly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL6iX1Ew96OyW1WhDAgvI9KhpK5-Ti1IB4Gr55Eh14e8nSkAnVhEHYHLZjsdqKsgBTZq-tY-EzSwcr3Hlm3Eq9MXUn2S5V6KWfeDZVpgpxHIrTEHFuQPz2Q3GFdTkZ_TlNU30g-uGYmwf/s400/garden+folly.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>A closeup reveals a brick structure with worn stucco covering to appear as stone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c-nj1BK5oo99D5qJBZKaHlNxjC3nEXrUthMhCt5Pa0ctpCIFLMkokKGB4FKh9AKY3HTI3DgAlH5-_oPxldpomcEWSP2KXeSMVYiWUyXBZ2T8fOKFUdaCPqZJn6AZDo6FjI9KHL0VZuA3/s1600/portico+detail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c-nj1BK5oo99D5qJBZKaHlNxjC3nEXrUthMhCt5Pa0ctpCIFLMkokKGB4FKh9AKY3HTI3DgAlH5-_oPxldpomcEWSP2KXeSMVYiWUyXBZ2T8fOKFUdaCPqZJn6AZDo6FjI9KHL0VZuA3/s400/portico+detail.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I love the Italian mindset as to preservation (the Palazzo was recently restored);  Let it look old, it doesn't need to look brand new like in Paris.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitReTVkXwe0vY7YxYUY2-a7LTtDEeaQJmZHxN2lYUpnmZWbY_HnhdbSN3V-Uki6oSPJZKETKc-YIaSql_y3sQaIONIQG9gsA8_LCvXcde9rk0RS-bCLLePyxuhGNecwdD57bnSNIEOXByw/s1600/garden+feature+wall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitReTVkXwe0vY7YxYUY2-a7LTtDEeaQJmZHxN2lYUpnmZWbY_HnhdbSN3V-Uki6oSPJZKETKc-YIaSql_y3sQaIONIQG9gsA8_LCvXcde9rk0RS-bCLLePyxuhGNecwdD57bnSNIEOXByw/s400/garden+feature+wall.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Maybe it's the architect in me but I need some sort of architectural anchor to give a garden interest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDJfLLfk32EUAd5ufrPmYUMMWF1hzzJ-UfMWTfOyHsy-fASR-N6m64xcPlDEKSrWFQw6_79Vtm3yyavCosnN1I6_Jubr1N17LdqJ8geqbcmmYkAyKwun48uCkWIpALX2QVcfif2UszsVw/s1600/purple+flowers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDJfLLfk32EUAd5ufrPmYUMMWF1hzzJ-UfMWTfOyHsy-fASR-N6m64xcPlDEKSrWFQw6_79Vtm3yyavCosnN1I6_Jubr1N17LdqJ8geqbcmmYkAyKwun48uCkWIpALX2QVcfif2UszsVw/s400/purple+flowers.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Aren't these blooms spectacular?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ArLCPHOIjL6w-E9TM95TV4234Eo-PJ5qegnUkvw5Di9dbqNz2z0aNNkmPqGvPC0ZWPc2EXUQK1-P32gYsaGoR5FAxcnTaUPPzquCUM02SZAGgPYV2hfdF_wFbJhE4DrnM0AONcdrs0T1/s1600/spring+flowers+in+venice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ArLCPHOIjL6w-E9TM95TV4234Eo-PJ5qegnUkvw5Di9dbqNz2z0aNNkmPqGvPC0ZWPc2EXUQK1-P32gYsaGoR5FAxcnTaUPPzquCUM02SZAGgPYV2hfdF_wFbJhE4DrnM0AONcdrs0T1/s400/spring+flowers+in+venice.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>You would never guess this was in the heart of Venice!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WOfwEaGL46cQ4wSwrnGL50OGegR2LJvblzV65wsaJtCcAxAloMHV14DxWOpGcaDMxaX8laDllliaLTHvQvAqj4wi4kYYdnKN35QG8Q0ry6gvpTS-47P3sEbqdVdnbKFKRYElGR0QKQaA/s1600/backyard+in+venice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WOfwEaGL46cQ4wSwrnGL50OGegR2LJvblzV65wsaJtCcAxAloMHV14DxWOpGcaDMxaX8laDllliaLTHvQvAqj4wi4kYYdnKN35QG8Q0ry6gvpTS-47P3sEbqdVdnbKFKRYElGR0QKQaA/s400/backyard+in+venice.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Perfect spot for a picnic.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThHjcEYSV9Da-BtpcfuI0JnQjoqad9Xh7MWLqirM3FUUOoHucviCtpmZwuHJfs9LnMI-D3LWus_2uIYrYH5r_SpvBzY2LxgLWc_q5h4LNpyMhii4hYsndjvW2UFDJ4z1-JpMP1LKRNun0/s1600/citrus+trees+in+venice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThHjcEYSV9Da-BtpcfuI0JnQjoqad9Xh7MWLqirM3FUUOoHucviCtpmZwuHJfs9LnMI-D3LWus_2uIYrYH5r_SpvBzY2LxgLWc_q5h4LNpyMhii4hYsndjvW2UFDJ4z1-JpMP1LKRNun0/s400/citrus+trees+in+venice.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The gardens are open to the public during office hours.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqrHmKAjLpSs3LswArDfGEFrSpWoTGDI-Fu8nHA48Fk95N6aGRj-XmlU5yMbFwCjvSZHuhaO-vntIXxxKhufXo_ZZCkjoEORO9VffHA39ZFMdUg6i432P7GR95K06MHlpWnLv8SU4xKcS/s1600/city+garden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqrHmKAjLpSs3LswArDfGEFrSpWoTGDI-Fu8nHA48Fk95N6aGRj-XmlU5yMbFwCjvSZHuhaO-vntIXxxKhufXo_ZZCkjoEORO9VffHA39ZFMdUg6i432P7GR95K06MHlpWnLv8SU4xKcS/s400/city+garden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Be sure to check it out on your next Venetian getaway!

A hidden Venetian garden

My Australian penpa l, Neil, has been traveling again, this time to Italy. He sent me photos of this hidden garden in Venice that I just had...

7:34 AM

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