Latest news with #Neoclassical
Hindustan Times
06-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Inside pics of Jeffrey Epstein's palatial Manhattan mansion with 7 floors and a home office featuring a taxidermy tiger
Jeffrey Epstein's New York mansion was sold for $51 million in 2021 to Michael D Daffey, a former Goldman Sachs executive, and his wife. The sale was finalised in March 2021, with the proceeds reportedly going to the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program to support the victims of Epstein's alleged sexual abuse. Also read | Step inside Audrey Hepburn's Swiss villa that looks plucked out of a fairytale Step inside Jeffrey Epstein's 7-storey New York mansion. (Pics courtesy: The New York Times) Now, an August 5 The New York Times article, titled, 'A Look Inside Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan Lair', gives a peek inside Epstein's former home. The mansion, located in Manhattan's Upper East Side, is a seven-story, 28,000-square-foot Neoclassical residence with 10 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, as per an earlier The New York Times article from April 2021. Despite its luxurious features, the property was reportedly sold at a 'scandal discount' due to Epstein's notorious reputation. Epstein died in 2019. The New York Times has shared inside photos of the home and written that 'in his seven-story townhouse, the sex offender hosted the elite, displayed photos with presidents and showcased a first edition of Lolita, according to previously unreported photos and letters'. The mansion with 10 bedrooms was built in 1933 According to The New York Times, Epstein's former residence 'is a neo-French Classic mansion between Madison and Fifth Avenues, near Central Park – fifty feet wide and seven stories high, the structure has around 28,000 square feet and includes 10 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms'. The 2021 report said, 'The mansion was built in 1933 for Herbert N Straus, an heir to the Macy's fortune who died before it was completed; it later became part of St. Clare Hospital and then a private school. In 1989, Mr Epstein's mentor, Leslie Wexner, the founder of L Brands, bought the building for around $13.2 million and converted it into a private residence.' Fresh details The publication's August 5 report said the townhouse, 'a stone's throw from Central Park, was sold to Epstein in 1998 by Leslie H Wexner, the billionaire owner of L Brands, and Epstein renovated and redecorated the mansion in an eccentric style'. It said: 'Dozens of framed prosthetic eyeballs lined the entryway. A sculpture of a woman wearing a bridal gown and clutching a rope was suspended in a central atrium. In the ground-floor dining room, Mr. Epstein entertained a rotating cast of celebrities, academics, politicians and businessmen.' Inside photos show tables crowded with framed snapshots flaunting Epstein's connections to some of the world's most famouse people, such as Donald Trump, Pope John Paul II, Mick Jagger, Elon Musk, Fidel Castro, former President Bill Clinton and Richard Branson. On the third floor, 'was Epstein's sanctum — a suite that included his bedroom, the mansion's infamous massage room and a cluster of bathrooms'. In another picture, the home office was seen – it featured a taxidermied tiger on a statement black and red printed carpet. Then, there was a sculpture of a bride clinging to a rope dangling in a central atrium of the mansion.
Metro
02-08-2025
- Metro
Europe's 'Paris of the East' is an underrated gem with £37 flights
You don't have to work for Runway magazine to have Paris on your bucket list. From haute couture and charming bistros to some of the most romantic backdrops on the planet, the City of Love ticks all the boxes for a perfect city break. However, like several European destinations, the French capital is grappling with the effects of overtourism. City bosses recently hiked tourist taxes and banned key boxes in a bid to fight illegal short-term rentals. As of 2024, 3-star hotels in Paris charge a levy of €5.20 (£3.90) per person per night, while 4-star accommodations are higher, at €8.45 (£7.19). At Metro, we're all about promoting sustainable travel and putting 'hidden gems' on the map, as long as the destination is truly eager for visitors. So when we heard about the 'Paris of the East' — an underrated city with flights from the UK starting at just £37, we wanted to share it with our readers. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Enter Bucharest, which has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafés we associate with Paris — all without the steep price tag and overcrowding. Recently ranked ninth in The Times' roundup of 'the best affordable city breaks in Europe', Romania's capital and largest city is actively promoting tourism. The government is pouring money into accommodation and public transport in a bid to attract travellers, while other countries are pushing them away. So if you'd feel guilty heading to an overrun holiday hotspot, rest assured that visitors here are very much welcome. During the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of French artists and intellectuals frequented Bucharest. At the time, society mirrored the Parisian way, with a focus on fashion, elegance and sophistication. Likewise, prominent Romanian artists – including Constantin Brâncuși – studied in Bucharest before making their names in France. Visually, the city earned its 'Little Paris' nickname thanks to its architectural similarities with France's capital. Of the many buildings and landmarks influenced by the French, the most obvious is the Arcul de Triumf, Romania's version of the Arc de Triomphe. So if you fancy swapping a trip to Paris for this affordable destination dupe, here's everything you need to know about Bucharest. The streets of Bucharest really do look like Paris; ornate flourishes of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Romanian Revival are on display on every corner. A wander through the city's expansive boulevards will take you to the Palace of the Parliament, the world's heaviest building weighing roughly4,098,500 tonnes. You can get a closer look at its size and grandeur on a guided tour, with ticket prices costing around 60 Romanian Leu (£12). When in 'Little Paris,' it would be rude not to check out the Muzeul Micul Paris (Little Paris Museum), a fascinating destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, the Romanian bourgeoisie era. The museum is filled with antique furniture, clothing, and perfume, from the 'Belle Époque,' the period of French and European history from 1871 until 1914. There's also an antique gallery and a vintage photography studio, where you can experience an immersive journey into the past. Tickets cost 25 Lei (£4.18). Step out of the time capsule and into nature with a walk around Herăstrau Park, on the northern side of the city. The lake is dotted with trendy restaurants and bars — and since Bucharest in August sees daytime highs of 31°C which drops to a more comfortable 18°C by the evening, it's a fantastic spot for sun-seekers and sun-downers alike. If you're looking for something active, boat rentals and hydro-bicycles are also available along the shore. Metro's Alice Murphy spent a day at the park during a trip to Romania and said it is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or on foot. She also recommends the Free Walking Tour of Bucharest, where you can learn about the city's history and culture, and a visit to the National Village Museum to discover how people live in rural Romania. Of course, no European city break is complete without a stroll around, and Bucharest's pedestrian-only area is very tourist-friendly and brimming with terraces, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Wizz Air flies direct to Bucharest from London Stansted and London Luton for as little as £20 one-way. Flying from another part of the UK? Ryanair flies from Leeds Bradford airport for £37, while Birmingham flies with Wizz Air for the same price. We're suckers for an Old Town. Whether in Bruges or Krakow, there's something magical about wandering through narrow Medieval streets or sampling the different local restaurants serving traditional food and drink. You might want to branch out a little here though, as for Alice Murphy, Bucharest's Old Town is 'stag central,' with an abundance of bars and clubstaking away from its otherwise charming vibe after dark. And if you're looking for somewhere that's escaped the hen and stag mob, Alice recommends Brasov. A train ride away in Transylvania, you'll find a smorgasbord of traditional charm and modern city life. Brasov's Old Town, which has received UNESCO World Heritage status, is worlds away from its capital counterpart. More Trending Embroidered with medieval buildings, including the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, the city is home to Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania. The Bucharest to Brasov train takes around two hours and 30 minutes, with prices ranging between £5 to £14. Love Venice? Why not try 'Venice of the Algarve,' an 'understated' destination with flights from £28. Further afield you'll find the 'Venice of the Middle East,' a hidden gem that's 32°C in April. Elsewhere, the Spanish 'mini Maldives' has recently bagged a brand new TUI flight from a UK airport, while closer to home there's the 'Hawaii of the North,' a little UK island with 240 hours of sunshine in May. This article was first published on May 7, 2025. MORE: European seaside town takes aim at tourists with sassy poster and begs for 'decorum' MORE: £86 daily tourist charge proposed for major European city causes controversy MORE: Ryanair axes all flights to three European destinations — including a winter break hotspot
Irish Examiner
02-08-2025
- Irish Examiner
Murcia: 12 reasons to head inland for a Spanish break with a difference
If you always flock to the busy coastal towns of Spain, why not try something different this year? Inland Murcia, tucked away from the well-trodden sands, is often overlooked, but is a city that rewards the curious. With high summer temperatures and a long shoulder season (in January the average temperature range is a high of 17C during the day), Murcia is ideal for sun seekers. It's also brimming with beautiful sandstone architecture, lively plazas, has history at every turn, and great restaurants. Handily, it's also served by two airports — Murcia and Alicante. The former only opened in 2019 and has just nine gates, making it as stress-free a travel experience as you can get, far away from the mobs of people navigating Malaga airport. Baked octopus, a delicacy in Murcia 1: To eat from Europe's orchard Murcia is known as 'Europe's orchard' for good reason. As you leave the airport and head into the city, you'll pass endless farmland-rows of lettuce, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and more, many destined for supermarket shelves across the continent. But it's in Murcia's restaurants where local ingredients are transformed into something really special. Start with zarangollo, a silky scramble of courgette, onion, and egg, and nibble on traditional Marinera tapas and baked octopus, before tucking into a main course of rice and costillejas. Made with the part of the pig between the loin and the sirloin, costillejas combine with rice and vegetables to make a rich paella. To finish, order paparajotes. These are lemon leaves, battered, fried, and dusted in cinnamon sugar, and though the leaves provide flavour, these are usually removed before serving. The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary of the Diocese of Cartagena in Murcia. 2: To see its genre-bending cathedral Murcia's cathedral is a real mishmash of styles; the first two storeys were built in the Renaissance style, while the third is Baroque. Inside is mainly gothic. Home to 35 bells from the 17th and 18th centuries, its bell tower is the key emblem of the city's skyline. It was constructed in stages blending Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles by various architects over several centuries. Visitors can explore its interior rooms and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, and if you're really lucky, you might get to see a flamboyant wedding party emerge or enter through the Door of Chains, too. Festival of the Moors and Christians. 3: To witness the Festival of Moors and Christians Every September, the Festival of Moors and Christians takes place at the Medieval Camp, in the San Esteban garden. With a parade and elaborate costumes, this celebration focuses on the city's founding, and pays homage to important historical figures from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds. Its climax is a symbolic bestowing of the city keys at the Cardenal Belluga Plaza. Unlike many other celebrations that focus on military conquest, the festival is seen by many locals as a celebration of the city's diverse heritage and coexistence. Though like any religious-coded historical remembrance, there is plenty of debate on its role in a modern, pluralistic society. Sierra Espuna Regional Park. 4: To cycle its scenic roads Thanks to its smooth, quiet roads, 320 days of sunshine, and varied terrain, Murcia is a paradise for cyclists. A number of tour operators provide bike rental, fully-guided routes, and support vehicles meaning you can focus on the scenery of orchards, farmland, and mountains, rather than the logistics. For those who like a challenge, the Espubike route is a 146km circular trail through the Sierra Espuña mountains, which is generally completed in four sections. prices depend on bike, route, and tour. 5: To windsurf in a lagoon Yes, Murcia is inland, but it's just 50km, around an hour's drive, to San Pedro del Pinatar, where the Mar Menor's shallow waters are perfect for windsurfing, and other water sports. Considered the largest lagoon in Spain, conditions here include famously forgiving-gentle winds, warm waters, and high salinity, so even if you're a total beginner, you'll find instructors and rental shops ready to get you started. Shops and schools line the lagoon, where you can usually pick up equipment on the day, or book a lesson, or tour a day or two in advance. Water park in Murcia, Spain. 6: To make a splash at a waterpark with a difference On hot days, water parks are heaven-sent on inland holidays, and Terra Natura and Aqua Natura offer a little more than your average. It's two parks in fact, one a zoo housing up to 500 animals of 40 different species in its zoo, including Iberian wolves, brown bears, hyenas, and an impressive aviary, while Aqua Natura has slides, zones, and waterfalls for all ages. Visitors can go in and out of both all day, and there are educational talks and shows on throughout the day at the zoo. At the water park, there are swimming pools designed for children under three years old, the Fun Cube zone has baby-friendly slides, while Splash is better for older kids with waterfalls and water guns. For less energetic visitors, its lazy river can take you around with or without a float. Aqua Natura Murcia is the only water park in Murcia, and is open June to September. Bring pool shoes as the ground can get very hot in summer. tickets from €11-15, infants 0-2 years old go free. 7. To pamper yourself at Balneario de Archena Just 24km from the city, the Balneario de Archena is a thermal spa complex set beside the Segura River. Its mineral-rich waters have been soothing visitors for centuries, and today the complex offers everything from thermal pools and mud treatments to beauty therapies and wellness programmes. With three spa hotels and lush gardens, it's the perfect place to take a pause for a day trip, or even to stay a couple of nights. day passes for Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) are €23 for adults, and €15 for children under 11, weekends are €29 and €21. Golf in Murcia. 8: To golf the Jack Nicklaus Trail Murcia is home to the Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail, a collection of championship courses designed by the legendary golfer himself. Its six courses are Mar Menor, La Torre, Saurines, Riquelme, El Valle, and Alhama, and each has something different to offer. At desert-like Saurines, fast-sloping greens and flawless fairways are framed by gravel dunes and sand dunes, and though Alhama Signature Golf is considered to be one of Spain's best courses, recent reports say the fairways are currently sparse and greens are only passable, so is one to skip this year. €48 green fee, €116 green fee with buggy. Roman Amphitheatre of Cartagena, Murcia 9: To walk through Roman ruins at Cartagena Just under an hour from Murcia, the port city of Cartagena is home to Roman ruins which began excavation in 1988, and were fully revealed by 1998. Its highlight is a Roman theatre, dating back to the 1st-century BC, which once held 6,000 spectators. Book in advance and wander through the ancient amphitheatre, explore the Roman Forum, and imagine the city as it was two millennia ago. Cartagena's past is everywhere, in its museums, monuments, and streets. This is a day trip that feels less like an excursion, and more like time travel. 10: To explore its caves of speleothems For something a little more unusual, visit one of the many caves that surround Murcia, where you'll see dramatic geological formations, and maybe even colonies of bats. Cueva del Puerto is considered to be one of the most impressive, with vast underground chambers, huge stalactites and stalagmites, and a network stretching almost 5km. Its standard tour covers around 700m and descends 50m underground, and though it's well-lit, do wear sturdy shoes. English-speaking tours are available, but pre-booking is essential. €14-16, children under four years old go free. Isla del Fraile on the coast of Aguilas, where snorkelling is popular. 11: To snorkel at Isla del Fraile A little farther on from Cartagena, you'll find a small island off the coast of La Playa Amarilla called Isla del Fraile, near Águilas. This steep island has Mediterranean vegetation, and is only 50m away from the coast, so is technically accessible by kayak, boat, or even swimming. However, entering is not allowed due to its Roman ruins and because it's a protected natural area. Yellow Beach is a top spot to snorkel in, and you can expect to see a good variety of fish, cuttlefish, and even dolphins if you're really lucky. 12: To admire Sorollas at the Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia isn't the most expansive gallery you'll ever visit, but among this small collection from the 15th century onwards, you'll find works from Spanish painters from many different periods and origins. Joaquín Sorolla and Romero de Torres pieces are the star attractions. La Calcetera windmill at the Parque Regional de las Salinas of San Pedro del Pinatar Escape notes Murcia is easily accessible from Ireland, with several convenient flight options. Ryanair operates direct flights from Dublin to Murcia's modern airport daily from Tuesday to Sunday, ensuring a stress-free arrival just 25km from the city centre. You can also travel with Ryanair to Alicante (75km from Murcia) any day, and Aer Lingus offers direct flights from Dublin to Alicante five times a week. For those preferring to depart from Cork, Ryanair flies direct to Alicante every day bar Saturdays. Once you land, getting into the city is straightforward. From both airports, taxis, car hire, and shuttle buses are available. Once in Murcia, there's a varied range of accommodation from stylish city hotels like Hotel Cetina and Barceló Murcia Siete Coronas, to more family-friendly villas and self-catering apartments, and of course, the spa resort, Balneario de Archena. The city is compact meaning you're never particularly far away from the buzzing centre, and it's easily explored on foot.
Metro
31-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Ryanair axes flights to 3 French cities including Europe's 'Christmas Capital'
If you were a planning on jumping on a low-cost flight to France soon, you might be disappointed. Ryanair have axed all services to Brive, Bergerac and Strasbourg, and will be reducing its capacity at other airports. The budget carrier say this will mean the loss of 25 routes and 750,000 seats in France this winter. Other destinations impacted include Marseille, where capacity will be cut by 9%, Paris-Beauvais which will see a loss of 8%, and Toulouse which will be cut by 4%. It comes after the airline already axed flights to Vatry, in the northeast of France, earlier this year. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Ryanair bosses say the decision is due to 'harmful' taxes on tickets and they had 'no choice' but to take the drastic action. It's bad news for travellers who were looking forward to heading to Strasbourg this winter, often known as Europe's 'Capital of Christmas' due to its markets which attract approximately two million global visitors every festive season. Meanwhile, wine lovers will be missing out on sipping merlots and sauvignon blancs in Bergerac, while Brive is often considered a gateway for those looking to explore the Dordogne. Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's chief commercial officer said in a statement that the French government had failed to act. The statement continued: 'This completely avoidable loss will have a severe impact on regional connectivity, tourism and local employment. 'Unless the government changes course and abolishes this unfair air tax, Ryanair's capacity and investment in France will inevitably be redirected to more competitive European markets such as Sweden, Hungary, or parts of Italy.' Bucharest has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafes we associate with Paris — at a dramatically cheaper price. Recently ranked 9th in The Times' roundup of '24 of the best affordable city breaks in Europe', Romania's capital and largest city is actively welcoming tourists. The government is pouring money into accommodation and public transport in a bid to attract travellers, while other countries are pushing them away. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bucharest was a hotspot for French artists and intellectuals, who frequented the city. At the time, society mirrored the Parisian way, with a focus on fashion, elegance and sophistication. Likewise, prominent Romanian artists, including Constantin Brâncuși, studied in Bucharest before making their names in Paris. Visually, the city earned its 'Little Paris' nickname thanks to its architectural similarities with France's capital. The streetshave similar ornate flourishes of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Romanian Revival are on display on every corner. More Trending Metro's Alice Murphy spent a day at the park during a trip to Romania and said it is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or on foot. She also recommends the Free Walking Tour of Bucharest, where you can learn about the city's history and culture, and a visit to the National Village Museum to discover how people live in rural Romania. Of course, no European city break is complete without a stroll around the Old Town. Bucharest's pedestrian-only area is very tourist-friendly and brimming with terraces, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Dozens injured on Delta flight to Amsterdam after it hits severe turbulence MORE: Sobbing Ryanair passenger stopped from boarding plane 'felt like a criminal' MORE: 'I felt like a millionaire': Travellers share their business class upgrade stories
Irish Independent
25-07-2025
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday in Longford : From scenic walks to Center Parcs' spectacular spa retreat, there is something for everyone this weekend
Throw in its vast array of delightful lakes allied to a diverse offering of walking and cycling trails, it's not hard to understand why its tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength. To that end, we have compiled a list of five list of things to do over the course of what promises to be one of the midlands county's most memorable bank holiday weekends in recent memory. Explore Longford's scenic Royal Canal Greenway The Royal Canal Greenway stretches alongside a historic 225-year-old canal. Ireland's longest greenway, this 130km route begins in Maynooth and passes through Counties Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford. A level path, it is ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and abilities. Voted Best Greenway in Europe in November 2023, visitors from across the world have made over 640,000 trips on the Royal Canal Greenway since it was first opened in March 2021. It was also named Cycling Route of the Year 2022 at the Dutch walking and cycling fair, Fiets en Wandelbeurs. It is easy to see why the Royal Canal Greenway is award-winning when you travel on its route that passes 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts. The route is also lined with shops, B&Bs, restaurants and pubs. Greenway users can choose to complete the entire 130km flat, off-road trail or explore the shorter designated routes – ranging from 6km to 15km – between the 14 connection access points and towns. In addition to some of the most idyllic flora and fauna you are likely to see anywhere, why not hire a bike and make your experience all the more enjoyable. You can hire your bike from Midlands Cycle Hub in Clondra, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles in Ballymahon and EBikes from Screamin' Beans Coffee at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome. Bask in the majestic surrounds of St Mel's Cathedral St Mel's Cathedral is a historic and impressive landmark and a central point for the community of Longford Town. Visitors are warmly welcomed to St Mel's, one of the finest classical-style buildings in Ireland. When you visit, you will take in its impressive Neoclassical architecture and the beauty of the building. It is a place for quiet and contemplation in the heart of Longford town. It's a building with a history and intertwining story which endured its most challenging chapter in December 2009 when a fire ripped through its inner confines and threatened its very existence. Five years later, and thanks to a €30m restoration project, the cathedral was not just returned to its former glory but enhanced as being one of the most iconic ecclesiastical landmarks on the island of Ireland. Take a stroll along Longford's National Famine Way With its captivating layers of history and culture, the National Famine Way is a truly immersive experience. The trail weaves mostly along the Royal Canal and can be completed in sections or all at once. Spanned across a 165km route, it traces the footsteps of Strokestown tenants, men, women and children who were marched from County Roscommon to Dublin in 1847 after they failed to pay their rent. Its county Longford section, stretches from the county border beside Tarmonbarry through to the start of the Greenway in Clondra, where it continues to the county border on the Westmeath side. Relax and unwind inside Center Parcs' breathtaking Aqua Sana Forest Spa If you haven't booked up in time for a short holiday break at Center Parcs famed Longford Forest resort, a visit to its renowned Aqua Sana Spa will more than fill that gap over the upcoming bank holiday weekend. Put simply, Aqua Sana Forest Spa is a unique standalone spa in the heart of Center Parcs' 400 acre forest. Feel your stresses melt away as you explore 21 different spa experiences inspired by nature, and choose from a range of luxurious treatments to help you look and feel your very best. From indulgent full-day packages to morning or twilight escapes, every spa day includes access to a unique nature-inspired experience alongside complimentary Spa Wellbeing Sessions. If one day doesn't feel quite long enough, there is the alternative of two full day Forest Spa Breaks offering unrivalled access to the facility's spectacular surrounds, an overnight stay, refreshments to mention just a few - giving you more time to fully reset and recharge. Playgrounds aplenty to keep the little ones entertained With 24 children's playgrounds throughout County Longford, no matter where you are, you will find somewhere to keep the kiddos occupied. A full map of the county's playground register can be found by logging onto with the latest of those only being officially unveiled in recent days by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary. The Mayo TD cut the ribbon on a special needs Sunflower playground in Longford town and newly refurbished tennis and basketball courts at Higginstown Sports Complex in Granard. The former, located just off the county town's Park Road, addresses the urgent need for inclusive play spaces in County Longford, where approximately 850 autistic children and nearly 750 children registered under disability services previously had no adequately equipped playground. Upgrading works at its north Longford opposite number included new fencing, pedestrian gates, tarmac surfacing, tennis nets, basketball nets, and court relining measures.
