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Metro
06-07-2025
- Metro
'Under the radar': The Italian city with £25 flights and ferry links to Greece
Italy is the third most popular holiday destination for Brits. In 2023, 4.9 million of us flocked to live la dolce vita , with most heading for Rome, Florence and Venice. They're popular for a reason, but all three cities are grappling with the effects of overtourism. The capital has limited access to the Trevi Fountain, while Venice has doubled its controversial tourist tax. In Florence, Mayor Sara Funaro has unveiled a 10-point plan to ease pressure in the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Last year, key boxes were banned for short-term rentals, and tour guides were forbidden from using loudspeakers. To give our favourite hotspots a chance to recover, the Metro Travel team has been exploring 'detour destinations' that are actively seeking tourists. These are lesser-visited places close to popular locations: you fly to the hotspot, but stay between 60 and 90 minutes away. The latest to catch our eye is Brindisi. Perched on a bay on the eastern coast of Puglia, the southern region that forms Italy's boot, it's an overlooked gem rich in history and quintessential Italian charm. Like all ports, Brindisi has a seedy side, but its sunny piazzas are full of well regarded cafes and the buzzy waterfront is licked by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The city is also a gateway to the Balkans and Greece, thanks to its regional airport and well-oiled ferry links. And getting there won't break the bank. On Monday, September 29, when temperatures average around 26°C, Metro found a direct Ryanair flight departing from London Stansted for £25. Travelling in peak summer season isn't much more expensive. On Monday, August 25, flights start from £49. Postcard-pretty and peppered with whitewashed Roman lanes, there's never been a better time to explore this under the radar gem. Referred throughout history as the 'Gateway to the East', Brindisi is steeped in history. In the centuries that followed the Roman era, it was ruled by the Venetians, the Spanish, the Austrians and the Bourbons. You could spend days wandering between its historical landmarks, but the ones worth stopping at are the Roman columns that mark the end of the Appian Way, and Castello Svevo, the fortress built by Emperor Frederick II in 1227 to protect the port. Entry to the castle is €3 (£2.58). You'll find fewer crowds than in popular cities like Lecce or Bari. The Italian Sailor Monument is worth seeing, too. Built in 1933, this 53m tribute immortalises the Italian sailors who died in World War I. To further explore Brindisi's history, head to the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro. The cathedral was first built in the 12th century, but was rebuilt in 1743 following an earthquake. Also deserving of a visit is the Ribezzo Archaeological Museum, in the heart of Brindisi next to the cathedral. Here, you'll find prehistoric, Messapian, and Roman relics, plus underwater archaeology. It's free to enter. Fancy extending your holiday with a trip around Greece? The Brindisi to Igoumenitsa route is the shortest and fastest way to get there. Ferries take around 8 hours, and prices start from £49. Once you reach Igoumenitsa, which is one of the largest passenger ports in Greece, you can make your way through the country by bus, train, or car. Alternatively, if you're looking for a laid-back island getaway, a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu only takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs £8. While you're in the centre of town, amble to the Piazza Santa Teresa, a beautiful square on the waterfront surrounded by verdant trees. Stop here for an afternoon coffee or a spot of lunch. TripAdvisor recommends La Locanda del Porto as one of the best eateries, located just off the square. The restaurant serves traditional Puglia cuisine, from pizza to fresh fish, accompanied by live music. This region is renowned for its dishes. Known as the 'breadbasket of Italy,' olive oil, durum wheat, vegetables, and seafood are staple ingredients. Cookery classes are aplenty in Brindisi. We found a 'pasta heaven' class that costs €145 (£125) per person, and a cheaper (and perhaps more wholesome) experience cooking in the home of an Italian family for €80 (£69). After lunch, head to Corso Umberto I for an hour of window shopping. This sophisticated boulevard runs alongside the waterfront. Alternatively, explore Corso Roma, Brindisi's main street. Refuel and relax on the Regina Margherita waterfront with an Aperol Spritz at one of the many bars. More Trending Finally, if you're in the mood to do nothing except fly and flop, beeline to one of Brindisi's beautiful beaches. Hemingway Beach is a stunning lido that features crystal clear water with turquoise hues and white, pillow-soft sands. You can rent sunbeds on the terrace, or sun loungers on the beach. If you're willing to travel around 30 minutes north, you could set up at Torre Canne for the day. The charming coastal village doubles as a quiet beach resort on the Adriatic coast, and is complete with long, sandy beaches and natural hot springs. Brindisi enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so expect hot, sunny summers and relatively mild winters. During the hottest months of July and August, temperatures can reach up to 29°C. The shoulder season (which is late spring – May to June – and early autumn, September to October) is more manageable. Highs range from 22°C to 27°C. If you're keen to avoid crowds, these are also the best months to visit. MORE: Pamplona has so much to offer tourists – beyond the controversial Running of the Bulls MORE: 'Secret' Canary Island lesser-known than Lanzarote gets new direct UK flights MORE: Huge explosion rocks Rome injuring 50 with people running for their lives
Korea Herald
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD: THE 29TH EDITION OFFICIALLY BEGINS
FLORENCE, Italy, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medals and records alone are not enough to make history and actions, choices, and the way one conducts oneself, can speak louder than any achievement. With this spirit, the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award officially kicks off today, one of the most awaited moments of the Italian summer, dedicated to those sportsmen and women who have turned their careers into powerful lessons in ethics, loyalty, and respect. Florence and Fiesole open their doors to two days of celebrations of the truest values in sport. The opening event takes place this evening in the spectacular setting of Piazzale Michelangelo, where the gala dinner will welcome the awardees to a thrilling atmosphere and share the values and principles that have always inspired the Fair Play Menarini International Award. "This edition, of the Fair Play Menarini Award will again celebrate the values of sport and its champions - said the Mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro - Values that are not only about athletic ability but also include commitment, tenacity, empathy, and team spirit. These are the same values that we promote every day to build an increasingly attentive and respectful society. The Fair Play Menarini Award reminds us every time that sport is a fundamental driver of growth and inclusion." Meanwhile, a sense of anticipation is building up for the Award Ceremony due to take place tomorrow evening, Thursday, July 3rd, at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole where the audience will applaud the winners and listen to their stories which will bring back the true meaning of sport. The protagonists of the 29th edition come from a range of different backgrounds and sporting disciplines, yet they are united by their commitment to embody the values of fair play through their actions. The Fair Play Menarini Award is proud to confirm the presence of another Ballon d'Or winner: Portuguese champion Luis Figo, star of the Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter teams. To represent football, "Billy" Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini shall also be on stage, paragons of style, discipline, and sporting integrity, as well as unforgettable members of the AC Milan and Italian National teams. Athletics will be represented by Gianmarco Tamberi, high jump world champion in Budapest 2023 and Olympic gold medallist in Tokyo 2021; Andy Diaz, triple jump specialist and indoor world champion; Nadia Battocletti, silver medallist in the 10,000 metres at the Paris 2024 Games; and Blanka Vlasic, high jump legend and two-time world champion. Representing fencing will be Arianna Errigo, one of the most decorated foil fencers of all time. Judo will celebrate Alice Bellandi, newly crowned world champion and Olympic gold medallist in Paris. Basketball will see the spotlight on Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Paralympic sport will be represented by Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, gold medallist in the discus throw at the 2024 Paralympic Games whilst in the field of sports journalism, acknowledgment will be given to Guido Meda, the legendary voice of MotoGP and passionate storyteller of the two-wheeled world. Standing beside this year's awardees will be three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors, sports legends who have already written unforgettable chapters in the history of sport: five-time Olympic swimming champion, Ian Thorpe, Giancarlo Antognoni, icon of the Fiorentina football team and 1982 World Cup winner, and Fabrizio Donato, winner of the triple jump bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This year also sees the continued partnership with Sky TG24, accompanying viewers over the two days of the Awards and hosting the final ceremony will be Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, joined by fellow journalist Federico Buffa, ready to give voice to the athletes' stories of ethics, passion, and extraordinary sporting achievements. " With the 2025 edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award, we aim to continue showcasing the highest values of sport and a side of sport that is not only heartwarming but also an example to society," stated Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation. " It is a chance to pay tribute to those sportsmen and women who, through their gestures of fair play, have chosen to become role models for others - both in sport and in life." Participation at the award ceremony is free of charge and open to the public but only after registration on TicketOne (link). The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as Institutional Partner, and by Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as initiative partners. To keep up to date on the protagonists, relive the most exciting moments, and find out all the latest news, visit the official website and the Award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD: THE 29TH EDITION OFFICIALLY BEGINS
FLORENCE, Italy, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medals and records alone are not enough to make history and actions, choices, and the way one conducts oneself, can speak louder than any achievement. With this spirit, the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award officially kicks off today, one of the most awaited moments of the Italian summer, dedicated to those sportsmen and women who have turned their careers into powerful lessons in ethics, loyalty, and respect. Florence and Fiesole open their doors to two days of celebrations of the truest values in sport. The opening event takes place this evening in the spectacular setting of Piazzale Michelangelo, where the gala dinner will welcome the awardees to a thrilling atmosphere and share the values and principles that have always inspired the Fair Play Menarini International Award. "This edition, of the Fair Play Menarini Award will again celebrate the values of sport and its champions - said the Mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro - Values that are not only about athletic ability but also include commitment, tenacity, empathy, and team spirit. These are the same values that we promote every day to build an increasingly attentive and respectful society. The Fair Play Menarini Award reminds us every time that sport is a fundamental driver of growth and inclusion." Meanwhile, a sense of anticipation is building up for the Award Ceremony due to take place tomorrow evening, Thursday, July 3rd, at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole where the audience will applaud the winners and listen to their stories which will bring back the true meaning of sport. The protagonists of the 29th edition come from a range of different backgrounds and sporting disciplines, yet they are united by their commitment to embody the values of fair play through their actions. The Fair Play Menarini Award is proud to confirm the presence of another Ballon d'Or winner: Portuguese champion Luis Figo, star of the Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter teams. To represent football, "Billy" Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini shall also be on stage, paragons of style, discipline, and sporting integrity, as well as unforgettable members of the AC Milan and Italian National teams. Athletics will be represented by Gianmarco Tamberi, high jump world champion in Budapest 2023 and Olympic gold medallist in Tokyo 2021; Andy Diaz, triple jump specialist and indoor world champion; Nadia Battocletti, silver medallist in the 10,000 metres at the Paris 2024 Games; and Blanka Vlasic, high jump legend and two-time world champion. Representing fencing will be Arianna Errigo, one of the most decorated foil fencers of all time. Judo will celebrate Alice Bellandi, newly crowned world champion and Olympic gold medallist in Paris. Basketball will see the spotlight on Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Paralympic sport will be represented by Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, gold medallist in the discus throw at the 2024 Paralympic Games whilst in the field of sports journalism, acknowledgment will be given to Guido Meda, the legendary voice of MotoGP and passionate storyteller of the two-wheeled world. Standing beside this year's awardees will be three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors, sports legends who have already written unforgettable chapters in the history of sport: five-time Olympic swimming champion, Ian Thorpe, Giancarlo Antognoni, icon of the Fiorentina football team and 1982 World Cup winner, and Fabrizio Donato, winner of the triple jump bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This year also sees the continued partnership with Sky TG24, accompanying viewers over the two days of the Awards and hosting the final ceremony will be Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, joined by fellow journalist Federico Buffa, ready to give voice to the athletes' stories of ethics, passion, and extraordinary sporting achievements. "With the 2025 edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award, we aim to continue showcasing the highest values of sport and a side of sport that is not only heartwarming but also an example to society," stated Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation. "It is a chance to pay tribute to those sportsmen and women who, through their gestures of fair play, have chosen to become role models for others - both in sport and in life." Participation at the award ceremony is free of charge and open to the public but only after registration on TicketOne (link). The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as Institutional Partner, and by Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as initiative partners. To keep up to date on the protagonists, relive the most exciting moments, and find out all the latest news, visit the official website and the Award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD: THE 29TH EDITION OFFICIALLY BEGINS
FLORENCE, Italy, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- Medals and records alone are not enough to make history and actions, choices, and the way one conducts oneself, can speak louder than any achievement. With this spirit, the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award officially kicks off today, one of the most awaited moments of the Italian summer, dedicated to those sportsmen and women who have turned their careers into powerful lessons in ethics, loyalty, and respect. Florence and Fiesole open their doors to two days of celebrations of the truest values in sport. The opening event takes place this evening in the spectacular setting of Piazzale Michelangelo, where the gala dinner will welcome the awardees to a thrilling atmosphere and share the values and principles that have always inspired the Fair Play Menarini International Award. "This edition, of the Fair Play Menarini Award will again celebrate the values of sport and its champions - said the Mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro - Values that are not only about athletic ability but also include commitment, tenacity, empathy, and team spirit. These are the same values that we promote every day to build an increasingly attentive and respectful society. The Fair Play Menarini Award reminds us every time that sport is a fundamental driver of growth and inclusion." Meanwhile, a sense of anticipation is building up for the Award Ceremony due to take place tomorrow evening, Thursday, July 3rd, at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole where the audience will applaud the winners and listen to their stories which will bring back the true meaning of sport. The protagonists of the 29th edition come from a range of different backgrounds and sporting disciplines, yet they are united by their commitment to embody the values of fair play through their actions. The Fair Play Menarini Award is proud to confirm the presence of another Ballon d'Or winner: Portuguese champion Luis Figo, star of the Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter teams. To represent football, "Billy" Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini shall also be on stage, paragons of style, discipline, and sporting integrity, as well as unforgettable members of the AC Milan and Italian National teams. Athletics will be represented by Gianmarco Tamberi, high jump world champion in Budapest 2023 and Olympic gold medallist in Tokyo 2021; Andy Diaz, triple jump specialist and indoor world champion; Nadia Battocletti, silver medallist in the 10,000 metres at the Paris 2024 Games; and Blanka Vlasic, high jump legend and two-time world champion. Representing fencing will be Arianna Errigo, one of the most decorated foil fencers of all time. Judo will celebrate Alice Bellandi, newly crowned world champion and Olympic gold medallist in Paris. Basketball will see the spotlight on Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Paralympic sport will be represented by Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, gold medallist in the discus throw at the 2024 Paralympic Games whilst in the field of sports journalism, acknowledgment will be given to Guido Meda, the legendary voice of MotoGP and passionate storyteller of the two-wheeled world. Standing beside this year's awardees will be three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors, sports legends who have already written unforgettable chapters in the history of sport: five-time Olympic swimming champion, Ian Thorpe, Giancarlo Antognoni, icon of the Fiorentina football team and 1982 World Cup winner, and Fabrizio Donato, winner of the triple jump bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This year also sees the continued partnership with Sky TG24, accompanying viewers over the two days of the Awards and hosting the final ceremony will be Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, joined by fellow journalist Federico Buffa, ready to give voice to the athletes' stories of ethics, passion, and extraordinary sporting achievements. " With the 2025 edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award, we aim to continue showcasing the highest values of sport and a side of sport that is not only heartwarming but also an example to society," stated Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation. " It is a chance to pay tribute to those sportsmen and women who, through their gestures of fair play, have chosen to become role models for others - both in sport and in life." Participation at the award ceremony is free of charge and open to the public but only after registration on TicketOne (link). The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as Institutional Partner, and by Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as initiative partners. and the Award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Times
21-06-2025
- General
- Times
The two-decade battle to fell Italy's most hated crane
Roberto Amadori dismantled a large crane in Florence this week and was suddenly the most popular man in the city. 'There was a crowd cheering when I finished,' he said. 'An elderly women rushed up to thank me, saying, 'Florence shines once again'.' Amadori, who carries out such projects for a living, had pulled down not just any crane, but the most notorious and hated one in Italy. Known locally as the 'Metal Monster' it had stood obstinately for 19 years in the narrow piazza between the two wings of the Uffizi Gallery, home to fabulous Botticellis, Caravaggios, Raphaels and Titians: a giant yellow eyesore looming over one of the biggest concentrations of beauty anywhere in the world. Standing 60 metres high, it was a scar on a celebrated skyline which boasts Brunelleschi's magnificent cathedral dome, Giotto's bell tower and the 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio. 'This was a historic moment for our city — watching the dismantling of the crane after all these years was extremely emotional,' said the mayor Sara Funaro when the crane came down. The Italian culture minister travelled from Rome to celebrate the event. Loathing of the crane grew as its survival, year after year, summed up a very Italian culture of political squabbling, lethargic bureaucracy and the shunting of tough decisions between stakeholders. 'For 19 years no one knew how to get rid of the crane and no one really knows why it stayed there so long,' said a local official who declined to be named. First erected in 2006, the 33-tonne crane was put to use as builders started converting the first floor of the gallery, which was still used to store archives, into a exhibition space to add to the existing gallery area on the second floor. The metal structure was set up near the front door of the 16th-century building, opposite a statue of Giotto, the 14th-century painter and architect, who appeared to glower at it furiously. Planners said the crane would be needed for five years, but a decade later, with the conversion still continuing, Florentines began to question if the crane was really needed. By 2018 Marco Stella, a councillor, was raging about the 'unacceptable' presence of the crane. People lit 12 candles at its base and wished it happy birthday in an ironic protest. The crane, gru in Italian, was given its own Instagram page, 'Gru in Florence' which posted stunning photos of the city ruined by the crane sticking into them. The anonymous author of the cult page took on the persona of the crane, writing, 'Disclosure: I am 13 years old but in Gru-years that's 26,' and, 'If getting photoshopped out of pictures was a sport, I'd be [the record-breaking swimmer] Michael Phelps.' Behind the jokes, anger was growing. 'People were asking, 'Is there an alternative to the crane?' But there were restrictions and despite mayors and local culture chiefs trying to get rid of it, they all failed,' the official said. Almost inevitably, the crane became handy ammunition in local political battles. When Eike Schmidt, then director of the Uffizi, announced last year that he would stand for mayor — an election he lost — he took aim at the incumbent Dario Nardella. He claimed Nardella was only then waking up to the crane 'outside his office'. Nardella hit back that as head of the Uffizi it was Schmidt's job to get rid of it, and said: 'He claims he is a great manager but he has not been able to take down a crane. How can he govern a city?' The truth is the refurbishment, and the crane, were run by the local culture authority, part of Rome's ministry of culture, adding another layer of bureaucracy. Typically the regional culture authority, known as a soprintendenza, is often short-staffed, underfunded and wrapped in red tape. But in 2023 the ministry handed control of the crane to the Uffizi and the following year a new director, Simone Verde, planned a final assault on the monster. Rather than waiting for funds, he raised €175,000 from a coalition of rich benefactors to replace the crane with a less intrusive elevator to raise building materials to the first floor. Valerio Tesi, who is managing the refurbishment, says the elevator is needed because the job will not be finished for a few years. One reason it is taking so long is that the first floor has already been put to use as an exhibition space and work to finish it needs to fit in around millions of visitors, he said. 'We also dug down 80cm at the bottom of a lift shaft during the refurbishment and found at least ten buried corpses from the Middle Ages,' he added. Finally, on Monday, Roberto Amadori arrived in his lorry which has a telescopic crane and gently brought down pieces of the larger crane as workers unbolted them, taking care not to drop them through the roof of the gallery. 'Mostly I install air conditioning units on hotels, so as a Florentine, this job was a privilege and an honour since people in this city couldn't bear the sight of the crane anymore,' he said. Verde reported that residents of the city had been stopping him in the street to thank him. 'Before it came down, one man in his eighties stopped me and said, 'Please let me see the Piazzale degli Uffizi again without the crane before I die'.' Verde said the crane had been such an irritant for Florentines because they were so attached to their collection of art, churches and palazzos — even more so than Romans. 'The link between heritage and identity here is unique in the world,' he said. The day after the crane vanished, Lucia Manneschi, a Florentine security guard, was patrolling the piazzale where the crane had stood and stopped to blink up at the blue sky. 'I'm 55 now, so I was 36 when they put that thing up,' she said. 'I'm so happy — I can't believe it's finally gone.'
