Latest news with #historicalpreservation
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Venice locals win bid to convert abandoned island into sanctuary
A small island near Venice once used as a plague pit is set to become a public park for the city's residents. Part of Poveglia, an island south of the Italian city, has been deserted and closed to visitors for decades, its dilapidated hospital buildings frozen in time, its imposing fort now abandoned and its rumored mass graves still hidden. Its grisly past covers both the countless unknown plague victims thought to have died on the island and the lobotomies reputed to have occurred there when the hospital served as a mental asylum in the 1920s. In 2014 the Italian government sold the island for £400,000 as part of an Italian government strategy to sell off unused property to address its budget crisis. But a group of Venetians launched a campaign to protect the island from commercial development, calling themselves 'Poveglia For Everyone' (PFE). Following a protracted battle, PFE won control over the island. The activist group won a six-year lease, beginning next month, beating competitors including Venice's mayor Luigi Brugnaro. The grassroots group asked Venetians to donate money to help preserve the island from development and turn it into an oasis for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist-laden city. Patrizia Veclani, one of the founders of Poveglia for Everyone, told the Times: 'We woke up with a nest egg of €460,000 (£400,887) and a community full of high-level professional skills.' Her group will pay little more than €1,000 (£871) a year for the renewable lease. PFE says it is joining forces with the University of Verona to transform the northern part of the island 'into a lagoon urban park open to citizens and respectful of the ecosystem and the landscape elements that characterise the lagoon.' The group faces an uphill battle to regenerate the island, however, as there is currently no water or electricity, nor is there a proper pier. Earlier this year, furious Neapolitan locals attempted to crowdfund the purchasing 'back' of a tiny island in the shadows of Mount Vesuvius after it was listed for sale at over £8million. The island of Punta Pennata, which spans an area of just 70x500 metres, lays a mere 100 meters offshore the town of Bacoli in the Gulf of Naples. Despite being a favorite fishing retreat of locals for decades, the rocky peninsula was put up for sale by luxury auctioneers Sotheby's. Residents and officials from neighboring towns are not simply accepting the island's sale though, with Bacoli mayor Josi Della Rangione leading the campaign to place Punta Pennata under the stewardship of the local community. Italy as a nation has already dealt with vast levels of overtourism and a plethora of foreign tycoons buying up similarly prime real estate from under local's noses. In a bid to stop Punta Pennata from falling into the hands of another exorbitantly wealthy businessperson or celebrity, Mr Della Regione drummed up support from all over Italy in the hopes that the local community can raise enough funds to 'buy back' the island.
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge
RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom's accelerating digital transformation, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, continues to strengthen its role as a leading authority in preserving Saudi history and safeguarding the nation's documentary heritage through forward-looking initiatives that expand public access to knowledge. Last month, Darah launched its strategic initiative, Darah Documents, as part of a broader development plan to enhance access to historical sources and improve the user experience for its research services. Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Darah's board of directors, endorsed efforts to expand access to the foundation's content and transform it into a comprehensive digital resource that supports researchers and reinforces the role of documents in shaping national identity, according to Darah CEO Turki Alshuwaier. Alshuwaier told Arab News the Darah Documents initiative builds on the foundation's work to collect, classify, and make national documents accessible through innovative means. 'It also represents one of the main pillars of our new strategic plan,' he said, 'which focuses on maximizing knowledge impact by organizing initiatives to reinforce Darah's authority in historical preservation and broaden its reach.' The initiative seeks to digitize and archive a curated selection of high-value historical documents, making them available through an advanced digital portal. (SUPPLIED) He said that the initiative seeks to digitize and archive a curated selection of high-value historical documents, making them available through an advanced digital portal and the Beneficiary Services Center, to facilitate fast and efficient access for scholars and the general public. Alshuwaier described Darah Documents as 'a qualitative leap in national archiving,' transferring records from traditional paper formats into organized digital content that supports the knowledge economy and strengthens the Kingdom's presence in digital history. He explained that Darah applies a comprehensive system of scientific and technical procedures — including acquisition, verification, digitization, indexing, and access — using high-resolution scanners and international standards to ensure accuracy and fast retrieval. According to Alshuwaier, the documentary content is preserved in secure digital and physical repositories in an intelligent institutional environment, enabling researchers to access reliable primary sources seamlessly and efficiently for their academic and knowledge-driven projects. 'The objectives of the initiative go beyond preservation and accessibility,' he added. 'It aims to transform the document into a living knowledge tool that enriches cultural and scientific output and applies across history, education, politics, society, and the arts — contributing to a national digital narrative for future generations.' He also emphasized Darah's ambition to lead the national historical content landscape through initiatives that blend authenticity with innovation, turning documents into a dynamic platform that serves both knowledge and society.
Malay Mail
21-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Melaka moves to protect Bukit Melaka archaeological heritage sites
MELAKA, July 21 — The Melaka government has taken several strategic and technical measures to protect archaeological heritage sites around Bukit Melaka, to preserve the historical elements uncovered in the area. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Exco Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman said discoveries at Taman Larangan, located in front of the Melaka Sultanate Palace, include key structures such as the Melaka Fort alignment and Bastion Hendrica Lisa. 'Among the main steps taken are the continuation of excavation works in the area and surrounding Bukit Melaka, which holds significant historical evidence and potential for development as a new tourism product known as Archaeo-Tourism. 'Visitors will be able to experience how archaeological research is carried out. Laterite stone structures found on-site will be preserved in their original locations as heritage objects to maintain historical integrity, and will be integrated into the site's development plan as open-air exhibits or part of a heritage interpretation centre,' he said during the Melaka legislative assembly sitting at Seri Negeri today. He was responding to a question from Leng Chau Yen (PH-Bandar Hilir), who asked about the steps being taken to protect the heritage site. Abdul Razak added that the state government is also running seminars, workshops, and exhibitions to raise public awareness of heritage value. He said efforts to promote heritage education and raise community awareness will be enhanced through strategic collaboration with educational institutions, tourism agencies and other key stakeholders. 'Informational boards featuring QR code-based interpretations will be placed at the site to help the public appreciate its historical significance. The state government will also regulate development to ensure it does not compromise the heritage value of the site,' he said. He emphasised that these initiatives reflect the state's continued commitment to the long-term conservation of archaeological heritage, while laying a strong foundation for academic research, public education and sustainable heritage tourism development. — Bernama
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Travel: Plan a trip to Luxembourg, the lesser-known European destination
'This is one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful castles, but sadly not many know about it,' a local told me when I visited the Vianden Castle in Luxembourg. I couldn't agree more. From my multiple travels to various parts of Europe, I have come across many castles, which were built during the medieval era as feudal residences, but I found this one to be exceptional because of its architecture, picturesque setting and excellent state of preservation. Its Europe's first stone-built royal edifice that was constructed in the 11th century on the foundations of an ancient Roman chateau. Unfortunately, not many in the usual tourism circuit know about this mainly because Luxembourg is one of Europe's lesser-known countries. 'But Luxembourg is a gem of a destination, historically significant, architecturally inviting and naturally pleasant', said Anita, a friend of mine who lives in Belgium. Her inspiring comments motivated me to add Luxembourg to my recent European travel plan and my on-site discoveries confirmed her assessment. Nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany in northwestern Europe, every part of this small country is steeped in history. It began journey as a county within the Holy Roman Empire, later evolving into the County of Luxembourg in the 11th century, and eventually becoming a duchy and a principality. The territory has been governed by various European dynasties, including the Habsburgs, Bourbons, Burgundians, and the Prussians until it achieved independence in 1867. The rich tapestry of their legacies makes Luxembourg a paradise for enthusiasts of history and culture. Fast forward several centuries, Luxembourg now exists as the world's only Grand Duchy, where history coexists with modernity. Post World War II, it has achieved notable milestones, including being a founding member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, hosting the signing of the groundbreaking Schengen Agreements that facilitate visa-free travel among EU nations for eligible travellers, and winning the Eurovision song contest twice. Currently, it is recognised as the wealthiest country globally, thanks to its thriving steel manufacturing and banking sectors, and it is the only nation in the world that provides free public transportation to both residents and visitors. Luxembourg City is the nation's capital as well as of the EU and the entry point for travellers arriving by air, though rail and road connections are available from surrounding countries to reach the capital conveniently. The contemporary city is established upon the remnants of a robust rocky fortress, constructed a thousand years ago on a promontory that commands a view of a landscape adorned with lush green valleys, rivers, streams, and charming bridges. In its prime, when Luxembourg's strategic position made it a target for various kingdoms, the extensive fortifications offered such an impenetrable defense that it was dubbed the 'Gibraltar of the North'. During the period of independence, as Luxembourg embraced neutrality, the grand fortifications were dismantled, leaving only a few walls to link visitors like me to the historical narrative of the land. History became my companion as I ventured into the UNESCO World Heritage designated Old Town, located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, and based around two squares – Place Guillaume II, dominated by the equestrian statue of Duke William II from the 19th century, who established the nation's first parliamentary constitution, and Place d'Armes, often referred to as the 'City's Living Room.' Both areas are filled with numerous historical buildings and monuments, the most notable being the Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the royal family, the Hotel de Ville or City Hall, and the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg Cathedral. Luxembourg City is constructed on two levels, and the finest view of the lower town can be enjoyed from the Corniche, a picturesque promenade described by Luxembourg writer Batty Weber as the 'Most beautiful balcony of Europe.' This pedestrian walkway, which hugs the edge of a cliff, meanders along the remnants of the 17th-century city ramparts and provides breathtaking views of the fortification leftovers, bridges, and viaducts that connect the older part of the city to the newer areas and the enchanting suburb of Grund. In stark contrast to the medieval layout of the city, visitors are greeted by an ultramodern urban landscape at the Kirchberg Plateau, where wide boulevards , modern buildings and trendy cafes and restaurants replace the cobblestone streets, the Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture and wayside taverns. This district was developed to serve as the hub of the EU, and many of the buildings there accommodate key EU institutions, such as the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. While exploring this area, I noticed individuals from various nations, their presence contributing to Luxembourg's status as a leading multicultural destination. An Indian gentleman at a café informed me that residents from 160 different nationalities live in Luxembourg for EU and other related employment. There is an abundance of sights and activities beyond the city limits, most of which can be experienced as day trips from the capital. We participated in a tour named 'Nature and Castles,' which took us to the renowned Müllerthal Region, celebrated for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and waterfalls, as well as Echternach, the nation's oldest commune, the 11th century Beaufort Castle and the small, picturesque village of Vianden where the key attraction is the hill top castle. During my time in Vianden, I discovered that it was a favoured destination for the French author Victor Hugo. He visited this location a few times between 1862 and 1871. While residing there, he remarked, 'Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, Vianden will eventually attract tourists from all over Europe, drawn both by its ominous yet splendid ruins and its joyful and friendly inhabitants.' He was indeed correct, as Vianden has become one of the primary tourist attractions in the Grand Duchy.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Protecting endangered structures in Manitoba
Winnipeg Watch The Manitoba Historical Society has released its 2025 list of most endangered structures in the province. Daniel Halmarson reports.
