By on February 5, 2025No Comment LOHS tennis coach Eric Bracciano inducted to Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame added by on February 5, 2025View all posts by Joseph Goral → By Gabriele Di Donfrancesco | December 9 The village of Anguillara Sabazia on Lake Bracciano The oldest relics discovered in the area date back 8,000 years Francesco Falconi stood at the edge of Lake Bracciano a volcanic depression filled with crystalline water and surrounded by bucolic wooded hills and ancient Italian villages “This is where I used to dive into the lake,” Falconi a lawyer who grew up in one of those villages pointing to a rock on the lake’s periphery and you would probably wake up in the nearest emergency room In 2017, Lake Bracciano, a basin of around 22 square miles, faced an existential crisis. It started to dry up as a local utility, the Acea Group, diverted its waters to quench the thirst of the Italian capital during a severe drought Residents of the surrounding villages were able to stop the water company from draining the lake they are bringing the company to court for environmental crimes The trial could set a precedent throughout Europe by creating more public awareness about environmental crimes that involve water use and drainage It could inspire other small communities to fight to safeguard their natural havens and force big cities to find new solutions to deal with their water needs and terrible water management are creating a recurring state of crisis Lake Bracciano serves as an emergency water reservoir for Rome The city meets two-thirds of all its water needs by tapping into the Peschiera springs at the base of Mount Nuria These founts are very resilient to occasional droughts Other sources are smaller and dry up faster are steadily declining due to climate change Gabriele Di Donfrancesco is an Italian freelance journalist based in Rome. His work has also been published in La Repubblica, Euronews,... Read More the elevation of the water surface of Lake Bracciano fell by five feet as Acea kept tapping into the basin It is normal for the surface of the lake to fluctuate between a height of 535 and 538 feet above sea level but five feet over 22 square miles adds up to a lot of water; the loss was enough to disrupt nearly everything around the lake Stairs had to be built for people to disembark because of the shallow waters And even after Acea stopped collecting water The water surface fell by six-and-a-half feet in total The sight of the shoal between the lake’s normal shore and its new shrunken state was ominously reminiscent of the Aral Sea the enormous lake lying between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan which almost disappeared due to the deadly combination of increased human thirst and climate change “The lake never goes down [below] a certain threshold,” Graziarosa Villani says Villani is the president of the committee of local citizens that managed to save Lake Bracciano thanks to the quick mobilization of scientists and lawyers The group pressured the regional government but the “Cassazione,” the highest Italian court the people of Lake Bracciano were up against two giants: Acea the local private company providing water to the region in a de-facto monopoly situation Acea could draw from Lake Bracciano as long as the water surface did not drop under a certain level to ensure that the basin did not enter a dangerous downward spiral “But Acea did not stop there and went even further,” Villani says “Who knows what would have happened without our intervention?” Villani was represented in court by Falconi a historic village of 19,000 perched on a hill that slopes gently into the lake Falconi now represents Villani and her group in a second trial born out of the first complaint private citizens can file a complaint with the authorities to start a criminal investigation that might lead to a criminal trial deputy public prosecutor Delio Spagnolo is charging the chairman of Acea's board with causing an “environmental disaster” by negligently collecting more water than permitted the public institutions would not have started any investigations by themselves,” Falconi explains “environmental disaster” is a type of crime that applies to individuals or companies that cause an irreversible or conspicuous alteration in the balance of a protected ecosystem It carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years and pecuniary sanctions in Europe—that a company has been sued not for polluting the waters Winning the case could set an important precedent It would show how communities can find a way to reinforce water protection policies to keep their basins healthy for future generations Climate change will make what happened to Lake Bracciano a more common problem in Europe Lake Bracciano has a peculiar status under EU and Italian law Along with the nearby smaller Lake Martignano It is also a special protection area and a special area of conservation according to EU environmental directives It falls into a network of protected European sites called Natura 2000 The EU directives and the Italian law all acknowledge the need to keep water bodies “in good health.” This concept involves respecting their “ecological flow.” The water level should be high enough to ensure biological life can continue But the EU cannot inspect water bodies and leaves the onus of environmental monitoring to its member states Though Lake Bracciano is a Natura 2000 site the EU is not able to directly help protect or defend it Acea was once a municipal company but has since gone public and is now only partially owned by the municipality of Rome the company also operates in the energy and waste management sector The board of the company now includes representatives of companies like Suez Acea runs contracts in other parts of the world as well Acea did a great job cleaning the lake from the sewage of nearby towns,” Falconi admits the company that contributed to keeping Lake Bracciano clean has almost destroyed it Even though the local community acted quickly an ecologist who testified in court about Acea’s alleged wrongdoing says Lake Bracciano has irreversibly lost part of its rich ecosystem but it would be to a different equilibrium Other species will take over the ecological void left by the aquatic plants and algae that naturally filtered the lake Since these species can only survive at certain water heights they were virtually destroyed when their delicate habitats disappeared with the water but it got severely damaged,” Azzella says The last decade has been hard on Lake Bracciano This type of volcanic basin depends on rainwater Its water levels had remained stable over the years “That is why the company should have protected the resource and not wasted it,” Azzella says Acea loses large percentages of the water it collects and distributes through leaks in its distribution network it leaked up to 45 percent of all the water in the province of Rome No third party or regional authority has ever checked the accuracy of the figures released by Acea The people of Lake Bracciano argue that repairing the leaks alone could solve the recurrent water crisis and ease the pressure on the regional water sources “You cannot think anymore that there will always be new water and the lake has not recovered,” Azzella says the lake is still three feet lower than its past healthy average “It might never revert to its previous equilibrium,” explains Giampietro Casasanta a researcher at the Italian National Research Council and a resident of Anguillara Casasanta says his research shows that such a sudden water loss from the lake would not have occurred due to natural climatic and weather fluctuations alone data about water levels is often publicly available the docks of Lake Bracciano have physical water scales Historical data about precipitation are uploaded online as part of a grid of rain gauges connected to the SCIA the National System for the Elaboration and Diffusion of Climate Data Acea knew that the basin was suffering from the effects of climate change; after all it had released public documents in the months before the crisis showing those effects But after the water levels of Lake Bracciano became a public controversy even accusing the owners of gardens and structures along the shoreline of causing the crisis by “stealing” water the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security is the only institution allowed to ask Acea for compensation This new trial could result in a fine for breaking environmental law but it would not formally constitute compensation for the environmental damage The Italian legal system is extremely slow The Acea criminal trial is predicted to last several years and in November it entered the hearing stage with both parties presenting scientific evidence The company is expected to trivialize the damage done to the ecosystem in an attempt to reduce its liability the community of Lake Bracciano feels that science is on its side Community members hope their work will inspire other communities in Europe to follow their steps in defending local waters it will have enormous consequences,” Falconi says “It will set the legal precedent for other communities to fight.” Editor's note: This article was developed with the support of Journalismfund Europe The Bulletin elevates expert voices above the noise. But as an independent nonprofit organization, our operations depend on the support of readers like you. Help us continue to deliver quality journalism that holds leaders accountable. Your support of our work at any level is important we promise our coverage will be understandable Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" I’m curious about how much water goes to waste in Rome due to over 2,500 public water spigots (nasoni) than spout water 24/7/365 Surely they could be retrofitted with faucets to only provide water solely on demand Copyright © 2025 Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. All rights reserved. Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 36-2136497 Terms of UsePrivacy Policy Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Valerie Fortney-Schneider returned to her roots in the southern Italy region of Basilicata central Italy also has an unsung lakes district that is easily accessible and well worth exploring The three lakes may not have the dramatic alpine backdrop of the northern ones but they do have a placid ambiance and splendor all of their own Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake in Italy It’s laced with waterfront towns and castles surrounded by sunflower fields and farmland Three islands shimmer alluringly in the water and ferries will take you to two of them for lunch or exploring To the south in the Lazio region is Lake Bolsena an elliptical crater that is the largest volcanic lake in Europe A trio of towns sits on the shore and most of the waterfront is undeveloped The medieval town of Bolsena preserves its antique atmosphere above the lake another volcanic-formed gem to the south of Lake Bolsena While Lake Trasimeno can seem brooding and Lake Bolsena a tad sedate Lake Bracciano embodies the best lake experience to me It also offers year-round livability as well as affordability with a milder climate than the northern lakes Lake Bracciano is just an hour from Rome but is a tranquil world away The only motors allowed are those of the ferries that connect the three lakeside towns This ensures not only a peaceful ambiance but a safer environment for kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who don’t have to contend with jet skis or motor boats but ferries ply the water among the three towns An evening out could be a boat trip to Trevignano Romano for sunset drinks and dinner or a train ride into Rome for a meal and a show Frequent rail and bus connections whisk you to Rome in an hour for all the cultural events and offerings of the capital city whenever you might like Lakeside promenades are dotted with shady plane trees with some cafes strung about to enjoy a drink with a water view Three towns grace the shore of Lake Bracciano On the south side of the lake are Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia while on the north side is teensy Trevignano Romano Bracciano with its imposing 15th century castle sits above the lake and has a bustling feel The town keeps a pleasant time-worn appeal and the Odescalchi Castle frequently draws celebrity guests and weddings (Tom Cruise was married here) especially from the upper Belvedere della Sentinella It takes a bit more effort to enjoy the lake but there is more than a mile of expansive beach and easy access to water sports here or just grab an umbrella and chair and lounge with a book it is a pleasant small city with the train station right in town Anguillara Sabazia is a stunning sight sitting on its lakeside promontory The old town streets meander from the quay up the hillside providing a pleasant ascent to the castle ramparts amidst flower-box studded stone streets while to the right the medieval gateway still beckons into the streets of the old town popular with commuting Romans who live near the Anguillara train station but come into town for lake fun on the weekends Anguillara is big enough to provide all the daily services and amusements you need while retaining a small town feel and appeal with a sense of community Lakeside restaurants and cafes are perfect for lingering and enjoying the sunshine but old town eateries attract locals out for a pizza or a traditional trattoria meal at affordable prices You can still enjoy a pizza and a beer for less than $12 here Life here is about a sane pace and simple pleasures with a jaunt to the city whenever you want something more and walkers take to the country paths of the protected regional nature park right at the town’s doorstep The tiny undeveloped Lake Martignano attracts those in the know for a swim and trails lead off into the green-covered hills Lake Bracciano doesn’t just boast proximity to Rome It’s also less than an hour from the Mediterranean Sea the ancient Etruscan land where timeless places like Sutria and Viterbo (and many more) offer endless exploration opportunities while the northern lakes are surrounded by alpine peaks the central lakes are ensconced amidst the rolling hills and classic hill towns we all love about Italy It’s a wonder this central lakes district isn’t more popular but its lack of crowds makes it all the more appealing An Insider’s Guide: Best Things to Do in Tuscany 3 Reasons Why Abruzzo, Italy is a Must-See Destination Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy Its construction dates back to the late 15th century but over the centuries the castle has long been the subject of fierce disputes between the most important Roman families Today it is a popular venue for important events but above all it is a year-round museum that tells the story of these lands through an important collection of ancient weapons not to mention the sumptuous decorations and frescoes that dot the entire palace From the top of the hill on which it is perched it dominates the entire area and offers enchanting views in which the deep blue of the volcanic lake blends with the green of the woods is a real jewel of medieval architecture that winds all around the magnificent Orsini-Odescalchi castle Here is a veritable maze of narrow streets surrounded by ancient houses built of lava stone that offer the visitor enchanting views Also deserving special attention are the 13th-century Cathedral of Santo Stefano an old defensive bastion now an evocative terrace overlooking the lake One of the most picturesque places on all of Lake Bracciano is definitely Anguillara Sabazia This ancient fishing village is perhaps less well known than neighboring Bracciano but it offers equally picturesque views and vistas all set in a relaxed atmosphere where you can best enjoy what these lands have to offer In Anguillara Sabazia there are several beaches where one can find refreshment away from the crowds but it is above all the historic center that enraptures visitors’ hearts It is a splendid agglomeration of Romanesque-style architecture including the 16th-century gate and the medieval keep that houses the Museum of Rural Civilization and Popular Culture is the 18th-century collegiate church of Santa Maria Assunta while there are numerous archaeological sites around the town including the Neolithic village found at La Marmotta the church of Santa Maria Maggiore is believed to have been built on the site of an earlier Etruscan temple the present building was erected around the year 1000 and its vicissitudes have gone hand in hand with the history of Cerveteri The church was expanded in 1959 with the addition of a new part that grafts onto the ancient one The latter is a magnificent example of the Romanesque style although the façade presents a mixture of different styles since it has long been remodeled over the centuries Among the most important works preserved inside is the Comatesque-style flooring made by Tuscan artists in the 13th century which recently became part of the new Cerveteri and Tarquinia Archaeological Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the earliest examples of sites referable to the Etruscan civilization The Banditaccia necropolis is to date one of the largest in the ancient world the entire area is crossed by a burial route more than 2 kilometers long and its origins are traced from the 9th century B.C In its approximately 400 hectares of extension the Banditaccia necropolis preserves many thousands of burials although the fenced-in part that can be visited today covers about 10 hectares and has 400 mounds onward large mounds with burial chambers dug in the tufa and decorated with motifs inspired by the forms of domestic architecture developed imposing funerary monuments such as the famous Tomb of the Reliefs are from later centuries It is located inside the impressive 14th-century Ruspoli Castle and is considered one of the most important places to discover the secrets of Etruscan civilization. The Cerite National Museum houses many artifacts that have come to light from excavations in the area of the ancient city and one can take a real journey back in time admiring grave goods found in the Sorbo necropolis and then more vases ceramics and urns dated between the 7th and 6th centuries BC The museum tour then ends with some objects from the Manganello temple and the Odescalchi collection which passed into the hands of the Silvestrine congregation in the 1940s has long hosted boys from war-torn families from all parts of Italy lodging and education; today its premises are a sought-after destination for conferences and events Palazzo Altieri is a shining example of 16th-century architecture and its events have followed step by step those of these lands Construction began at the behest of Giorgio III Santacroce whose family later passed ownership first to the Orsini and then to the Altieri Today it houses a museum divided into 14 rooms that showcase ancient paintings and precious collections such as those kept in the gallery of the Popes which includes portraits depicting successive popes in the history of the Church Also imposing and particularly impressive is the large park surrounding the palace which originally served as a hunting garden The former seat of the bishopric of Sutri, Palazzo Doebbing has been the religious and cultural center of the entire town for centuries It owes its name to Father Joseph Bernard Doebbing a German by birth and elected bishop of Nepi and Sutri in 1900 It was Monsignor Doebbing who wanted the renovation of the bishop’s palace in Sutri promoting important works on the education of youth The building has since been completely refurbished as of 2010 and is now one of the most beautiful exhibition venues in Lazio that manages to combine together its ancient charm with the modern spirit embodied by the many artists who have exhibited their works here This town of ancient origins dominates the northern part of Lake Bracciano Trevignano romano lies on the heights of the Sabatini Mountains nestled in a cove on the slopes of Mount Rocca Romana Its historic center winds all around the Vico fortress is above all the unique atmosphere that succeeds a walk among the characteristic houses of Trevignano set before the magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding hills Very beautiful then are the many churches in this village among which stands out that of the Madonna assumed into heaven that is located at the highest point of the historic center White clouds torn by a blue sky are reflected in the still water of Lake Bracciano I feel like I've ended up in the palette of an impressionist painter almost as if it doesn't want to disturb the arrival of migratory birds a picture-postcard promontory dominated by the collegiate church the setting sun lights up the outline of the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle of Bracciano I never tire of this oasis of nature and tranquility In all seasons there is always something new to experience a new perspective that sparks curiosity and encourages you to return the second largest basin in Lazio after Bolsena a depression formed three hundred thousand years ago following the collapse of the magma chamber that fed the Sabatino volcanic district There is no point in looking for an inflowing river on the map which were already channeled towards Rome in the first century AD Let's see how to experience Lake Bracciano in a camper It is the main town on the lake and the only one to rise in an elevated position, on the hills surrounding the basin. The origins of Bracciano date back to Roman times but it was in the Middle Ages that the village developed thanks to the influence of the Orsini family has pleasant corners; and there is no shortage of elegant cafes where you can sit outside with the Town Hall and the eighteenth-century fountain often occupied by markets selling objects and typical products take Via della Collegiata: immediately on the left is the church and convent of Santa Maria Novella today the Civic Museum and the historical archive go up to the cathedral dedicated to Santo Stefano whose current appearance is from the seventeenth century With its imposing mass the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle It is one of the most suggestive and interesting destinations of Lake Bracciano Its history is linked to the Orsini family who had it built around 1475 and lived there until the XNUMXth century It was then purchased by the Odescalchi family plan on an hour or even more if you want to visit the various rooms calmly The tour takes you through the noble apartment a jewel of Renaissance architecture; then you go up outside to the panoramic tower and the patrol walkways It is not surprising that numerous international celebrities have chosen it as the location for their weddings: the manor is in an excellent state of conservation the views towards the lake truly unparalleled nestled on a promontory overlooking the lake It is worth walking through them until you reach the façade of the church of Santa Maria dell'Assunta built in the 17th century in a dominant position over the village Continuing your walk you will come across the city walls that enclosed the 15th century tower From here you go down towards the imposing Palazzo Baronale Orsini the elegant seat of the Municipality: even without entering you can glimpse the frescoes that decorate the ceilings of the rooms From here it is a few minutes' walk to the lakeside a tourist boat takes about two hours to tour the basin with stops at Trevignano Romano and on the lakeside of Bracciano The shores of Lake Bracciano offer the opportunity to visit the Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force one of the most important exhibitions of its kind in the world Inaugurated in 1977 and completely renovated on the occasion of the centenary of the foundation of the Italian Air Force the visit route winds through four enormous hangars that house a vast collection of aircraft It ranges from aircraft in use during the First World War to modern examples And there is no shortage of extraordinary pieces such as a Garnerin hot air balloon and one of the first airships of the Italian army I recommend taking the tour with one of the museum guides who are generous in revealing news and details on the history of aviation offering the opportunity to retrace more than a century of history of world conflicts there is also a large parking lot suitable for campers The influence of the Orsini family is also tangible here. The fortress is linked to their name, which can be reached on foot with a walk (the last stretch is on a path) that also touches the parish church of the Assunta.But the first thing you have to do when arriving at Trevignano Romano is relaxing on the lakeside stopping in one of the many bars and stopping at the stalls of the Sunday market in Piazzale del Molo Then take your time exploring the historic center a well-kept gem just a few steps from the water The reference point is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele with a nice café where you can sit in the shade of the ancient Clock Tower cross the threshold of the Town Hall: the ground floor houses the Civic Archaeological Museum Various finds are exhibited here – including cinerary urns painted vases and jewels – from the Etruscan necropolis of Trevignano which would prove the existence of a Roman Etruscan centre believed by some to be the ancient Sabatia It is one of the most important nature reserves of Lazio, and among those that can boast the greatest biodiversity. Established in 1999, the Bracciano Martignano Regional Natural Park protects a very large area spanning three provinces and ten municipalities It goes from the shores of Lake Bracciano to the beech forestof Oriolo From the small Lake of Martignano to the forest of Macchia Grande and the Caldara of Manziana From the 160 meters of altitude of the largest basin to over 600 of Mount Rocca Romana This corresponds to a very diversified vegetation - from broadleaf forests to wetlands passing through Mediterranean scrub - and a great variety of species present also thanks to the ban on the use of motor boats are a refuge of primary importance for migratory birds Among the most common species we find herons There are two railway stations near Lake Bracciano located along one of the two lines that connect Rome to Viterbo The Bracciano train station is located a few steps from the town center The line makes various urban stops including Valle Aurelia (connection with metro line A) Trastevere (useful stop for the Trastevere district) and Ostiense (metro line B) ________________________________________________________ weekends and travel diaries on the digital magazine from smartphone For the registered with the PLEINAIRCLUB Access to the digital magazine is included With thesubscription to PleinAir (11 print issues) receive the magazine and special inserts comfortably at home and save Search other results... 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This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Oman, SANA -With the participation of Syria, the 7th Arab Water Week conference kicked off in Jordan The conference Held under the theme “Towards Efficiency and Sustainability in Utilities through … Read More » Homs, SANA- With the participation of 25 trainees from art activities teachers, the Directorate of Education in Homs held a training course on how to use psychological support in art … Read More » Damascus countryside, SANA-Interior Ministry released Monday the third batch of detainees who were arrested during the latest incidents that took place in Sahnaya and Ashrafieh Sahnaya  in Damascus countryside, and … Read More » Damasus, SANA- A delegation from The Commission for International Justice and Accountability(CIJA), visited the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) and met with a number of its staff, and gave a … Read More » Damascus, SANA- Syria and Turkey explored Monday ways of boosting agricultural cooperation between the two countries in the fields of irrigation, scientific research, expertise exchange, training and qualification of technical … Read More » Damascus, SANA-The Director of School Buildings at the Ministry of Education, Engineer Mohammed al-Hanoun, discussed with engineers from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) the preparation of studies for building … Read More » SANA- The Sheikhdom Akl of the Unitarian Muslim Community condemned the repeated Israeli attacks … SANA- Asylum applications filed by Syrians in the European Union dropped to their lowest … SANA- The Embassy of the Sisterly Republic of Yemen in Damascus was reopened on … set to carry 30,000 metric tons of high-quality local … SANA- Real Madrid secured a challenging 3-2 win over visiting Celta Vigo in Matchday … SANA-School libraries are an essential component of the Ministry of Education’s educational system discussed on Thursday with charge d’ Affairs of the … in partnership with the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre SANA-The American New York Times confirmed that the deadly legacy of blood left by … SANA-Russian Coordination Center in Damascus handed over the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums … KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Raven Book Store, an independent book store in Lawrence, has been named Publishers Weekly’s 2022 Bookstore of the Year Book stores from across the nation were considered but this year’s honor lies in the heart of the Midwest Facade markings now indicate selections including fiction says she’s been with the store for four years she’s seen the community support the principle of small business the store’s majority owner controls 51% while seven booksellers make up the remaining 49% Bracciano says this rare model helps create the opportunity for others with an affinity for the store to own a stake that’s not financially burdensome Even with neighboring chain book stores and the looming threat of Amazon Bracciano says part of Raven Book Store’s charm and notoriety comes from the store’s openness about being politically active advocating for employees to be treated well to further legitimize the sustainability of working in the book industry Still feeling “blown away” the Raven is being honored with such an award Bracciano credits those whose loyalty has never waivered “We're so popular in this community because of the customers that started coming in the very beginning,” Bracciano said Raven Book Store is located at 809 Massachusetts The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m Report a typo Wanted in RomeMagazine The Lazio region has given the green light to a plan to build a 33-km cycle path around Lago di Bracciano, a lake located an hour north of Rome which will connect the three lakeside towns of Anguillara Sabazia will receive funding of €300,000 from the Lazio region The president of the Parco di Bracciano - Martignano described it as "an ambitious project aimed not only at residents but also at enriching the offer to tourists attracting and promoting sustainable tourism.” The track is to intertwine with a series of other paths, including the ancient pilgrimage route to Rome, the Via Francigena The project involves the creation of a two-lane cycle and pedestrian path with works reportedly set to begin in 2022 Lago di Bracciano is a lake of volcanic origin, located 32 km northwest of Rome. It is the second largest lake in the Lazio region, after Lago di Bolsena Wanted in Rome ™ is member of the Wanted World Wide Ltd network.Click here to find out more about our Network or Follow us on social networks © 2025 / 2026 Wanted World Wide LTD Network Stone Age farming communities in Europe depended on the seas to travel particularly as they spread around the Mediterranean during the Neolithic But remnants of their technological prowess have been submerged in lakes and lagoons or buried in soggy peat bogs – making them difficult to find a team of researchers led by archeologist Juan Gibaja of the Spanish National Research Council has described a quintet of canoes dredged up from a Neolithic lakeshore village near Rome that reveal the sophisticated boat-building techniques of seafaring communities in the region "Direct dating of Neolithic canoes from La Marmotta reveals them to be the oldest in the Mediterranean," the researchers said in a statement The Neolithic settlement of La Marmotta was discovered by archaeologists in 1989 submerged 8 meters (25 feet) beneath the surface of Lake Bracciano which is connected to the Mediterranean Sea by the River Arrone Excavated between 1992 and 2006, and again in 2009, the site and parts of its wooden dwellings have been exceptionally preserved by mud and water, along with an enormous collection of wooden tools used to weave textiles Those finds cast La Marmotta as a thriving farming community, which was likely an important hub for trade given its location close to the Mediterranean coast Gibaja and colleagues' new analysis of the five canoes shows how that trade could have been made possible with the townspeople's sophisticated woodworking and ship-building skills The canoes were built from hollowed-out trees which grew some time between 5700 and 5100 BCE Measuring an estimated 11 meters (36 feet) in length one of the boats – which happened to be made of oak – was considered to be much larger than needed to cross Lake Bracciano The other four canoes weren't much smaller from more than 4 meters to 9.5 meters long The canoes also had cross beams to reinforce the hulls peg-like objects were found inserted into the wall of the canoe at evenly-spaced distances to which ropes or even a sail might have been fastened "There must have been people who knew how to choose the best trees, how to cut the trunk and hollow it by burning out its middle, and how to stabilize the dugout with transversal reinforcements on its base, or perhaps by the use of side poles or even parallel canoes in the form of a catamaran," the researchers write in their published paper "Those strategies would have provided greater safety and stability and greater capacity for the transport of people However, tangible reasons to explain why La Marmotta was suddenly abandoned around 5230 BC still elude archaeologists With so many objects left behind and well-preserved, the archeological record suggests people left hastily perhaps because rising waters quickly inundated the town before its remains could degrade The study has been published in PLOS ONE PLOS ONEOne of the 7,000-year-old canoes found near Rome a small Neolithic settlement thrived on the shore of present-day Lake Bracciano in Italy archaeologists researching the site have found five wooden canoes that these ancient people constructed in order to fish and trade across the Mediterranean these five canoes are the oldest ever to be found in the Mediterranean Basin According to a new study about the canoes published in the journal PLOS One archaeologists first discovered the Neolithic village under Italy’s Lake Bracciano — which is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the Arrone River — in 1989 the underwater site was excavated over the next 20 years It’s yielded a number of impressive discoveries including a wealth of Neolithic tools — and now The five boats were constructed using wood from alder they nonetheless show signs of impressive craftsmanship and pioneering technology “La Marmotta is an exceptional archaeological site,” study author Juan F “Many things are preserved there that we never find in a terrestrial site: canoes I never imagined that those prehistoric societies had the technological capacity to make such large and complex canoes They were communities with extraordinary knowledge much more advanced than we had imagined.” PLOS ONEThe canoes were discovered under Lake Bracciano at the site of a former Neolithic settlement called La Marmotta In “Canoe Marmotta 1,” for example archaeologists documented “four transversal reinforcements” which would have fortified the hull They also found evidence that the boat may have been used for multiple purposes perhaps as a sailboat or catamaran as well as a canoe Archaeologists also found objects that were probably wooden rudders or oars as well as evidence that the canoes were carved with “polished adzes and axes.” So what did Neolithic people in La Marmotta use them for The five canoes discovered under Lake Bracciano are of slightly different sizes and were probably used for various purposes While the smaller of the canoes may have been used for fishing the larger boats found at La Marmotta might have been used for more ambitious purposes with its fortified hull and apparent ability to transform into a sailboat or catamaran could offer “safety and stability” and was possibly used for “the transport of people the second canoe was big enough that it probably served multiple purposes The study’s authors speculated that “judging by its size and shape or used to gather plant resources and transport people and small animals on the lake “[Neolithic people] used canoes to transport people and goods,” Gibaja explained to All That’s Interesting “These are very large canoes that allowed for easy travel along the coast.” Gibaja continued: “Neolithic communities originally come from the Eastern Mediterranean They must have had a thorough knowledge of the sea some groups had to move to new territories and these canoes allowed for swift journeys… When they changed territories they would take their families and goods with them.” the five canoes discovered at La Marmotta are a fascinating look at how Neolithic people traveled around their world And Gibja and his team are eager to uncover more insights from their research at La Marmotta “There is a lot of material to analyze,” he told All That’s Interesting “There are thousands of archaeological remains The team consists of more than 50 researchers from many countries who are working to better understand those early Neolithic farming and pastoralist groups Our goal is for the scientific community and the general public… to learn about what we discover so that they can better understand their past.” After reading about the five Neolithic canoes found in Italy, the oldest ever found in the Mediterranean Basin, discover the stories behind some of the world’s oldest structures. Or, learn about other underwater archaeological discoveries in Italy, like Baiae By on June 16, 2021No Comment Lake Orion High School Coach Eric Bracciano was selected as the 2021 Overall State Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for Michigan Bracciano had been voted 2021 Regional and Division 1 Coach of the Year Lake Orion was the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) White division tennis champs in 2021 and finished the season with a 8-2-1 overall record Lake Orion came in third place with 15 team points just behind Clarkston (18 points) and Bloomfield Hills (24 points) Both the boys and girls varsity tennis teams have been under Bracciano’s training and leadership for the past 14 years Bracciano named 2021 Overall State Girls Tennis Coach of the Year added by on June 16, 2021View all posts by mmkelley → More than seven thousand years old are the five canoes found at the submerged Marmotta site on the bottom of Lake Bracciano: the discovery which sheds new light on the skills of ancient Neolithic societies in navigation and maritime technology is thanks to theUniversity of Pisa and is the result of years of research and archaeological excavations conducted by a group of experts from the University of Pisa the Museum of Civilizations and CSIC - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas a state agency dependent on Spain’s Ministry of Culture it was possible to accurately date these ancient vessels and better understand the historical and cultural context in which they were used.The Marmot site located about 300 meters from the current shore of Lake Bracciano and at a depth of about 11 meters The underwater archaeologists involved in the project worked with dedication to explore and document this underwater archaeological site The canoes and nautical objects found in the Marmot testify to the technological prowess of Neolithic societies in the area of navigation These vessels were not only means of transportation but also represented an essential tool for the expansion and development of communities along the Mediterranean coast ancient peoples were able to explore new lands contributing to the spread of culture and knowledge in the ancient world The accurate dating of the boats is the result of meticulous research the results of which were recently published in the scientific journal PLOS Research on the five canoes found at the Groundhog site was conducted as part of the project directed by Niccolò Mazzucco former curator at the Museum of Civilizations researcher at CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) at the Instituto Milà y Fontanals de Investigación en Humanidades (IMF-CSIC) The research project was coordinated by the Instituto Milà y Fontanals de Investigación en Humanidades (IMF-CSIC) with the collaboration of the Escuela Española de Historia y Arqueología en Roma (EEHAR-CSIC) and the National Accelerator Center (CNA) in Seville Thanks to the joint efforts of these institutions and their experts it was possible to conduct in-depth analyses and obtain important results on the dating and history of the five canoes found at the Groundhog site “The Marmot is an exceptional site,” says one of the directors of the research project Professor Niccolò Mazzucco of the University of Pisa “It is located under the waters of Lake Bracciano where artifacts have been preserved that under normal conditions would have to be destroyed thanks to excavations by the then Special Superintendence for the ’Luigi Pigorini’ Prehistoric Ethnographic Museum the five canoes that are the subject of our study were found These are exceptional vessels in terms of their state of preservation and size with the largest being about 11 meters long they are canoes whose characteristics reveal a remarkably advanced navigation technology thanks to carbon 14 dating performed at the National Accelerator Center (NAC) we can say with certainty that these boats are between 7,500 and 7,000 years old.” “The technical complexity with which both the craft’s hull and certain elements associated with it were made are astonishing Without a doubt we are dealing with the work of real naval engineers,” explains Mario Mineo of the Museum of Civilizations the data confirm that the construction of the canoes coincides with the time of occupation of the site when the first groups of farmers and shepherds who occupied the center of the Italian peninsula lived here And this allows us to say that these are the oldest Neolithic canoes in all of Europe.” By on August 30, 2023No Comment Dragon boys tennis sweeps Oxford, looks forward to rest of season added by on August 30, 2023View all posts by mmkelley → Water is life: young people as custodians of the Lakes of Vico and Bracciano funded by the Waldensian Church (8 per 1000) is a local environmental project aimed at safeguarding and stewarding the waterways of Lakes Bracciano and Vico based on the active participation of youth The project was created to enable the development of youth agency and critical thinking towards significant issues around environmental sustainability The project involves 50 young people between the ages of 11 and 14 and focuses on their propensity to become transformative agents of change This initiative is rooted in a larger ongoing process carried out by various other local stakeholders of enhancing the area’s rich environmental heritage Key actions are divided between theoretical modules and experiential learning activities the work of the students would be highlighted through a final paper in the form of a journalistic investigation into the themes and their experiences of local stewardship The paper is envisioned to be presented by the participants during a final meeting with all the local stakeholders participants would share their experiences An important part of this project is to incite curiosity and inquiry through the guided experiential visits and workshops aimed to bring the youth in direct relationship with the Lakes of Vico and Bracciano along with the stakeholders of these waterways These visits would involve local organic farmers with expertise on how to honour and be in the right relationship with these waterways giving students the rich opportunity to have direct conversations with local stewards an introductory meeting was held for the youth participants in the Water is Life project at Northlands International The students were engaged in a presentation on water and its relationship with agroecology Among the topics discussed were: the origin of water the extent of freshwater availability on our planet and the importance of its conservation The session also outlined the widespread exploitation and pollution of water resources Young participants acutely grasped the intricate links between food choices and environmental degradation-from deforestation caused by agricultural expansion to water pollution from industrial farming practices A key takeaway from the workshop was that people’s food choices have a profound impact on the environment and ecosystems The students engaged with the potential solutions offered by organic agriculture to foster water and nutrient cycles and nourish the health of the ecosystem along with the health of humans The presentation also highlighted how agroecology is a farming method that mirrors natural ecosystems fostering biodiversity and promoting long-term ecological balance which focuses on short-term profit maximisation agroecology prioritises harmony with nature producing benefits for both environmental and human health students were encouraged to think about their personal relationship with water reflected in their daily habits They were nudged to critically think about which of their behaviours contributed positively to water conservation and environmental sustainability It was highlighted that by adopting conscious consumption practices such as reducing meat consumption or choosing locally sourced products they could play a key role in conserving water resources and promoting ecological resilience in their local context our workshop provided young students with a holistic understanding of water as a finite life giving resource intertwined with broader environmental issues By illuminating the significance of dietary choices and introducing the principles of agroecology we aimed to empower the next generation to become stewards of a more sustainable future where water is cherished and ecosystems thrive Why is the water cycle important for our planet’s ecosystems How does the intervention of humans affect its natural course These were the issues addressed in the workshop held May 16 at Northlands International with the young participants of the project “Water is Life: Youth as Guardians of the Vico and Bracciano Lakes.” explained the functionality of water and its cycle and how human-caused disruption is leading to climate change and catastrophic events the young participants were involved in designing a water-saving system from an agroecological perspective Farm Visit – Fattoria Faraoni – 13 June 2024 Conventional agriculture consumes vast amounts of water jeopardizing aquifers threatened by the heavy use of pesticides and herbicides A recent ISPRA report revealed that 77.3% of Italian surface waters contain pesticides and according to a recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) pesticides were found in 38% of Europe’s surface waters Intensive livestock farming also contributes to water pollution etc.) transfers from soil to surface waters and aquifers The only solution to the environmental crisis caused by these practices is agroecology which protects and enhances water resources A recent visit to Fattoria Faraoni allowed young participants in the Project “Water is Life” to explore the production systems of a farm practicing non-intensive livestock farming and organic agriculture The field visit focused on identifying edible wild herbs and visiting a newly converted organic hazelnut grove World Water Day – Principles of Water Democracy The Young Guardians of Biodiversity project is an initiative aimed at engaging younger generations.. A Project for the Future of Young Generations and Local Biodiversity Promoted by Navdanya.. Centered on practical and theoretical training the Terrae Vivae project promotes a deeper understanding.. Water is life: young people as custodians of the Lakes of Vico and Bracciano,.. Biodiversity is Life- Let’s discover and protect it together 12 January 2021 – Over the last few months the ClimAlt project team has.. Areas of Work Illustrations by Marion Bessol food sovereignty and the rights of small farmers around the world Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy Designed by ESC Raven Book Store’s eight co-owners gather for a group photo Raven Book Store’s next chapter starts with fresh leadership. Danny Caine sold half of the company to seven of its employees effectively splitting ownership with the individuals who help run it every day and they are prime examples of the ideals Raven seeks to uphold “These are the people who are at the core of the Raven,” Caine says “They’re running a lot of the store on the management level The eight of us have 70-plus years of experience at the Raven so it’s just a lot of institutional wisdom It’s those people working for 70-plus years Caine says the team is a sound group to lead Raven Book Store into the future Massachusetts bookstore called Porter Square Books which saw a similar leadership change a few years ago With the framework for an employee-owned business already established Caine felt he should follow that model to make both the Raven and Lawrence better Selling 49% of the Raven was about giving the store to the dedicated individuals who care more than anyone else The sale was also done to diminish the notion that it’s okay for retail and bookstore workers to be exploited “In retail in general—and also in bookselling—there’s this reputation that I don’t agree with: that you do it for the love,” Caine says ‘You’re a bookseller; you’re never going to make much money But it’s OK because you get free books or you get to meet authors.’ I didn’t like that and I wasn’t interested in doing that.” Luxem says the co-owner role is already leaving him with a more rewarding experience Since Caine originally approached the team with the idea to create an employee-owned environment the Raven crew has worked together to achieve the same outcome seen at Porter Square Books.  “It was definitely inspiring to know that things can work this way “It doesn’t always have to be the hierarchy of one person on top and then everyone below You can expand that out and bring in some equity to people We all want to make sure everyone is treated well here and has equitable experiences and access to everything.” Luxem adds that he wouldn’t mind seeing other stores in Lawrence follow suit He says that the budding concept of employee ownership has room to grow but will only reach its full potential so long as other businesses are paying attention The Raven’s potential butterfly effect remains to be seen While some effects of the Raven’s shift—such as projected positive trends in profits and worker motivation—won’t be felt for months or even years there are some immediate changes to take notice of Children’s Section Manager Bracciano can already feel the impact “When I think about the choices that I make in my work and the people who I’m impacting I’m an owner.’ It’s kind of cool,” Bracciano says covering how consumers can push against Amazon’s dominance and instead support their local small businesses—all while platforming an open letter from Caine to Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos Effectively selling half of Raven Book Store to seven employees is a small step toward correcting a mindset instilled in generations of retail workers These employees can have a future in bookselling thanks to the shift Caine says five other stores have already reached out—and he hopes there will be more “If it creates a domino effect that’s wonderful workers should be getting more equity in where they work,” Caine says “It should be easier to make a career in this industry Working retail for a small business doesn’t need to be seen as a place where you’re not going to make money This team mentality is baked into the Raven’s structure representing a stark change from the usual “lone wolf” mindset found in many small businesses Caine says he’s confident the Raven will have a place in Lawrence for a long time thanks to the flexibility the decision provides “I believe a good bookstore can be the heart of a community,” Caine says “Having a thriving and active bookstore in a community is really good at so many levels to helping schools and libraries order books.” Editor’s note: This story was updated in the February 2022 issue of our magazine.  Get the latest from The Pitch delivered directly to your inbox Subscribe because fortunately good products are more common than bad Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent There's no two ways about it: this is a really excellent set of wheels they're well built from quality components and they're great value On top of that the ride quality and stiffness are well up there with rival wheelsets – even some considerably more expensive ones – and if you don't like the silver polished ones (we do) you can have them in black instead There's really not much to moan about here Pro-Lite make great play of the fact that all their wheels are hand built without machines so it wasn't a great surprise to find an evenly tensioned Picking them out the first thing that you notice is that they're light Ours didn't quite measure up to the claimed weight of 1482g for a set but at 1501g (without skewers) they're the lightest sub-£400 wheels we've tested by a good margin The 27mm deep rims are mated with stainless flat bladed spokes (24 at the rear 20 on the front) to some very slight-looking hubs The front particularly is minimilast to the same point as something like an American Classic: there's enough metal to cover the two bearings but not much more The rear is a slightly beefier affair that boasts five bearings (four standard and one angular contact) and both hubs The one bit of weight saving I could probably do without is the alloy spoke nipples for the two or three grams they save I'd prefer hardier stainless ones The alloy freehub body needs a good firm hand too when you're tightening the cassette Out on the open road the Braccianos are everything you'd want a wheel to be; responsive I didn't manage to eke any brake rub out of front or rear; in the workshop testing the 4mm deflection of the rim for a 15kg lateral load is about average for the money and you certainly feel the lack of heft on the climbs too On the descents the bike felt a little more nervous than with the Fulcrum 3s I was running before the test but I find that's a common side-effect of a light wheelset as it's easier to throw the bike from side to side I took the Braccianos out on a couple of long rides sporting the Conti Force/Attack combo tyres I've been riding on other wheelsets and they certainly weren't any less comfortable than comparably-priced (and more expensive) wheelsets on the same setup even after four of five hours in the saddle You'll have to pay a lot more than £349 to get a similarly light wheelset from the likes of Shimano Mavic or Fulcrum – nearly twice as much in two of those cases – and there's nothing in the quality of components or construction to suggest that these Pro-Lite wheels won't give you comparable performance over time Effectively you're getting race wheel weight and function for training wheel money Make and model: Pro-Lite Bracciano wheelset How does that compare to your own feelings about it Lightweight alloy 700c wheelset aimed at mid-market racers and Sportive riders Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product 27 mm profile for superior aerodynamic performance 5 in rear hub angular contact bearing (Japanese EZO) Available for Campagnolo or Shimano freehub bodies PRO-LITE double butted stainless aero spoke True both laterally and radially on arrival (and they'd come from another test) Not the longest test we've ever done but there were no problems on test and nothing to suggest any flaws in the design Pro-Lite tell us they've currently run out Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose Tell us what you particularly liked about the product Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product Would you recommend the product to a friend Anything further to say about the product in conclusion Probably the best bang for buck wheelset we've seen this year urbanised with 700cs  My best bike is: Trek 1.5 with upgrades I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99 Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships and favourably comparable to planet-x model b Well-built and robust multipurpose wheelset with a meaningful sustainability angle well built with ceramic bearings and real-world quick – and all at a very decent price Robust and durable wheelset for very little money offering aero gains without handling instability in blustery conditions road.cc's audience Report an advert on road.cc Privacy policy Subscribe All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use. created by volcanic eruptions and housing several of Lazio’s most quaint lakeside towns you’re sure to find plenty of small-town charm lovely vistas and culinary delights around each one Lago di Bracciano The volcanic Lago di Bracciano is the eighth largest in Italy and is popular with locals and tourists alike for the beautiful towns that lie along its perimeter Bracciano the town is dominated by the medieval Castello Orsini-Odescalchi a fortified papal palace that is well-known for hosting the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Other charming villages that lie along the lake are Anguillara Sabazia with quaint cafés along the lakeside promenade numerous swans that flock to the banks of its river is a favorite with the alternative crowd for its relaxed vibe easygoing atmosphere and outdoor concerts in the summertime being overshadowed by the much larger Lago di Bracciano a few kilometers away bars and food stands that pop-up during the summer and is perfect for a sunny weekend picnic The Lago di Bolsena lies north of Rome close to Viterbo which was likely the location of an ancient Etruscan city The main towns that lie within proximity of the lake are Bolsena The imposing Montefiascone Cathedral is a site to behold and the region’s famous Est wine is produced here by the Falesco winery Capodimonte instead lies on a tiny peninsula that juts into the lake and has a sheltered harbor The tiny fishing village Marta is a colorful little spot that is also worth a visit Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy lying on the site of an ancient residence of Emperor Domitian best known for its wine festival that takes place each October with its famous porchetta and fraschette (typical village eateries) The Lago di Nemi is the jewel of Lazio. This lake is sometimes referred to as Diana’s Mirror because of a temple complex that honors this ancient goddess of the moon and hunt. It derives its name from Nemi a quaint town perched above the lake which is famed for its fragoline di bosco or wild strawberries; Nemi hosts a strawberry festival at the end of spring each year Nearby lies Genzano di Roma which is famed for its bread and hosts a magnificent flower festival that sees its main thoroughfare paved with an intricate flower carpet each June Livia Hengel is an Italian-American writer photographer and traveler with a penchant for la dolce vita and a severe case of wanderlust she spent her life living around the world in Peru Turkey and the US before moving back to her city of birth She is passionate about all things cultural stirring and beautiful and is happiest when she is contemplating human nature over a glass of wine or wandering off-the-beaten-path in a new city you can find Livia eating her way through the best restaurants in Rome or keeping up with Instagram Livia is the author of The HUNT Guide for Rome and also contributes to Spotted by Locals Art A Tour of Bernini's Masterpieces in Rome Guides & Tips A Guide to the 5 Most Dazzling Views in Catania See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best Hiking Trails in Italy US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd The Odescalchi Castle looms over Bracciano a small hilltop town located an hour north of Rome with spectacular views over the lake below.The majestic castle was completed by the Orsini family in 1485 as a fortress and a residence of the feudal lords of the period Its strategic position saw it become the subject of a bitter fight for ownership over the centuries between powerful papal families such as the Borgia and Colonna In the 16th century the Orsini family enlarged the castle, embellishing it with Late Renaissance frescoes, before it came into the possession of the Odescalchi family in 1696. The castle's furnishings were plundered during the French occupation, leading to its subsequent sale to the Torlonia family. In 1848 ownership of the castle once again passed to its current owners, the Odescalchi, who renovated the building to its former glory. Today it is one of Italy's largest and best-maintained castles, as well as being one of the few Renaissance castles in Italy open to the public. In addition to offering guided tours, the castle hosts cultural events, galas and receptions for weddings, including several high-profile wedding couples such as Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes. courtyards and priceless collections from the castle's six-century history The castle is open for tours from 10.00 every day with closing times differing between the summer (18.00/19.00) and winter seasons (17.00/18.00) Bracciano can be reached easily by train from Rome's central Termini station For full visiting information, including reservations and ticket prices, see the castle's website "I think every little girl dreams about [her wedding]," Katie Holmes said in an interview with Seventeen in 2004 "I used to think I was going to marry Tom Cruise." her childhood wishes came true less than a year later when she accepted the Oscar winner's marriage proposal subsequently gave birth to the couple's only child and went on to marry her girlhood crush in one of the most significant wedding ceremonies in Hollywood history As pop culture history goes, the marriage ended in a divorce settlement five and a half years later with primary legal custody of Suri granted to her mother today marks a different milestone for those vows—their 10-year anniversary the actors became husband and wife inside Bracciano Italy's 15th-century Odescalchi Castle a celebration that reportedly cost them upwards of $3 million Tom and Katie's wedding cemented itself in celebrity bridal history From the cream of the crop Hollywood guest list and double wedding gowns to a dinner serenade by Andrea Bocelli it seems no expense was spared on the night Holmes became Mrs "If you get invited to that wedding, you go," Brooke Shields, a guest at the wedding, told Jenny McCarthy in an interview on her SiriusXM show in January Before the wedding could begin, the bride needed a gown—or two. Holmes sported two dresses during the special night, both designed by wedding attendee Giorgio Armani. For the ceremony, the Ray Donovan actress donned an off-the-shoulder silk and lace design adorned with Swarovski crystals. The crystals alone took 350 hours to place, as People reported at the time she switched into a one-shoulder off-white silk organza number embellished with more Swarovski crystals Katie wasn't the only one to dazzle the crowd in Armani—her groom and the wedding party all wore the label for the special night elegant dress," Armani told People at the time "I wanted to make it modern but at the same time complement the sweetness and energy she conveys." Holmes accessorized with "something old" gifted to her by Shields After being publicly criticized by Cruise for taking prescription medication for her postpartum depression Shields said the actor came to her home to apologize she got a call from Holmes to invite her to their Italian nuptials 'It just wouldn't feel right without you there,'" Shields told McCarthy during the interview in January as long as it's not me!' And she said The former face of Calvin Klein ultimately delivered the bride-to-be an antique enamel compact The supermodel was just one name on the sprawling VIP list of famous attendees which included Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith fellow Scientologists John Travolta and Kelly Preston Jenny McCarthy and then-partner Jim Carrey Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez and former Scientologist Leah Remini Once inside the castle's armory doors guests were greeted by flag bearers sporting traditional Renaissance attire the couple took part in Scientology's traditional "double ring" ceremony and sealed it with a kiss What followed was a seemingly endless celebration that carried into different halls of the castle to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and joined Cruise for their first dance to Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird." "It didn't take much time before I realized this Tom guy was a special guy—that he loved Katie that he cared for her and supported her," Martin said during a toast at their rehearsal dinner at the Villa Aurelia I am extremely proud and happy to raise my glass to Katie and Tom." One five-tier wedding cake and fireworks display later the guests danced the night away with music producer Mark Ronson spinning tunes and Lopez jumping in to perform one of her songs live when it came on A nostalgic moment arrived when Cruise sang The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" to his bride—a nod to his iconic performance in Top Gun Of course, the song now seems like a moment of foreboding as, five and a half years after they wrapped the late-night festivities and boarded a jet to the Maldives for their honeymoon, Holmes filed for divorce The two have not remarried and Holmes continues to live with her daughter While their high-profile relationship was a subject of controversy and speculation since Cruise first jumped on Oprah Winfrey's couch the actress recently revealed she wouldn't do it differently "I really enjoy my life," she told Ocean Drive a year ago "I don't really regret anything that I've done and everything sort of leads you to the next place Your #1 resource for a global lifestyle since 1979 Expats are drawn to lakeside living because of its natural beauty and temperate climate—unlike the heat and humidity you sometime find in coastal areas It can be a great option for anyone looking to avoid a busy beach lifestyle and heavy tourism you get the water and all the fun and beauty that comes with it fresh-water destinations where retirees can enjoy lakeside living—complete with great views and boating—for a fraction of what a comparable lifestyle would cost in the States Mention Italy’s Lake District and most people will think of the northern glacial lakes—Lake Maggiore While their glitzy reputation as a playground for the rich and famous draws lots of visitors sits above the lake and has a bustling feel Anguillara Sabazia is a stunning sight as it sits out on a promontory And Anguillara is big enough to provide all the daily services and amusements while retaining a small-town feel and appeal with a sense of community the ancient Etruscan land where timeless places like Sutri For less than what it costs to buy a studio apartment in Rome Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest lake and the surrounding area is also home to one of the largest concentrations of North American expats in the world the Lake Chapala region sustains approximately 20,000 expats That number roughly doubles during the cold Canadian winter months when thousands more migrate to the area for about six months each year with Ajijic holding the edge when it comes to numbers Both communities are nestled along the lake’s shoreline and separated by only a few miles The enormous appeal of this area is easy to understand the area also boasts the second-best climate on the planet; daily temperatures are almost always 75 F to 78 F assists with the stability of the climate.Retiring is not the end of the line but the beginning of a new adventure.There are ample restaurants as well as modern theaters and practically any kind of activity desired Medical care is handled by local clinics and the cost is reasonable and I recently relocated to Ajijic to escape Chicago winters,” says Miriam Ditchek I have found that retiring is not the end of the line “I have become both a teacher and a student I am busier now than when I was working a nine-to-five job The difference being that I love what I am doing Painting has become my passion along with teaching English as a second language to Mexican adults who want to advance in their chosen careers “The Lake Chapala Society is primarily a meeting place for expats There is an annual registration fee of $38 There are also art and chess classes for children My husband enjoys the bridge group that meets twice per week “There are many restaurants that cater to all tastes and are inexpensive by U.S La Sima del Copal sits at the top of a mountain peak and offers the most beautiful view of the lake at sunset there are less expensive restaurants that are also very good.” About three hours northwest of Costa Rica’s capital San José is the 33-square-mile Lake Arenal Although this is Costa Rica’s showpiece lake there isn’t much boat traffic and rarely any noisy jet skis but plenty of windsurfers and kite boarders although there is a healthy rainy season in Costa Rica from May to November which brings out an array of green in the trees and foliage Construction within 50 meters of the lakeshore is prohibited (This is because Lake Arenal is a man-made lake created to generate hydroelectric power Costa Rica generates close to 100% of its electricity from renewable resources.) There are no large resorts and no big condo or hotel towers to spoil the views It’s mostly rural; a farming community—as it has been for decades One drawback is the lack of major medical services but there are clinics and doctors’ offices for basic needs locals and expats travel two hours west to Liberia where there is also an international airport The main hub of activity on the lake is the small village of Nuevo Arenal; many expats also live a quick drive into town on the water on either side “The road from Nuevo Arenal to La Fortuna is one of the best two-lane roads in Costa Rica,” says Stephen Day It’s only eight minutes from the center of town and it brings you to a vista that will take your breath away the first time you see it from the whirling wind turbines of Tronadora to the north all the way south to the majestic Arenal Volcano The lot is well worth the $60,000 we paid for it in December 2016 retired from careers in education and real estate I have always worked within a strict budget We have no expenses for heat or air conditioning because the temperature is always between 65 F and 85 F The electricity we use runs about $50 a month I pay $75 a month for internet and another $50 a month for TV and cable because we do make quite a few international calls I estimate that we spend another $1,200 a month for all our food mile-wide body of freshwater on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula mimics the Caribbean Sea in its turquoise color and crystal clarity In the early 1700s pirates attempted to take Bacalar from the Spanish in a bloody battle built of stone in the shape of a four-pointed star and ringed by a now-dry moat Now it houses a museum with plaques in both English and Spanish provides walk-in access to the lake (for about 50 cents) The main attraction here is the lake's natural beauty the city of Chetumal is only 40 minutes' drive south The border with Belize is not too far beyond that There's even a water taxi that runs from Chetumal to Ambergis Caye in Belize And the area’s beautiful Caribbean beaches are also close by a couple can live quite well on about $2,000 a month To live in a place with natural beauty found nowhere else and the laidback lifestyle You can fill up a bag bursting with fruits and veggies for less than $10 we went to one of the many grill restaurants in town cost us about $8,” says ILs Roving Latin America Editor With its wild beauty and seemingly endless Chile’s Lake District seems like the last perfect place at the far end of the world it offers one of the most First World lifestyles in Latin America The Lake District is one of Chile’s most popular vacation areas freshwater lakes for summertime vacations and In spite of the country’s reputation for seismic activity the Lake District long had a smattering of mostly European expats and Canada are putting down roots in this region “When we tied the knot all those years ago and I never dreamed that we would be celebrating our 28th anniversary under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere,” says Lori Dorchak “But when the financial crisis of 2007-2008 destroyed our real estate brokerage we felt that we were living in front of a computer screen working harder and harder to make less and less all we had to show for it was chronic heartburn we decided to close our business and retire to paradise But our dream of paradise did not include palm trees and relaxing on the beach We were only in our early 50s and felt we still had lots of living to do besides building that homestead we’d always dreamed about and raising the children still left at home.” The couple decided to settle in Puerto Octay a town on the north shore of Llanquihue Lake in Los Lagos Region in the south of Chile blue expanse with the snow-capped peaks of two volcanoes There are several villages scattered along the shores of Lake Llanquihue “We chose here because of the spectacular scenery and because it is just a bit off the beaten track some things in Chile can be more expensive many everyday expenses are significantly cheaper here we have found rents on modest family homes to be as low as $200 a month a larger three-bedroom furnished apartment can run from $500 to $800 “Our experience with the Chilean healthcare system has also been very positive Before we signed up for the national insurance plan which costs around $25 a month for our family we were charged just $15 to see the doctor we can always go to the private hospital for a slightly higher co-pay The quality of care here is comparable to the U.S. “The freedom we experience living in the countryside of southern Chile is marvelous.” The World’s Best Places to Retire The Cheapest Places in the World to Live 5 Best Caribbean Islands to Live On… and 2 to Avoid At a 15th-century castle in lakeside Bracciano the 22-year-old sometime model Petra Ecclestone will tie the knot in a three-day celebration Further south, the film director Sofia Coppola will get married in Bernalda the town from which her great-grandfather emigrated in 1904 Residents of both Bracciano and Bernalda have been watching wide-eyed as preparations for the parties get under way but aside from the similar sleepy surroundings the two weddings could not be more different The guest list for Ecclestone's marriage to the British entrepreneur James Stunt – to be held at Odescalchi castle where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes married in 2006 – is under wraps but acquaintances include princesses Eugenie and Beatrice Local residents living in the lanes around the castle which has been sealed off for more than a week reported that crews of British roadies were descending on the area to set up a huge firework display and a stage for performances by Eric Clapton and the Black Eyed Peas in front of 250 guests which sits among the clay hills in Basilicata can often be seen sipping a Campari soda at the bar outside the old palazzo he is restoring The Apocalypse Now and Godfather trilogy director has long frequented Bernalda emigrated and where his 40-year-old daughter will marry the French musician Thomas Mars The actors Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman are rumoured to be among the 70 guests who will sit down for a meal in the garden of Coppola's property after the ceremony They will be catered for by a small restaurant The father of the bride has ordered half a lamb's head for each guest – which may prompt puzzled looks and Godfather gags from guests – alongside small parcels of liver and calf's lung a restaurant staff member told the Guardian who has been watching the build-up to the wedding which will reportedly involve scenes from the Coppolas' films being projected on to houses in the town said: "People here are excited about the wedding he comes in to chat in the bars and is well liked." a stone channel which carried spring water down to Rome from near Lake Bracciano two British film-makers say they have beaten the archaeologists in discovering the source of the water feeding the ancient city's greatest aqueducts While researching films on Roman aqueducts Mike and Ted O'Neill got access last year to a series of reservoirs and tunnels below a long-abandoned medieval chapel near the town of Bracciano Local people believed the complex was created in late Renaissance times who has made a study of ancient hydraulic ­engineering said he was struck by the criss-cross patterned wall facing of the tunnels And opus reticulatum says 'I am [ancient] Roman'," he said The London-born brothers took Italy's leading authority on classical aqueducts to the site said yesterday: "It is a truly exceptional discovery There is no doubt that the construction techniques used are ancient Roman." a place dedicated to the water spirits of classical mythology "On either side it widens into two basins that are roofed with quite extraordinary vaults still decorated with Egyptian blue [calcium copper silicate] paint," said Quilici said of the site: "It is so richly decorated the emperor almost certainly came here for the inauguration of the aqueduct." That was in AD 109 To celebrate the event a fountain was built on Janiculum hill where the aqueduct entered the city A coin was minted showing a god atop tumbling water It had been assumed the arch belonged to the fountain But the O'Neill brothers believe the coin depicts the nymphaeum a theory Quilici thinks should be taken seriously Not the least important aspect of the complex is that the water seeped into the reservoirs on either side of the nymphaeum through bricks laid with gaps between them snaked around Lake Bracciano collecting water from other springs before heading south At the entry point to the ancient city the aqueduct fell steeply down Janiculum hill The aqueduct continued to be used into the 20th century the headwaters were dispensed with and the water supply came from Lake Bracciano instead The water from the aquifer under the Madonna of the Flower chapel was diverted to Bracciano The complex is now part of a pig farm whose owners use the old nymphaeum as a rubbish tip Tree roots are pushing through the Egyptian blue decoration "The chapel and aqueduct are in danger of crumbling They desperately need to be restored," said Ted O'Neill Political veterans Mike Amyx and Sue Hack took the top two spots in Tuesday’s race for Lawrence City Commission target of various negative mailings in the days leading to Tuesday’s election spent the night in a tight battle with school district administrator Tom Bracciano for the commission’s third seat a city commissioner from 1983 to 1988 and former Douglas County commissioner was the top vote-winner with 23 percent of the vote one of two candidates supported by the Progressive Lawrence Campaign But as the final few hundreds votes from five remaining precincts were tallied The election results won’t be official until Friday’s canvass “What is really important is that neighborhoods maintain their majority on the commission I think that’s what this vote is really all about,” Schauner said The top two finishers will serve four-year terms jobs and maintaining our older neighborhoods are essentially the three things I ran on and that’s what I think voters were interested in,” said Amyx Schauner’s victory will allow Progressive Lawrence candidates — who generally have supported stricter development policies for the community — to maintain the majority they first won two years ago on the five-member commission a Progressive Lawrence candidate who finished in fifth place said much was at stake for the community in this election “It will determine how growth and development is paid for in this community for years to come,” he said Schauner was the target of several campaign mailings from outside groups critical of everything from his policies on helping youth to false accusations that he was involved in domestic abuse Schauner said he was uncertain how those controversial mailers affected his campaign “I don’t know what to tell you on that,” Schauner said “My final judgment is it probably didn’t make much difference.” Bracciano said he thought the postcards actually may have increased Schauner’s visibility and added to his vote total The latest headlines from the Lawrence Journal-World and KUsports.com Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of Kansas, LLC | https://www2.ljworld.com | 1035 N. Third Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 | 785-843-1000 | Terms of Service is a new project by Navdanya International to engage new generations in protecting our biodiversity The activities of this project are set to take place from January to December 2023 and promote the participation of the youth in the custody and defense of the ecological heritage of the Bracciano and Martignano Lakes (Province of Rome) The project represents the next step in Navdanya International’s on-the-ground work Our project “Biodiversity is Life” arises in continuity with the creation of this Biodistrict through educational activities that involve 70 young boys and girls Working with them to discover the connections between biodiversity Biodiversity is Life: From local mobilisation to international action for ecological and social regeneration English subtitles available (click/tap on the wheel) On Monday 13th February, we began winter explorations to local organic farms, starting with amazing Agriturismo Agrihouse organic farm located in the municipality of Bracciano two sisters who are running the family Agrihouse farm guided the group in the discovery of their beautiful farm and its biodiversity discovered the different crops on the farm and observed the surrounding agro-ecosystem and its complexity participants experimented a first attempt to catalogue and recognise wild biodiversity through the use of digital apps PlantNet They understood the importance of organic farming and the threats of climate crisis for wild & cultivated biodiversity the organic cultivation of olive trees and their pruning observed the diversity of plants in the farm and tasted genuine and natural local products The young participants had the great opportunity to interact with local organic women farmers talk to them and observe a local example of virtuous farming developed in harmony with the surrounding environment respecting biodiversity as well as human and animal health A small group of participants made a short video interview with the farmers and the advantages of ecological versus industrial agriculture During each seasonal visit other participants will produce further interviews with farmers which will later be used for the public restitution of project results & outcomes we visited the Agrihouse farm to continue to learn more about the importance of biodiversity for protecting local ecosystems producing healthy food and promoting agro-ecological food systems We observed the evolution of the agro-ecosystem from winter to spring the transformation of the landscape and vegetation through the recognition of wild herbs and the careful observation of the soil a workshop on the characteristics of soil and its fertility was held We observed the differences between cultivated soil and forest soil and learned to read the clues given to us by plants the colour of the earth and the composition of the soil a fantastic snack with biodiversity on the plate: genuine local products and bruschetta with wild herbs On May 30th the young #BiodiversityGuardians visited the Agrihouse farm to explore and observe the changing ecosystem from spring to early summer They understood the importance of mulching to maintain soil moisture and control weeds They also hand-weeded the base of young oak trees and arranged wood chips for mulching A workshop on crafting natural soap with olive oil produced on the farm was held by the farm managers explaining the properties and greater sustainability of soap produced without the use of additives both for our health and for the protection of biodiversity On Friday, February 17, the second winter exploration of the Biodiversity is Life Project took place, discovering the organic farm L’Orto di ClaPi Together with the young biodiversity guardians developed on one hectare of land and designed according to Permaculture principles where a very rich concentration of biodiversity is thriving delved into the principles and values of Permaculture and organic farming experimented with the use of Apps for recognizing plant biodiversity and other plants as well as sampled some of the Garden’s genuine products The young participants interacted with the farmer and learned more about the vital importance of farming while protecting biodiversity and the surrounding environment the young biodiversity guardians returned to explore L'Orto di ClaPi a micro-farm designed according to permaculture principles The young farmer and agronomist Lorenzo Maggi guided us through the garden to observe the transformation of the agroecosystem with the arrival of spring seasonal agricultural activities such as the preparation of the summer vegetable garden The participants drew free-hand drawings of both wild and cultivated plants A workshop on wild herbs identification was also held by the expert Dafne Chanaz who taught us how to recognise some of the most common edible plants in the area and their beneficial properties agroecology and permaculture allow biodiversity to coexist and multiply within the cultivated environment preserving the balance of the micro-ecosystem and its ecological value We held a Wild Herb Recognition Workshop with university lecturer who taught us how to recognize some of the most common edible plants in our area and their beneficial properties We observed and delved into the uses of oiosa (Tordylium apulum) plantain (plantago lanceolata and plantago maior) shepherd's purse (capsella bursa) and many others Once again we observed how organic farming agroecology and permaculture allow biodiversity to coexist and multiply along with the cultivated environment preserving the balance of the micro ecosystem and its ecological richness On Monday, 20 February, also the third winter exploration with the Young Biodiveristy Guardians took place at the Organic Farm “Le Bricchiette“ activist and expert in wild herb identification walked us through the discovery of biodiversity within the agro-ecosystem of the Farm We observed the interaction between the wild environment of the forest and the vegetable garden and olive trees delved into the principles and practices of organic farming peas and chard that we will transplant in the spring as well as tasted the farm’s genuine products the young biodiversity custodians returned to explore the “Le Bricchiette” organic farm to observe the transformation of the agro-ecosystem with the arrival of spring and learn about seasonal farming in the vegetable garden and soil care We observed the technique of natural mulching of the vegetable garden with oak leaves which are abundantly present in the farm's ecosystem and the preparation of the summer vegetable garden with some of the seedlings born from the seedbeds started by the students guided us to the discovery and identification of some of the most common edible wild plants in our area explaining their uses and their importance for our well-being and that of the environment We thank Le Bricchiette Organic Farm for hosting us and for their work in protecting and multiplying biodiversity in the area we went back to the organic farm 'Le Bricchiette' to observe the evolution of the farm's activities and the transformation of the agroecosystem and vegetable gardens with the arrival of summer showed us the farm's seasonal activities in the vegetable garden and the greenhouse We observed the pollinatorse and the blooming of Summer Biodiversity in the fields The participants learned how to harvest some of the seasonal vegetables At the end of the activity we discussed the new knowledge gained through the project and created posters to classify the biodiversity we learned to know throughout the seasons We will return to visit Le Bricchiette Organic Farm in the autumn The area within the Bracciano and Martignano Lakes was recognised as a Natural Park in 1999 The region represents a fragile and precious ecosystem the promotion of organic farming and regenerative ecological food systems is key for the protection of its natural resources the project aims to directly and indirectly raise awareness for up to 3,000 citizens through communication information and public involvement of the activities and materials produced by Navdanya International and the participants or on the Earth’s surface and in the oceans is declining in every area of the globe at an unprecedented rate the project aims at a direct exchange between young people and local organic farmers to foster a growing awareness of the ecological implications of food production and good practices to produce healthy wholesome food in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem and its biodiversity Agroecology and organic farming represent the only real alternative to the harmful consequences of industrial agriculture as they are based on co-evolution and reciprocity with nature Nature becomes an integral part of the agricultural activity instead of a commodity to be extracted and exploited Navdanya International held the first introductory workshop with the youth to illustrate the themes and activities of the project the ecological consequences of industrial agriculture and how organic farming & agroecology can help us protect biodiversity The Biodiversity is Life Booklet was presented (both in digital pdf version and hardcopy) as well as instructions to guide participants throughout the project’s activities In the upcoming activities the young participants will discover biodiversity in the context of local organic farms Experiencing direct observation of wild and cultivated biodiversity in organic agro-ecosystems Each group of participants will follow the activities of a single organic farm throughout the year taking part in four explorations to the farm During the exploration they will engage in several activities such as: biodiversity documentation & classification through photos insects and animals they will observe; experimentation of biodiversity recognition through digital smartphone applications such as PlantNet iNaturalist; making short interviews with farmers; and experiencing farming activities (sowing seeds experts will provide specific workshops on wild herb recognition and soil biodiversity Data and material collected by participants throughout the activities and workshops will be later processed and included in a Biodiversity Map elaborated in collaboration with Navdanya International to promote local organic farming rural & sustainable tourism and regenerative local economies On June 7th, 2023, in Bracciano, the project “Biodiversity is Life: Let’s Discover it and Protect it Together – Safeguarding and Discovering the Environmental Heritage of Bracciano Lake” (co-funded by the Italian Buddhist Union and the Waldensian Church)  was presented in collaboration with the high school “Liceo Ignazio Vian” of Bracciano The young “biodiversity guardians” were the actual protagonists of the presentation of the project Together with the organic farmers and the educators they illustrated their experiences and discoveries showing how young people can be real agents of change Following the photo exhibition and presentation of the young people’s botanical drawings awarded the participants with a T-shirt bearing the “Biodiversity is Life” project logo The young people expressed their appreciation for the experiential learning process that led them into the role of farmers during the visits Representatives of the farms involved in the project expressed their appreciation for a project that gives dignity to their work by sharing it with the new generations “Biodiversity,” the producers emphasized “is an important value at every level of society And both wild and cultivated biodiversity are essential.” Azienda Fattoria biologica le Bricchiette Agriturismo Agrihouse Azienda l’orto di Clapi Brian Bracciano has been listening to Aaron Ideus shout commands on the soccer field since they played club soccer together in sixth grade Now that the two are teammates at Free State High Bracciano is used to hearing his buddy shout instructions like “you gotta get back you gotta clear that ball” or “get it out of here” to a fellow Firebird that is basically all you can say,” Bracciano said “I think it is impossible for him to lose his voice.” matchup tonight with Olathe East at College Boulevard Athletics Center the Firebirds must play the Sunflower League’s top team this year is Ideus’ first trip to the state tournament and marks only the second time in school history that the Firebirds have competed in postseason action Coach Jason Pendleton led his 2001 team to the playoffs Ideus said he wasn’t nervous because the Firebirds already had achieved their goal: qualifying for the postseason “We don’t feel any pressure because we are definitely the underdog team and this is new territory for us,” Ideus said “No one on this team has gone this far We are just looking to play hard and be as competitive as we can be.” Free State High senior Aaron Ideus (6) moves the ball upfield against Topeka High and the Firebirds will play Olathe East tonight in the state tournament Pendleton said Ideus was the most competitive player on the team and his desire rubbed off on his teammates “Aaron is definitely the vocal leader and most of the players on the team have grown to accept his leadership But he is not afraid to be very demanding and critical typically in the right situation,” Pendleton said “They understand that is just Aaron being competitive He has these high expectations for our level of play and if you are not playing to that capacity The Firebirds must play to their capacity if they want to beat Olathe East (15-2-1) “We are playing as well as we have played all season,” Pendleton said “We are not going in there expecting to lose by any means We are expecting to go in there and play the best soccer we can play which we are going to have to do to beat these guys.” The Firebirds (13-4-1) won their region by defeating Leavenworth and Topeka High on penalty kicks One of their four losses this season came to Olathe East on Oct.13 “A lot of it was our own mistakes,” Ideus said “They definitely capitalized on those but we didn’t play our best game.” Perhaps the most difficult challenge the Firebird defense will be shutting down Olathe East’s midfielders Ideus said they were some of the most skilled which is tough for some team,” Ideus said “They are also more athletic than we are.” Pendleton joked he would be a popular guy if the Firebirds could stifle Olathe East’s midfielders “If I could write a plan on how to stop their midfielders I would probably have a lot of coaches contacting me to provide answers,” he laughed “Those midfielders drive their offensive machine they are coached by one of the best coaches in the state in Terry Hair.” Pendleton said there was more pressure on Olathe East than on Free State “They are the top-ranked (team) in 6A and they are expected to win,” Pendleton said “I am sure that deep down our guys are nervous Our only task is to play as well as we can and hopefully that will give us an opportunity to be successful.” the spring sports season entered its final month as some sports are rapidly approaching the .. By Mary Jane CryanThe publication of Judith Harris’s latest book is very timely as real estate brokers are noting a surge of interest for spacious residences in small towns outside of major cities around the world New York or London when you can enjoy a quieter healthier and less expensive lifestyle with more space for family and working from home a biography of an adoptive home is a love story that Harris dedicates to her adopted home the smallest of three towns on the perimeter of pristine Lake Bracciano has preserved many of its original traditions and local dialect while Bracciano and Anguillara on the train line linking Rome and Viterbo have morphed into dormitory suburbs of the capital with enormous expansion in the past 40 years The first part of Reflections describes Trevignano’s long and intricate history beginning with the prehistoric settlement of La Marmotta discovered and excavated by underwater archaeologists between 1989 and 2009 Archaeologists who excavated the underwater site say that in approximately 5,600 BC it was home to about 500 people The prehistoric village was submerged by the lake waters when an earthquake or other natural disaster occurred, similar to what happened to the Roman colony Baiae / Baia in the Bay of Naples. The site is located under 7m of lake water and  nearly 3m of silt which, once removed, have given up precious objects including pottery shards, opium pipes, pirogues, tools, animal bones, food residues and textiles. These are now conserved at the Pigorini Museum in Rome’s EUR. The most important piece according to archaeologists who worked there, is a tiny chubby Venus figurine in soapstone which was discovered inside a sanctuary hut on the lake floor. Trevignano Romano is located about 50 km north of Rome.  Other objects from later Etruscan and Roman times are in Trevignano’s civic museum or can be viewed in situ. These include the marble panel sculpted with rosettes from a Roman public building in the main square and the imposing remains of the aqueduct which was built by Trajan to bring precious spring water from the Trevignano and Bracciano area to the fountains of Rome. Harris narrates how during her early years in Trevignano she sometimes heard the whirring sound of a mechanical device at night, which meant tombaroli, or tomb-raiders, were searching the nearby Etruscan tombs for precious Attic vases and gold jewellery. Over the years she gained vast knowledge of archaeology in Italy which she passes on to the reader in this and a previous book, Pompeii Reawakened: a Story of Rediscovery. Through personal encounters and research in specialised texts Harris gleans information about the ancient sites in Trevignano and shares the more interesting tidbits with her readers, making it easy for the layperson to understand and appreciate the various civilisations that existed on the lakeside: Villanovian settlements, Etruscan necropoli and imposing Roman vestiges. Talks with elderly local people helped to collect eye-witness details of the German military occupation during world war two when German nuns at the Vicarello complex cared for their injured military countrymen. Now abandoned, this picturesque borgo was a spa during Roman times and more recently used as a film set. The third section of Reflections is a hymn to the good life enjoyed by Trevignano residents today, a series of cameo appearances featuring residents who have left an imprint on the town over the centuries from 17th-century saints to ferocious princes, the blind mailman and the pioneer teacher of the hearing-impaired, to sculptors and bogus miracle workers. From a tiny, rather isolated lakeside borgo the town has expanded, welcoming many expats who enjoy living in the area today. Jackie Bennett Leto who came to live here in 1979 xplained the phenomenon, mentioning the magical Etruscan atmosphere, the simple fishing village life and micro climate which make Trevignano a perfect place for wine enthusiasts, painters and horse riders. For a recent newcomer to Trevignano the location is ideal, for it is steeped in ancient history and on the doorstep of the Tuscia region while still accessible to Rome and its amenities. Nature lovers enjoy the surrounding national forest land, windsurfing on majestic Lake Bracciano, as well as strolling along the peaceful lakefront, having an open air meal or aperitivo at one of the restaurants and cafes. Recently the Lazio region has given funds to continue the bike path around the lake begun under a previous administration and more money to improve the surrounding parklands. However there are also a few problems. In the chapter Lake at Risk Harris denounces the present state of the lake’s health, due to climate change and reduction of its water level. The receding lake is a threat to tourism, one of the area’s major sources of income today. The use of pesticides for hazelnut orchards surrounding Bracciano, and nearby Lake di Vico and Lake Bolsena is another serious problem that needs to be resolved to protect the bucolic nature of the countryside north of Rome.The final chapter of Harris’s book Flight is prompted by the presence near Trevignano of three interesting centres: the historic Vigna di Valle Aeronautic Museum a small airport (Scuola di Volo Club Arrow) for ultralight aircraft and the centre for Rapacious Birds (Centro Volo Rapaci) The sprawling aeronautic museum at Vigna di Valle now houses dozens of original historic airplanes and a few unexpected curiosities: the silk remains of a giant hot air balloon which flew from Paris to Bracciano in 1804 and the embalmed dog of Umberto Nobile of dirigible and “Red Tent” fame Five pages of footnotes and a vast bibliography complete this extremely interesting and thorough exploration of Judith Harris’s adoptive hometown of Trevignano See website for book trailer and purchasing choices Reflections from a Roman Lake is available in ebook form or hardback (Fonthill Media Before searching for a new country residence Judith Harris called historic Palazzo Doria Pamphilj home Among the real estate she turned down was a property badly in need of restoration in Vetralla Serendipitously this became my new home in 1993 and the subject of a bilingual book Painted Palazzo/Palazzo Dipinto (Etruria Editions/Archeoares) This article was published in the March 2021 online edition of Wanted in Rome magazine The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden Please log in here to leave a comment · Gang suspected in Iraqi kidnappings · Briton home after 18 years in Pakistan jail · Palestinian unity may be delayed · Coalition forces probe hijacking in Iraq · Bush warns N. Korea on nuclear transfers · Hu urges bigger APEC role in economic development · China-Japan ties 'back on track' · Chrysler in talks with China's Chery · Tom, Katie wed in Rome ancient castle · Guests arriving at Cruise wedding Pro-Lite dropped by the BikeRadar office this week to show us what they have in the pipeline heading into 2013 Next year marks the halfway point of their two-year product cycles so all-new designs were thin on the ground the braces perform the same job as the tying and soldering method that was common in track cycling and is said to increase wheel stiffness Pro-Lite's claims to the brace's benefits are lofty – by fitting a set to one of their rear wheels you'll supposedly reduce flex by seven percent and increase speed by three percent travelling at 50kph would give you an extra 1.5kph for the same power output though we weren't shown the science behind those numbers The braces are fitted to the rear wheel only, as power transfer is apparently negligible on the front. They're available now free of charge to anyone who owns Gavia and Bracciano wheelsets. Just contact UK distributor Hotlines to get a set posted out Wheels represent 65 percent of Pro-Lite's business but frames and components are playing an increasingly large role In the past they've offered frames on their own fork and seatpost) designed in-house for 2013 Here are some wonderful places to discover near Rome for a pleasant and relaxing weekend getaway On weekends it is nice to go exploring places surrounded by nature with interesting stories behind them Trips out of doors enrich us and allow us to escape from the chaos of the metropolis Near Rome there are many wonderful natural places… If you are looking for some adventure to take take fantastic photographs to immortalize your trip Just an hour from Rome lies the magical village of witches: Calcata What we know for sure is that once you cross the entrance full of stories and buildings of other times The village is frequented by many artists who find their refuge in the characteristic workshops One place not to be missed is Opera Bosco Museum of Art in Nature It is a museum-laboratory of contemporary art within the Treja Valley Park in Calcata The town in the Viterbo area, which has just over 1,700 inhabitants, features characteristic medieval-looking buildings. Bomarzo is best known for the Monster Park. In fact 90 km from Rome is this particular park made at the behest of Prince Pier Francesco Orsini after the death of his wife Giulia Farnese built on the remains of an ancient medieval castle View this post on Instagram Collalto Sabino is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy Its name comes from its location on a hill and from the lords of the territory: the Collalto family This place out of time is characterized by narrow streets and stairways that lead to the Baronial Castle and the square where you can admire a beautiful panorama and the Cervia and Navegna Mountains Regional Nature Reserve is now an elegant hotel often chosen to celebrate romantic events a wonderful village between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance holds the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club This place is characterized by narrow alleys One particular thing is the division of the town through the Via Dritta; the medieval part of the historic center extends at the foot of the Palazzo Farnese A Renaissance facade was rebuilt to the medieval buildings (the medieval one can still be seen at the back) Piazza Vittorio Emanuele falls within the Renaissance part Bracciano is a medieval town famous for its lake and its Orsini-Odescalchi castle. However, there are also other buildings to see: the Cathedral of Santo Stefano, the church of Santa Maria Novella, and the Museo Civico, a former Augustinian convent. Around the castle wind the ancient narrow streets and houses built with lava stone. Bracciano is 48 km from Rome, about an hour’s drive. We also recommend a visit to Anguillara Sabazia, another village overlooking Lake Bracciano. Fancy discovering the Etruscans? In Tarquinia it is possible thanks to the many artifacts found in this area. In the National Museum, in Palazzo Vitelleschi, there is one of the largest collections from the Etruscan period. But in town you can also discover buildings bearing witness to the medieval era, such as the Church of Santa Maria di Castello. Then in fine weather we recommend an escape to the sea. It is 100 km from Rome, about an hour and a half by car. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Frascati, Italy (@frascati) Frascati is nicknamed by many “the pearl of the Castelli Romani.” We are really only a short distance from Rome (especially the southern quadrant of the capital). Frascati with its small alleys, its villas surrounded by greenery and its views of the Eternal City is all to be discovered. In the summer, you can also frequent the historic taverns, where once the inhabitants brought their food from home and the innkeeper was asked for a drink. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francesca Cigno Nero (@francesca.cigno.nero) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rosanna Gattuso (@rosannagattuso) Olevano Romano is an enchanting hillside village but not everyone knows that the center dates back at least to Roman times It offers the opportunity to discover the Olevano Civic Museum of Art the churches of Santa Margherita and San Rocco We recommend taking a walk in the Acqua Santa Park and eating at an agritourism Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes exchanged wedding vows Saturday in a glowing 15th-century castle in this medieval lakeside town The evening ceremony was performed by a Scientology minister in front of more than 150 relatives and friends Oil-fed torches and tiny candles flickered from the battlements and windows of the Odescalchi castle as the couple and fellow celebrities gathered for the ceremony in the town about 27 miles northwest of Rome One of the guests was the couple's daughter who was dressed in white and arrived in her mother's arms The wedding party included Cruise's two children from his previous marriage to Nicole Kidman The best man was Cruise's best friend David Miscavige and the matron of honor was Holmes' sister Nancy Blaylock Holmes wore a black dress and boots before she changed into an off-the-shoulder ivory silk gown designed by Giorgio Armani for the ceremony walked her down the aisle and she carried a bouquet of flowers made by Armani including calla lilies who sported dark shades and waved to fans as he rode through the castle gates in a van wore a single breasted navy blue Armani handmade suit with an ivory silk French collar shirt of the same fabric as the bride's gown for the wedding walked down a stone ramp lined with flag bearers in medieval costumes and to the roll of drums They exchanged vows in a former stable decorated simply with white flowers because Americans do not have this kind of thing back home and they dream of such things in our beautiful country and you can see the surprise and the awe on their faces," Armani said He added that the 20-minute ceremony ended with "a never-ending kiss" that prompted some of the guests to shout "stop Italian singer Andrea Bocelli serenaded the couple at the reception and the bride and groom cut a five-tiered white chocolate wedding cake Other famous guests included Brooke Shields The two stars arrived separately to the castle earlier Saturday with pouring rain forcing Holmes and her daughter to take shelter under large green umbrellas as they left their limousine The sun was shining on the castle when Cruise arrived in a van from Rome where the family had been staying in a luxury hotel near the Spanish Steps Holmes watched from a castle window and anxiously gestured with her hand Holmes was giving Cruise a Vacheron Constantin watch engraved simply It said she bought the gift in Los Angeles last week candles were placed in pots along the road to the castle and in some of the windows Men wearing tuxedos and women holding up the hems of their long gowns walked up the steep path to the castle with Carbinieri paramilitary police patrolling the walls of the castle and all vehicles banned from the center of Bracciano whose ancestors include Benedetto Odescalchi I didn't know why they chose this place," said Emily Roeder who came to Bracciano for the day from Florence "Then I saw the castle and the streets all around Hundreds of the town's 14,000 residents and fans of the stars braved intermittent rain to catch a glimpse of the arrivals "I want to see at least one of them — even if it's not Tom Cruise," said 15-year-old Erica Bandiera "I want to see Beckham's wife," her friend Luca Costanzi referring to soccer star David Beckham's wife Scientology ceremonies contain many elements of traditional weddings But they also include certain Scientology fundamentals including vowing never to go to bed without communicating about any differences A spokesman for the Church of Scientology for Rome said an exchange of vows with a Scientology rite was not legally recognized in Italy and would have to be preceded or followed by a civil union The publicists said Cruise and Holmes had "officialized their marriage in Los Angeles prior to their departure for Italy," saying that was customary for couples marrying outside the United States Cruise's publicist Arnold Robinson did not immediately reply to an e-mailed question about whether that meant they had been married in a civil ceremony Holmes and Cruise became engaged in June 2005 about two months after they went public with their relationship kissing and posing for photographers in Rome also was previously married to Mimi Rogers and had a high-profile romance with Penelope Cruz who starred in TV's "Dawson's Creek," had been engaged to Chris Klein Associated Press writer Marta Falconi in Bracciano and Daniela Petroff in Rome contributed to this story from Bracciano This large region contains too many places of interest to fit into one article so we’ve restricted this piece to the provinces of Viterbo and Rome in northern and western Lazio Here’s why they should be your next holiday destination The first reason to visit north and west Lazio is really four: the two large lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena and the two smaller lakes of Martignano and Vico Lago di Bracciano is surrounded by the towns of Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano, the first two of which can be reached from Rome by train for the price of a couple of cappuccinos. Pay a visit to Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano walk among the picturesque streets of Anguillara which spill down into the lake and eat fresh lake fish at one of the many restaurants along the tree-lined waterfront in Trevignano If you want to feel truly immersed in nature make a short trip to the neighbouring Lago di Martignano You’ll need to drive for several minutes along a bumpy dirt road and park your car a walk away from the lake itself but you’ll be rewarded with a truly peaceful setting Roughly midway between Bolsena and Bracciano is the smaller Lago di Vico which is situated in a nature reserve and is arguably the wildest of the four lakes Comfort-seekers can rent a sun lounger and dine at one of the bars and restaurants on the south side of the lake but more adventurous visitors can also explore the unspoilt wildlife around the rest of its perimeter where hazelnut groves abound and farmers bring herds of pigs and cattle down to the water to drink All the lakes are clean enough to swim in and (unlike many of Italy’s beaches) have plenty of undeveloped public shores where you can put down a towel and stay for free The beaches of Santa Severa and Santa Marinella READ ALSO: 13 places in Italy that look like they belong in a fairy tale The opulent house and gardens of Villa Farnese Not to be confused with Palazzo Farnese in central Rome where France's embassy to Italy is currently housed Villa Farnese (confusingly sometimes also called Palazzo Farnese) in Caprarola is a magnificent 16th-century villa with a unique pentagonal shape Admire the villa’s distinctive spiral staircase take a walk in its sumptuous rooms decorated in the Mannerist style which include 500-year-old world atlas frescoes and stroll among its vast decorative gardens which extend for several acres behind the villa itself READ ALSO: Italy's best-kept secrets: Ten must-see places a time when the Catholic Church was beset with conspiracies and intrigue Lazio’s second city after Rome and the refuge of numerous medieval pontiffs The city traces its origins back to the pre-Roman Etruscan civilisation but the buildings and streets in its historic centre date back to the 12th and 13th centuries when it rose to prominence as the “City of the Popes” and briefly became the seat of the papacy in 1257 Walk the scenic streets around the papal palace and take a guided underground tour of the Etruscan tunnels which were enlarged and repurposed as secret passageways in medieval times and later used as air raid shelters during World War II The province of Viterbo in northern Lazio is littered with natural hot springs, and few provide a more relaxing experience than Il Bagnaccio you can luxuriate in the warmth of geothermally-heated sulphur water in several rustic pools fashioned out of white clay Il Bagnaccio is open till late evening almost year-round stop by the award-winning Il Babbà pizzeria in the nearby town of Vetralla for some of the best pizza north of Naples A guide to northern Lazio would be incomplete without mention of Civita di Bagnoregio a tiny village nestled on top of a volcanic rock that rises abruptly out of the earth like an enchanted kingdom Romantically dubbed “the dying village” as its exposed tuff-rock sides are highly vulnerable to erosion and other natural forces the village was saved from extinction by outside investment and be prepared to share your visit with large crowds if you come during high season If you don’t have time for a leisurely cooked meal grab a sandwich made with fresh local produce and a scoop of chilled ricotta “ice-cream” with homemade toppings from the Arco del Gusto READ ALSO: Ten must-see places within reach of Rome another village balanced on the plateau of a rocky volcanic outcrop While its approach is not as picturesque as Bagnoregio’s with dwellings that seem carved out of the rock face itself perched perilously on its sheer sides Calcata underwent a revival as a new-age artists’ community in the 1960’s and while it may no longer be a hippie utopia you can still find an array of puppet-makers’ dens and dressmakers shops scattered throughout the village which serves homemade cake along with tens of varieties of tea offers spectacular views over the valley directly below The necropolis and waterfalls of Cerveteri Visitors wax moderately pleased about Cerveteri’s Cerite Museum a small repository of Etruscan history in the grounds of a former castle but they thrill at the nearby Banditaccia Necropolis whose other-worldly collection of large domed tombs bear a strong resemblance either to the Shire or to Tatooine depending on which universe you prefer to use as your reference point is an entire city built solely for the purpose of housing corpses It’s thought that wealthy Etruscans wanted to send their deceased relatives off into afterlife as they had lived in this one so built them their own town for the purpose Nature-lovers and adventurers should also seek out Cerveteri’s hidden waterfalls buried deep in a forest nearby the necropolis which starts at Cerveteri’s modern cemetery so bring plenty of food and water and budget several hours for the round trip Italy is peppered with hundreds of newly-abandoned villages following recent natural disasters but Antica Monterano has been a ghost town since the 1700s when it suffered a malaria outbreak and was later sacked by the French army span thousands of years of history and conjure a haunting atmosphere To find the site you’ll need to drive several miles down a small winding country road and park in a lot a ¼ mile walk away from the ruins themselves READ ALSO: Where to go in Italy in 2018: Ten travel ideas off the beaten path The surreal and dream-like garden of Bomarzo variously nicknamed the Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters) and Il Sacred Bosco (The Sacred Forest) was commissioned in the mid-1500s by the nobleman Pier Francesco Orsini Thought to be expression of grief following the death of Orsini’s beloved wife the garden’s erratic layout and monstrous statues with cryptic engravings are an outright rejection of Renaissance landscaping convention Neglected for several centuries after Orsini’s death it was restored to its former glory following its rediscovery by Salvador Dali and the Surrealists in the 1940s is best experienced on weekdays during term time or in poor weather when visitor numbers are at their lowest The city and commune of Acquapendente (“Hanging Water”) is located just outside the confines of the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve a wildlife sanctuary managed by the city which spans nearly 3000 hectares and nurtures over 1000 plant species Aquapendente's sites of interest include the village of Torre d’Alfina with its castle that dates back to the early middle ages but the most compelling reason to pay the area a visit is the Forest of Sasseto located at the north end of the Monte Rufeno reserve With its gnarled oaks and chestnuts and green ferns carpeting the forest floor it's little wonder that the forest is also known as Snow White's Wood and the Forest of the Fairies Seek out the neo-gothic mausoleum of former Torre d’Alfina Marquis Edoardo Cahen who owned the forest and restored the castle in the late 19th century It you want to see Italy through the eyes of the Romantics Despite being sacked by French forces in 1495 and hit by a major earthquake in 1971 this Etruscan and Medieval town nestled in the Marta River valley has survived intact to form part of a landscape with all the soft-focus dreaminess of a Lorrain painting Take in the sculpted Etruscan sarcophagi that line the town’s walkways visit the (free) archaeological museum and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore walk up a small slope to the famed San Pietro Church to look back over the town itself and finally return to eat at one of the trattorias on a piazza with views out over the valley’s gently rolling hills and San Pietro in the middle distance Tarquinia was known by the less elegant name of Corneto until 1922 when it rediscovered its Etruscan origins as Tarquinii It’s hard to find examples of undamaged Etruscan artwork but the painted tombs of the Monterozzi Necropolis contain an amazingly well-preserved series of frescoes in full colour The town is also home to a museum with some of the best Etruscan artifacts outside of Rome Its medieval centre provides a pleasant setting for a stroll and if you get tired of museums and culture you can head down to the lido a short distance away The Greeks and the Romans may have popularised the amphitheatre but they weren’t the only civilisations to make use of it Aside from being lovely ancient town well worth a visit in its own right Sutri contains a charmingly crumbling and overgrown Etruscan amphitheatre beside a series of tombs carved into its large volcanic rock its hill also conceals a hidden pagan chapel a “mithraeum” used as a place of worship by members of the ancient cult of Mithras and later converted into a Christian church this chapel burrowed deep into the rock contains elaborate columns and pews and if you hold up a light up to the walls you can see paintings that date back to the middle ages but your ticket comes with an inexpensive guided tour The ancient structures are all directly on the other side of a main country road across from the town of Sutri and the tombs are visible from the street so keep an eye out if you’re ever passing though by car Did we miss any of your favourite places to visit in northern and western Lazio