Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Casa Di Giulietta

From BBC News:
"The balcony where, according to William Shakespeare, Romeo wooed Juliet, is to be made available for weddings.

The authorities in the Italian city of Verona - setting for the tale of the two lovers - say they want to foster its image as a centre for romance.

The Casa Di Giulietta (house of Juliet) is in the heart of Verona. Folklore suggests it was once the home of the Cappello family - possibly the model for the Capulets in Shakespeare's fictional play, Romeo and Juliet.

Although some historians say there is scant evidence to back this up, the balcony on the 14th century building is still one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.

From next month, you will be able to hire it as a venue for weddings.

But before you rush to this most romantic of settings consider the price - up to $1,300 (£930) for non European Union residents. Officials say they want to enhance the city's image as the perfect place for love and marriage.

But remember two things: first, that Italian health and safety laws are likely to prevent modern day Romeos from climbing up the balcony to woo their brides; and second, that Shakespeare's immortal work ends in tragedy. "

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Romancing the Queen

Where do you go when you want to woo your Queen - why, to the "Glory of England" of course.

The "Glory of England" was created by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester at a time when he hoped to persuade Elizabeth I to marry him. ".. the garden was designed with romance in mind and includes a bejewelled aviary, and 18-foot-high fountain carved from dazzling Carrara marble as well as flowers, fruits and trees.

The lost, one-acre garden, which was discovered during excavation work at the Castle, will present the most complete picture of an Elizabethan courtly garden anywhere in the world."

According to John Watkins, English Heritage's Head of Gardens and Landscape: "The 16th century garden was highly sensual. Perfume was an essential part of the garden experience and the clove-scented carnation was an important high status plant, crucial in the heady summer cocktail of strawberries, roses, stocks, peonies and pinks."

Plans are now underway to re-create this Elizabethan pleasure-spot - however, public help is needed in tracking down varieties of carnation that would have been available in the 16th Century.

"400 years ago the carnation was considered one of the most beautiful flowers around. It is hoped they will provide the finishing touches to the garden at Kenilworth Castle, Warwicks, where the Queen was romanced by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester."

Source: The Telegraph
Website: English Heritage
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester - The Luminarium Encyclopedia
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester - National Portrait Gallery