Naples, Italy is widely credited as the birthplace of pizza. The humble creation is said to be originally concocted by the poor for the poor, until Queen Margherita of Savoy gave it the royal seal of approval after she visited Naples in 1887 and tried a few versions. One version was then renamed in her honour; at least, that’s what the legend says.
Perhaps what’s less known to the general public (existing at the far end of the wealth spectrum and far more indulgent than a slice of pizza) is the Reggia de Caserta. Modelled after the Palace of Versailles, the Reggia de Caserta was commissioned by Charles VII of Naples and began construction in 1752. It was such a massive undertaking that it took more than 50 years to be fully completed. But by then, Charles VII had already abdicated to become king of Spain and hence, never got to live in the palace.
With its five expansive floors and 1,200 rooms, the Reggia di Caserta is the world’s largest palace by volume. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was where the first two prequels of the Star Wars film franchise set the palace of the fictional planet of Naboo in. And for a day during the spring of 2019, the intricately constructed walls were the backdrop to Stefano Ricci’s spring/ summer 2020 collection.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MILD HANGOVER
Hangovers get a bad rap. We know. If you’ve gotten this far in the magazine, you’ve surely divined that we’re mildly hungover most of the time.
AN ELECTRIC FUTURE
Polestar, the minimalist electric Swedish car brand, turns the voltage up on its competition.
LET'S GET REAL (ESTATE): LUXURIOUS LONDON
Royalty, shopping, the best tea and scones the world has to offer, and a lifestyle worthy of what you're working for. Here's why London is ripe for your next investment
NEXT UP....ZARAN VACHHA
As Co-founder of the events and talent agency Collective Minds and Managing Director of the Mandala Masters, Zaran Vachha is definitely not new to the culture scene, but he's certainly shaping what comes next.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED...
I DON’T WEAR SOCKS except in January.
The Body Is a Language
A bad handshake is such a turnoff; we feel irked when someone rolls their eyes at us; we can't stop pacing when we're nervous-ever wondered how certain body language has the power to change how we feel instantly? We explore why.
EYE OF THE TIGER
Hailing from Singapore, Japan and Brazil respectively, Evolve Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes Darren Goh, Hiroki Akimoto and Alex Silva are proof that the ring demands as much from mind as it does from matter.
THE ADONIS COMPLEX
With the rise of superhero culture making a return and bringing with it the celebration of the classically ‘masculine’ body type, can men really overcome the pressure to conform when culture keeps getting in the way?
FUNNY BUT TRUE
A comedian, an iconic Singaporean, and now a man much evolved. After overcoming two years of pandemic limbo, unlocking career milestones one after another and undergoing a life-defining physical transformation, Rishi Budhrani is ready to emerge into the world renewed-and anew.
LIKE NO OTHER
With its horological triumphs, Hermès has truly come into its own as a watchmaking maison. In this exclusive interview with Esquire Singapore, CEO of Hermès Horloger, Laurent Dordet sheds some light on his timepieces' rising stardom and the importance of being different.
