What are the world’s most expensive cities to live? Singapore and Zurich, Switzerland have tied to secure the top spot, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey.
14.11.2023 - 08:39 / forbes.com
Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia is famous for its idiosyncratic form, richly carved Nativity Facade and, of course, its lengthy construction.
With the recent news that the Gaudí designed church will be completed in 2026, travel booking company Omio has done the math to find out which European landmarks took the longest to build.
The Sagrada Familia came in 6th place, with building predicted to take 140 years. Here are the top five sights.
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most visited landmarks for its iconic guards and the chance for a glimpse of royalty. The regal residence took around 150 years to construct, beginning as a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. During the 19th century, it was enlarged by architects John Nash and Edward Blore. The famous balcony from which the royal family waves to the crowds on important occasions was one of the final additions in the mid-19th century.
Ranking number 4 on the list is Italy’s iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. It took approximately 200 years to build, with construction starting in 1173 and declared finished in 1372. A must-see if visiting the city of Pisa, the tower measures just over 56.6 meters on its highest side and 55.8 meters on its lowest.
The slanting architectural masterpiece is the third oldest building built in Pisa’s Cathedral Square. This structure is also one of the most photographed landmarks on social media, with the hashtag #leaningtowerofpisa accumulating 328K posts of creative perspective snapshots with the tilted building.
Renowned for being the largest twin-spired Gothic church in Northern Europe, this 157m tall building ranks next on the list. Construction began in 1214 and was completed by 1880—taking 632 years to complete. The cathedral's design was influenced by avant-garde structures like the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, which pushed the boundaries of architecture at the time. Flooded with 2,000 visitors daily, Cologne’s church offers guided tours with a chance to visit the soaring south tower and treasury.
The captivating island of Mont Saint Michel is one of the most famous landmarks in France and ranks second on Omio’s list, taking 1,300 years to build.
With the first bricks being laid in the 8th century by St.Aubert, bishop of Avranches, the now hotspot landmark offers a mesmerizing view of the tides and is steeped in medieval history. Tourists can enjoy different cultural events and guided tours across the island.
Built in several stages over many years, Stonehenge stands as one of England’s most historic monuments dating back as early as 3000BC. It is also the European landmark that took the longest to build—around 1,500 years.
With the hashtag #stonehenge accumulating 906K posts on Instagram alone, this monument
What are the world’s most expensive cities to live? Singapore and Zurich, Switzerland have tied to secure the top spot, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey.
Skiing has long had a reputation as the sport of the ultra-wealthy, and this year it is set to be even more expensive as resorts hike up prices. However, if you look beyond the big-name slopes you’ll find plenty of alternative affordable options. You can also save money and do your bit for the environment by taking the train instead of flying.
The True Italian Experience Observatory, a permanent research center on tourism trends and flows from abroad to Italy, uses WOSM (World OpenSource Monitoring) technology to monitor, read and analyze more than 25 million sources in 182 countries.
On board the new and elegant openbuses one will be able to listen to an exciting story of the IOBUS cities in various languages.
The European Young Chef Award 2023 programme will conclude on 23 November with a visit to the Hauts-de-France region to discover the local gastronomy and producers, including Fromagerie des Freres Bernard in Wierre Effroy, and Brasserie des 2 Caps at the Ferme de Belle Dalle in Tardinghen.
As part of this collaboration, Keys REIM has committed to allocate 25m. euros of equity per year over the next five years to support Outsite in acquiring and converting hotels into Outsite-managed properties. The targeted properties will typically range between 20 and 70 keys, with an expected yield (IRR) of 10 to 15%, depending on the asset.
30 hotels from the European brand are now using Mews to power their hotel and restaurant operations.
Connections to the most coveted Mediterranean destinations from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate.
China will soon allow visa-free entry for citizens of five European countries and Malaysia.
The ultimate tropical getaway, the Caribbean conjures images of palm-fringed beaches, rum-fueled dancing and lush jungle excursions. Pick any of the 700-odd islands that form an arc between Florida and Venezuela and you’ll get all these things and more.
December is upon us and for folks in Miami— or in the art world— that means: Art Basel Miami Beach. From December 6 to 10 (by-invitation private viewings are on December 6 and 7), the Miami Beach Convention Center will be home to 277 galleries; 25 of which will be participating for the first time, with two-thirds hailing from North and Latin America. In mediums ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and digital art, some of the resounding themes this year include works that speak to nature, as well as cultural and spiritual geographies.
One of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, Gorgonzola PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is the pride of Italy’s north. Produced in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy (there are 15 provinces of production in total), the ‘king of blue cheeses’ is said to have originated in the 9th century and to have taken its name from the town of Gorgonzola, one of its original production centres just outside Milan. Straw-white, it comes in two varieties: creamy, soft, sweet Gorgonzola PDO dolce, and the stronger, spicier, more crumbly Gorgonzola PDO piccante. Made with whole pasteurised milk from the region’s cows, with no additives or preservatives, Gorgonzola PDO dolce is matured for a minimum of 50 days and a maximum of 150 days; the piccante, a minimum of 80 days and up to a maximum of 270 days. A favourite in kitchens worldwide, its production is a rarefied process known only to a few. Here are the must-visit locations to indulge in the delicacy and learn more about the 'king of blue cheeses'.