Skip to main content

Palace of Pages


The mall is a necessary evil—a glorious, air-conditioned balm against the relentless Philippine heat. But sometimes, a person needs a place that’s a little more soul-nourishing than retail therapy. What if your next cool, indoor escape was packed not with disposable items, but with beautifully bound, centuries-old ideas?

Enter Libreria Palazzo Roberti in Northern Italy. This isn't just a bookstore; it’s a 17th-century sanctuary that once hosted Napoleon Bonaparte himself.


Today, this magnificent structure has been lovingly restored, trading imperial guests for literary treasures. As you step inside, you’re greeted by original Venetian terrazzo floors, plaster walls that whisper centuries of history, and the gentle, stylish glow of elegant Louis Poulsen lamps illuminating rows upon rows of Italian and international titles.

Run by the Manfrotto family since 1998, this three-story cultural powerhouse is pure la dolce vita for book lovers. You don’t just shop here; you wander through frescoed halls and up sweeping staircases. More than just an extensive collection, the palace is a lively cultural hub, hosting everything from author talks and lectures to concerts and art exhibitions. Palazzo Roberti isn't simply where you buy a new read; it’s where you fully immerse yourself in a timeless, utterly elegant gathering place.



Seriously, if you're anywhere in the Veneto region, do yourself a favor and stop by. You won't regret it.

WATCH: 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

When chocolate meets art

I heard it's National Chocolate Day, so I thought I'd share this video about Orlando's newest and sweetest attraction.

Hand-Painted Bags That Tell Your Story

  Most bags today look like they were produced by bored machines in a dimly lit factory. You can walk into any mall and find rows of identical leather (or “leather-like”) things, all claiming to express individuality. Ironically, though, they all look exactly the same. Then there’s Abby Verano . Her bags are not mere accessories; they’re declarations. Each one is hand-painted, touched by an actual human being with an imagination. Abby doesn’t just sell you something to put your wallet and smartphone in; she sells you a story, a vision, a little revolt against the tyranny of sameness.  Her tools are simple — brushes, acrylic paint, bags made from pandan leaves, and creativity. No duplicates. No clones. Just one-of-a-kind art pieces you can carry.

'The Immigrant' by Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy is a master when it comes to optical illusion. His most recent work, The Immigrant , is a three-dimensional composition made of 2,300 black wooden spheres suspended with translucent fibers. When you view the sculpture from the right angle, the seemingly chaotic array of objects suddenly aligns to form an image of Michael's partner Natasha Vladimirova. The imagery was inspired by the contributions immigrants make in enriching the society and economy. Natasha is an immigrant and it is with her help that the artwork was made possible. Michael studied sculpture at Kent State University and received his masters degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Brooklyn-based artist became famous when he created the first fine art portraits of Barack Obama during his 2007 presidential campaign. His work has been featured in various publications and websites and can be seen in numerous permanent installations around the globe.