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A literary travel guide to explore timeless marks of fabulous cities.

Citimarks is a new, literary guide that takes travelers on a journey to explore the soul of a city. With the help of travel notes, memoirs and city stories published by famous writers, Citimarks opens a dialogue with the past to identify timeless trademarks: landscapes, customs and lifestyles which survived through the centuries and form the unique identity of a city. Contemporary creative talents

–such as writers, musicians, filmmakers, and chefs- draw their own city portraits and share their favorite 24-hour itineraries, beyond the reach of tourist maps.

21/01/2025

Villa Kérylos is an extraordinary architectural gem located in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Built between 1902 and 1908, the villa was the vision of French archaeologist and financier Théodore Reinach (1860-1928), who sought to recreate the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Designed in collaboration with architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, the villa is inspired by the noble houses of the island of Delos in the 2nd century BCE. Its name, “Kérylos,” which means “sea swallow” in Greek, symbolizes the harmony between land, sea, and sky—an ideal deeply rooted in Greek thought.

Théodore Reinach lived in the villa with his family, hosting prominent figures of the time and filling the space with rare artifacts as well as books and manuscripts. Every detail of the villa, from its floor mosaics and frescoes to its furniture and layout, was designed to embody the aesthetic and philosophical ideals of Hellenistic culture. The Andron is one of the most striking rooms featuring exquisite mosaics on the floor, while the walls are adorned with frescoes inspired by classical motifs. The room is furnished with authentic-style reclining couches, where guests would have lounged during symposia (drinking parties).

Today, Villa Kérylos is a public museum managed by the Institut de France, representing a rare fusion of scholarly passion, artistic mastery, and modern innovation. Visitors are transported into an ancient world while surrounded by the modern splendor of the French Riviera, where the architectural creation blends seamlessly into the natural landscape of the Mediterranean.

Explore the magnificent Villa Kérylos and check-out all of our favorite historic villas in the area, in our guide dedicated to the French Riviera, at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

06/01/2025

Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, Liberty department store has become an icon of London’s retail scene, known for its distinctive mock-Tudor building and eclectic selection of luxury goods. The store began as a small shop selling fabrics, ornaments, and homeware items imported from Japan and the East. Liberty’s vision was to bring a sense of exoticism and beauty to Victorian England, capturing the fascination with far-flung cultures during the era.

Liberty quickly distinguished itself by introducing richly colored, handwoven textiles and unique prints, many of which were designed in collaboration with emerging British artists. In the late 19th century, Liberty became closely associated with the Arts & Crafts Movement, which emphasized handcrafted goods and natural materials as a reaction against industrial mass production. The store’s signature “Liberty Prints,” featuring floral and nature-inspired motifs, became emblematic of this artistic period and remain popular to this day.

Today, Liberty remains one of London’s most iconic and beloved stores, a place where history, innovation, and creativity come together under one roof. Whether you’re browsing for luxury fabrics, hunting for a statement accessory, or simply taking in the atmosphere of the stunning Tudor-style building, a visit to Liberty is a quintessential London experience, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural past and its stylish present.

Discover more of our favorite iconic stores and markets in London in our dedicated London guide on Citimarks, link in the first comment - and greetings for a happy New Year!

24/12/2024

The celebration of Christmas in London dates back to the early Middle Ages, influenced by a blend of Christian customs and older pagan winter solstice festivals. During the Victorian era, Christmas as we know it today began to take shape. The Victorians popularized many traditions, such as gift-giving, caroling, and decorating trees, thanks in large part to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who introduced the German custom of the Christmas tree to the British public in the 1840s. Over time, the city’s celebrations grew in scale and sophistication, with London’s iconic landmarks playing a central role in the festive season.The city is known for starting its Christmas preparations earlier than many other major cities, often kicking off as early as late October or early November. Department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and Liberty -whose Christmas decorations are featured in this series of pics- begin unveiling their elaborate windows in early November, attracting crowds eager to see the festive displays.Christmas in London is about more than just decorations and shopping; it’s about a sense of community and tradition. From carol services at St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Christmas Day swim in the Serpentine, the city offers a blend of activities that cater to every taste. In short, Christmas in London is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the joy of the season, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true magic of the holidays. Merry Christmas everyone!...

12/12/2024

The Musée Jacquemart-André, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, was originally a private mansion built in the late 19th century by Édouard André, a wealthy banker, and his wife, Nélie Jacquemart, an accomplished painter.

The couple, passionate art collectors, filled the mansion with an impressive array of works from the Renaissance, French Rococo, and Italian Baroque periods. After Nélie’s death in 1912, Édouard André’s bequest to the French state made their home a museum, showcasing the couple’s love for art and culture.

The museum’s grand interior reflects the opulence of the period, with its sumptuous salons, decorative arts, and elegant furniture. Its collection includes paintings by masters such as Fragonard, Boucher, and Rembrandt, along with stunning works of sculpture, tapestries, and furniture. The museum is particularly renowned for its Italian Renaissance art collection, including works by Canaletto, Botticelli, and Titian, as well as its splendidly preserved period rooms, which offer visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Parisian aristocracy during the late 19th century.

Today, the Musée Jacquemart-André stands as both a historical monument and a vibrant cultural landmark. It hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, often showcasing major artists or thematic explorations of art history. It remains a key destination for art lovers and tourists, blending the charm of a historic mansion with the dynamism of contemporary cultural offerings.

Discover this fabulous, recently restored museum and other iconic Parisian architectural gems in the article “Bovarism” from our dedicated Paris guide on Citimarks, link in the first comment.

01/12/2024

James Smith & Sons, founded in 1830, is London’s oldest umbrella shop, known for its distinctive Victorian storefront at 53 New Oxford Street. Established by James Smith, the store quickly became renowned for its bespoke umbrellas and walking sticks, crafted with high-quality materials like Malacca wood and steel.

Throughout the years, James Smith & Sons has become a cultural landmark in London, beloved by both locals and visitors. Thanks to its historical charm, the shop has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and period dramas, often as a backdrop that evokes a sense of Victorian or Edwardian London.Beyond film, the store has cemented its place in the imagination of Londoners. It has become a symbol of traditional British craftsmanship and resilience in an age of disposable fashion. Many customers still come for custom-made umbrellas, appreciating the durability and elegance that mass-market products cannot offer.

Whether you’re seeking a handcrafted umbrella, a historical experience, or simply a slice of old London, James Smith & Sons offers a journey into the past, right in the heart of the modern city. Check-out our favorite stores and markets in the dedicated guide to London, at Citimarks, link in the first comment.

20/11/2024

Leadenhall Market, one of London’s oldest markets, has a history dating back to 1321. It sits at the heart of what was once Roman London, now the historic center of the City of London’s financial district.

Originally a manor, it soon became a bustling market for meat, poultry, and game. Over the centuries, Leadenhall Market has withstood changes in use, rebuilding, and even the Great Fire, emerging as a popular destination for city dwellers, visitors, and workers alike.

The market’s architecture is a landmark in itself, boasting a stunning Victorian design. Its features include an ornate roof structure, cobbled floors, and intricate stone pediments adorned with dragons, swags, and shields—emphasizing the rich heraldry of the City. The current structure was designed in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones, who was tasked with creating a ‘respectable arcade’ for the poultry market.

Today, Leadenhall Market is home to boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, and an award-winning pub. The Lamb Tavern, a traditional gathering spot for the insurance industry since 1780, is just around the corner.

Discover more of London’s most stunning historic markets through the eyes of illustrated visitors at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

08/11/2024

In Venice, a striking paradox was hidden beneath its proud nickname, “La Serenissima,” or the “Most Serene” city. This title, earned for avoiding revolutions, uprisings, or public protests during its 10-centuries-past as a Maritime Republic, concealed a more intricate story.

Beneath the mask of the city's serenity lay an intricate surveillance system, that ensured that no citizen or visitor dared to plot against the ruling class of procurators. That clandestine world remained hidden just a marble bridge away—the famous “Ponte dei Sospiri”—from the imposing gates of the Doge’s Palace, like the dark side of the moon in an otherwise pristine city.

The German playwright Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (1759 – 1805) witnessed the effectiveness of Venetian inquisitors. In his recount, a German prince visiting Venice during Carnival fell victim to his curiosity -or a premeditated attack? – leading to arrests by the “officers of the inquisition.”

Delve into the city's enchanting atmosphere of mystery through the works of talented authors who fell in love with the city. Visit citimarks.com—link in the first comment.

25/10/2024

A hopelessly romantic soul, Marcel Proust (1871 –1922), fell under the spell of Venice and dedicated some of the most affectionate pages in his autobiography—a monumental novel entitled “In Search of Lost Time” (previously “Remembrance of Things Past”), published in seven volumes between 1913 and 1927.

On one such page, Proust recalls an evening when he walked through the alleys of Venice. The deeper he ventured into the labyrinth of streets and squares, the more disoriented he felt—a fascinating confusion under the silver hues of moonlight, feeling like a prince of the “One Thousand and One Nights”: a narration as dreamlike as Venice itself.

Explore Venice’s irresistible nighttime walks and boat rides, and enjoy delightful travel notes from talented authors who fell head over heels for this grand city. At the end of the article, don’t miss our favorite spots to visit, stroll, dine, and dream under the Venetian stars!

Visit citimarks.com—link in the first comment.

15/10/2024

The city of Venice—its landscapes, cityscapes, and mists—exudes an air of enchanting mystery, especially after dark, when the bustle of the morning crowds has vanished.

Every time I wander its streets at night, every time I gaze at the water’s reflections from a vaporetto under the moonlit sky, every time I capture a photo of its shadowy labyrinths or midnight passengers drifting like ghosts on their way home, I swear I feel the city’s power, pulling me into a dreamlike reverie, like a magnet.

An underground force, like the liquid song of a siren, mesmerizes my senses until I can think of nothing else. In those brief moments, I feel completely absorbed by the city, like a transparent leaf carried away by the Sirocco, ready to reflect the colors of the night or take on the winding shape of its canals.

These same nocturnal vibes have been the subject of countless travel notes by renowned visitors like Marcel Proust and Lord Byron. At other times, they have inspired crime novels, such as those by Gabrielle Wittkop, and set the stage for the adventures of intrepid sailors like Hugo Pratt’s Corto Maltese.

Explore Venice’s captivating atmosphere of mystery through their enchanting works in a dedicated article titled “Dreamy or Mysterious” at citimarks.com—link in the first comment.

05/10/2024

In 1821, the Greek-Arvanite sailors and shipowners of Hydra, along with those from the nearby island of Spetses, formed the backbone of the Greek fleet and played a pivotal role in the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. From their ranks emerged leading figures in the first Greek government, including Georgios and Pavlos Kountouriotis and Antonios Kriezis, all of whom served as Prime Ministers of Greece.

The most emblematic figure, Andreas Miaoulis, a distinguished admiral from the Arvanite community, used Hydriot fire ships to inflict significant damage on the Ottoman fleet. Their portraits beautifully blend in with the photographs from a 2021 exhibition titled “Garment of the Soul.” Organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, the exhibition featured island costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries, photographed on contemporary individuals. Vangelis Kyris’s photographs were printed on canvas and then embroidered with golden threads and yarns by embroiderer Anatoli Georgiev.

Discover Hydra’s fascinating history, from periods of poverty to moments of glory and back again. Explore our favorite historic locations in a new article dedicated to Hydra, at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

23/09/2024

Explore the remarkable journey of the Hydriots—from humble sailors to prosperous shipowners who became war heroes—through the island's most historic spots:

📍Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra: Hydra’s most renowned museum, encapsulates the island’s glorious past over the last two centuries. Its rich exhibits include traditional costumes, portraits of the island’s elite families and war heroes, historic maps and flags, swords and guns, replica ships, and numerous other relics of the Greek Revolution.

📍Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion: A visit to the Mansion of Lazaros Koundouriotis, a Senator and prominent figure of the Greek Revolutionary War, is like stepping into a living piece of history. His iconic ocher-colored mansion, now home to the National Historical Museum, showcases family heirlooms, alongside Greek traditional folk artifacts such as costumes, jewelry, and ceramics.

📍Bratsera Hotel & Restaurant: Bratsera embodies the cosmopolitan neoclassical style of 19th-century Greece. Originally a sponge factory established by Nickolaos Verveniotis in 1860, it has been thoughtfully transformed into a charming boutique hotel. Aptly named Bratsera, after the vessels used by sponge divers, this hotel offers a truly captivating ambiance.

📍1821 Hydra Cocktail Bar: It's rare for a small island to host a bar that can rival the best cocktail spots in metropolitan cities, but 1821 —a bar named after the official start of the Greek Revolutionary War— does just that. With an impressive selection of gin labels, fine wines, and a flair for inventive cocktails, this bar is a haven for those who love true cocktail experimentation.

Discover all of our favorite historic locations in a new article dedicated to Hydra, at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

13/09/2024

Hydra, a picturesque Greek island just a short boat ride from Athens, boasts a history that, if it were a movie script, could easily make it to Hollywood. For most of its centuries-old existence, Hydra was a poor island of fishermen and pirates. However, it gained prominence as a major player in European sea trade at the turn of the 18th century.

A few years later, in the 1820s, its powerful shipowners became war captains, sacrificing their fleet and fortunes to the Greek War of Independence. When the flames of war had died down, these brave Hydriots had no choice but to start anew—either as immigrants to more prosperous islands or as humble sponge fishermen in their homeland.

Today, thanks to its distinctive architecture, characterized by iconic cube-shaped mansions—remnants of the captains’ once-great prosperity—and the influx of numerous artists throughout the 20th century, Hydra has earned a reputation as one of Greece’s most elegant islands and a vibrant hub for cultural summer events.

Discover Hydra’s remarkable journey—from its days as a pirate stronghold to a centre of affluent war captains, and now a vibrant hub of the arts- through the eyes of brilliant writers. Check-out our favourite historic locations in a new article dedicated to Hydra at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

30/08/2024

In the evening, the city of Rhodes dazzles like a queen in its most beautiful garments. Its sunsets paint the sky with a blue-and-pink layer that softens the sobriety of the fortified citadel. The lovely square, named to commemorate the Jewish Martyrs, offers a view of a stunning orange sky ablaze.

Then it is time for an unforgettable walk along the Street of the Knights. If you admired it during the daylight, you will fall head over heels for it in the evening. An intense blue-colored sky covers the arid street like velvet, reminiscent of a royal blue pashmina brought by the crusaders from India; or the silk lining under a French king’s ermine coat. During the blue hour, the noble “Rue des Chevaliers” transforms into a fairytale realm, with open gates for fierce knights to gallop along the pebble path in search of a princess locked in a tower.

This daydream walk can only be topped by the stunning view from Mandraki port. From there, the city of Rhodes, like another Salome, unveils all her layers to the visitor: the warm walls of its Medieval citadel, the pale facade of its Islamic-styled New Market, the sailboats and windmills dancing with the scirocco, and the city lights casting soft reflections on a wrinkling sea.

Michel Déon must surely have felt Rhodes’ heartwarming vibes when writing these words:
“We would return for its sweetness, its languor, the Frankish elegance of its palaces and the Rue des Chevaliers, its memories of a brilliant Middle Ages full of greatness and temerity. In Rhodes remains the nostalgic memory of an armed and conquering West...”

Explore Rhodes’ extraordinary history and culture and check-out our suggestions for favorite places to visit at Citimarks.com.

17/08/2024

The magnificent Greek island of Rhodes is like a golden mosaic of precious stones, each recounting a different story across time. If one could turn back the clock by 6000 years, they could still find traces of Rhodes’ existence.

Thanks to their naval expertise and powerful fleet, the island’s inhabitants established one of the oldest trade hubs in the Mediterranean. In the ancient town of Lindos, temples were built and coins were minted at a time when Periclean Athens had yet to emerge. During the periods when the island was annexed by the empires of Alexander the Great and the Romans, Rhodes became a major cultural centre: The Rhodian schools of philosophy, astronomy, rhetoric, theatre and sculpture attracted generations of young scientists, artists and aspiring politicians who came to the island to learn from world-reputed teachers. An island of such fame and invaluable location dominating every major trade route between Europe and Asia, made conquerors eager to inscribe their names into the fabric of the Rhodian glory: Byzantine emperors, Arab caliphs and Genovese crusaders, all sought to harness the island’s strategic and economic potential. Then, one day, the Knights arrived….

Explore Rhodes’ magnificent history and culture, and discover anecdotal city stories recounted by famous writers. Check-out our suggestions for favorite places to visit in a brand new guide dedicated to Rhodes at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

— cover pic by the fabulous photographer Kleri Moustafellou.

03/08/2024

Endless sandy beaches, grand promenades, stunning temples, minarets and domes, vibrant markets, and the shadow of a vanished Colossus crowned by an idyllic Medieval Town untouched by time: Welcome to Rhodes, the island where ancient philosophers, crusaders, knights and muezzins whisper a melody that nurtured the West in the cradle of the East.

Explore Rhodes’ magnificent history and culture, and discover anecdotal city stories recounted by famous writers. Check-out our suggestions for favorite places to visit in a brand new guide dedicated to Rhodes at Citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

25/07/2024

“If you had 24 hours in Naples all to yourself, where would you prefer to take a morning walk, explore art, grab lunch, go shopping?”

Dominique Alves Da Silva, a young artist from Naples, paints a unique portrait of the Parthenopean city. “Naples is a vibrant place abounding in eccentricities and events unfolding in a disorderly manner. It is a realm of paradoxes, the unusual, the topsy-turvy, and the surreal” explains Dominique.

Discover her delightful city stories and check out her 24-hour itinerary full of iconic and secret spots at citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

16/07/2024

- “If Naples were a film, which one would it be?”

- “ ‘Così Parlò Bellavista’ by Luciano De Crescenzo. The film –based on De Crescenzo’s homonymous novel- is the perfect depiction of the Neapolitan lifestyle. It recounts the nonchalant routine of a building whose residents spend their day listening to the philosophies of a rich retired philosopher, called Bellavista. The calmness of the old palazzo will soon be disrupted by the arrival of a director from Milan, a city that represents the opposite of everything Naples stands for. The clash between two cities’ philosophies serve as a lever for a delightful satire of Naples’ spirit of “far niente”: of taking things slowly, of endlessly arguing without making any decisions, going round and round in circles.”

Our interviewee is called Dominique Alves Da Silva, an illustrator born in Brazil and raised in Naples. In the aforementioned excerpt, she talks about the film that she considers most representative of the culture and lifestyle of its people.

Discover more about Naples as seen through the eyes of a young artist and check-out her “24 hours in Naples” itinerary of favorite places to visit, eat, and be inspired at citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

04/07/2024

For as long as Dominique can remember, she has always held a pencil and a sketchbook. Born in Maceió, a Brazilian port city renowned for its stunning beaches, she was a young girl when her family moved to Naples, a place steeped in over two thousand years of history. Early on, the Parthenopean city inspired Dominique to draw cartoons that humorously and ironically depicted her family’s everyday life.

Her favorite drawings are those created for historic comic books, where she skillfully blends real and imaginary stories. When she isn’t sketching, she loves exploring the streets of Naples. “It is a fantastic city,” she says. “Naples is rich in everything: history, architecture, art.”

Her enthusiasm for Neapolitan culture drove Dominique to work as a tour guide in her free time; she wants to help travelers discover the pure, authentic soul of the city that she got to know as a child when she walked its streets for the first time.

Discover the vibrant city of Naples as seen and admired by Dominique Alves Da Silva, a bright young artist with an open mind and a heart of gold. Check out her city portrait and discover her 24-hour itinerary of favorite places to visit, eat, and explore at citimarks.com, link in the first comment.

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Explore the magnificent island of Capri, a paradise rich in history, villas and glamorous scandals, through the lens of famous writers at Citimarks — #travelguide #travelphotography #instatravel #beautifuldestinations #capri #Caprigram #italy #italia #italie

“Paris by night Random night that takes us by the hand And leaves us in the morning Paris by night What makes me happy is that Tomorrow we will regret only the things we remember” These lyrics by French songwriter Bénabar describe the high expectations Parisians have from their after-dark adventures: “we will regret only of the things we remember”. One must keep in mind that the City of Lights, in the morning, does a pretty good job in concealing the party animal hidden in the depths of the Parisian soul. If partying is a collective trait that runs in their blood, passing from father to son, then we should look back at the Parisian interwar years, when history was written in quill pens soaked in liquor. Discover the cosmopolitan, libertine Paris of the Roaring Twenties through the eyes of the talented French novelist Joseph Kessel and check-out our favorite clubs and neo-cabarets at the brand new article “Le Cabaret” at Citimarks https://bit.ly/3K1DB21

“Le Bon Marché”, Paris’ oldest department store, introduced countless new features in architecture, interior design and marketing practices: High ceilings, natural and artificial light, luxurious elevators, and of course, a grandiose staircase. Over 150 years later, in 1990, Andrée Putman, a French designer famous for her ability to revive the modern movement, brought the old staircase into the modern age, by designing a double metallic escalator. Its simplicity, sleek look and geometric motifs made this escalator iconic. A creation that resonated well with the designer’s ambition to join the useful with the beautiful. Explore the story of “Le Bon Marché”, a symbol of the Parisians’ timeless taste, mercantile spirit, and talent in displaying their goods, in the article “The Art of Display”; at the end of the article. Check-out our favorite storefronts and elegant shops in town at Citimarks https://bit.ly/3vLQyGE

Naples' grocery bucket system

The Neapolitans didn’t need to wait for a global pandemic to start having their groceries delivered at home. For centuries now, they have been deploying a system that works to perfection: the grocery bucket: just walk around a few residential streets and it won't be long until you spot a delivery boy. He will show up with a couple of grocery bags, let out a cry and wait for the bucket, firmly tied with a rope, to come down from a house balcony. He will take the cash from the bucket and place the grocery order inside. Before you know it, the bucket will be pulled back up from an invisible hand, and the delivery boy will already be on his way to the next grocery order. Discover the outdoor living of the Neapolitans through the eyes of talented writers; check out our favorite architectural sites and spots with splendid views in the article “Under the Balcony” of our Naples guide, at Citimarks https://bit.ly/3E0X9kZ.

The glamorous French Riviera! For over two centuries, Royals and tycoons, gigolos and courtisans, painters and writers have been falling under the spell of the idyllic “Côte d’Azur” making it the most coveted jet-setter destination on earth. Explore the fascinating history of the Riviera through the eyes of famous writers, in our new article “Crème de la Crème” at Citimarks https://bit.ly/37gjehs.

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