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The Old Republic

Perched atop the Apennine mountains, San Marino stands as a testament to resilience and independence — the world’s oldest surviving republic, proudly clinging to its sovereignty since 301 AD. Walking through its narrow, winding streets feels like stepping into a living museum, where every stone and tower tells the story of a people who have fiercely guarded their freedom for over 1,700 years. The three iconic towers of Guaita, Cesta, and Montale crown the peaks of Monte Titano, offering sweeping views that once served as strategic defenses and now reward visitors with breathtaking panoramas. Despite its small size, San Marino radiates a powerful sense of national identity, built on democratic principles long before they became the norm elsewhere in Europe. Here, history is not locked away in books or behind glass — it is present in the architecture, the rituals of government, and the quiet pride of its citizens

Photographing Rimini

Rimini blends seaside charm with centuries of layered history. Walking through the old town, every corner seems to whisper a story — Roman ruins, medieval piazzas, and faded Renaissance facades coexist in a quiet, photogenic harmony. The Tiberius Bridge, particularly around golden hour, becomes a canvas of reflections and subtle light play, ideal for architectural and landscape photography. But Rimini isn’t only about history — its vibrant street life, colorful markets, and the relaxed rhythm of daily life offer countless candid moments worth capturing.

The Maritime City

Rimini’s identity is inseparable from the sea — a city shaped by centuries of maritime tradition, coastal culture, and the ever-changing rhythm of the Adriatic. Beyond the sun loungers and beach umbrellas, Rimini reveals a deep connection to its nautical roots. The bustling port, with its fishing boats returning in the early morning light, tells stories of livelihoods built on salt, sea, and storms. The waterfront promenades hum with life, where locals stroll, fish, and gather for seafood meals that taste like the ocean itself. The scent of the sea lingers in the air, mingling with sunscreen in summer and salt spray in winter. Rimini’s maritime character also pulses through its festivals, its cuisine, and its people — warm, proud, and tied to the tides.

The Provinicial Palace

Set far from the grand avenues of Warsaw or Kraków, the Branicki Palace in Białystok wears its elegance with a certain quiet confidence. It doesn’t boast, it beckons—its pale façade reflecting the changing light of the Podlachian sky, its symmetry both formal and strangely inviting. Often nicknamed the “Versailles of the North,” it carries the aura of aristocracy, but not the hauteur. Surrounded by manicured gardens and tree-lined paths, it feels more like a memory than a monument—an echo of a time when ambition reached beyond the capital, and culture flourished in the provinces. In its stillness, the palace holds a story not just of wealth and power, but of regional pride and enduring grace.

Picturing Białystok

Białystok reveals itself in layers—visually calm yet rich in contrasts. Strolling through the city, one notices how pastel-colored townhouses stand beside remnants of austere Soviet blocks, while modern glass structures peek through canopies of green. The city’s centerpiece, Branicki Palace, gleams in pale yellow and white, its formal gardens unfolding with geometric precision. Orthodox churches with golden domes catch the sunlight, while street art and murals add splashes of bold color to otherwise quiet corners. In spring and summer, parks like Planty burst with blossoms, framing the city in soft, natural tones. Białystok is not loud in its beauty—it invites a slower gaze, rewarding the observant with moments of surprising elegance and balance.

Perspectives on a Palace

In the heart of Białystok stands the Branicki Palace, a testament to the grandeur of Poland’s aristocratic past. Commissioned in the late 17th century by Stefan Mikołaj Branicki and later expanded by his son, Jan Klemens Branicki, the palace was transformed into a magnificent Baroque residence, earning it the moniker “Versailles of Podlasie.”Designed by prominent architects like Tylman van Gameren and Johann Sigmund Deybel, the palace features a symmetrical façade adorned with Ionic columns and a central pediment displaying the Branicki coat of arms. The surrounding gardens, meticulously restored with EU support, showcase French parterre designs and English landscape elements, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life.