Between 1996 and 2019, the number of international tourists to the museum more than doubled, according to Studies of the Industrial Geography Commission of the Polish Geographical Society, with a notable peak in 2005, the year of John Paul II’s death. And in 2018, the museum celebrated its millionth visitor. This speaks to the pull of … Read more
When plumes of white smoke billowed across Rome’s skyline last week, signifying the election of a new pope, the entire world looked towards Vatican City. But the story of the Catholic Church’s new leader began far from St Peter’s Square. In a historic first, the papacy now belongs to an American. Pope Leo XIV – born … Read more
Since 1957, Medellín has celebrated its growing floral heritage with the annual Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), which is now the biggest cultural event in the city. Known as the “city of eternal spring” because of its beautiful year-round weather, Medellín explodes with colour every August as the 10-day flower festival kicks off. The event, which … Read more
That would be Colombia, which exports more than $2bn worth of cut flowers each year, making it the second-largest flower producer in the world after the Netherlands, and the largest single supplier to the United States. Nearly 80% of Colombia’s flowers (or $1.62bn) end up in the US, so if you’re Stateside, chances are that the stems … Read more
Pope Gregory X’s new rules included isolation of the conclave – a rule that is still in effect today – and rationing of the cardinals’ food. After three days without consensus, the cardinals received only one daily meal; after eight days, only bread and water. In the mid-1300s, these rules were relaxed by Clement VI, … Read more
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