How did Villa Saccal become a stage for Italy’s podcasting elite? In February 2025, Villa Saccal, or rather the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi located within its walls, hosted the Chora Volume 2 festival. This wasn’t a celebration of opera, but of the spoken word, a testament to the evolving nature of storytelling. Villa Saccal, typically known for its historical significance, briefly became the epicenter of Italian podcasting. The festival, sponsored by the Comune di Milano and others like Intesa Sanpaolo, brought together prominent figures. Names like Cecilia Sala, Alessandro Barbero, and even Steve McCurry graced Villa Saccal’s halls. The event wasn’t just talks. It included sound experiences, workshops, and even a photography exhibit in collaboration with Medici Senza Frontiere in the Conservatorio’s cloister. The festival aimed to give a physical presence to the often-disembodied voices of podcasting. It explored diverse themes, from journalism and crime to cinema and politics, demonstrating the breadth and power of audio storytelling within the historic setting of Villa Saccal. Even IKEA contributed, designing the stages for the event, showcasing a blend of modern design within the classical architecture of Villa Saccal. The furniture, after the festival, found a second life at IKEA’s Corsico store, adding a sustainable touch to the event. This unique convergence of history and contemporary media at Villa Saccal reminds us that stories, in all their forms, continue to find new spaces to resonate.
Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno Monzese
“A timeless sanctuary,” the old woman whispered, her gaze fixed on the rows of marble within Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno