The Appia (and the garden) of the peoples

This article is published in number 8 of Vanity Fair on newsstands until February 23, 2021

“And here will come a nice swimming pool.” Silvio Berlusconi said it to Matteo Salvini, illustrating the new gardens of his new Roman residence on the Appia Antica. It had already happened with Bossi, years ago; the boss of the League in a tank top wandered around the gardens (at that time in Arcore) fascinated by all that topiary grace, and there he was converted. Now Berlusconi has succeeded again with another secretary of the League, who, having put down his sweatshirt, has quickly become a sincere pro-European, transformed among those branches.

The Salvinian pilgrimage took place at the Villa Grande that Cav. he had lent life to Franco Zeffirelli during his lifetime. Upon the death of the director, it returned to possession. Refurbished, between Versailles and Liberace, there Berlusconi, having left Palazzo Grazioli, sets up his new Roman life (and the swimming pool). Far from the palaces of power, in a sort of Roman Sunset Boulevard: between the villas of Valentino, the Furibonda by Marisela Federici, and the Lollo. “Appia dei popolo” had already been defined – by Ottaviano Del Turco – when Claudio Martelli, toy boy of the Socialist Party lived there, who justified himself: it is convenient for private flights, on the way to Ciampino airport. Perhaps it is one of the reasons why Berlusconi chose it. In addition to saving on rent. Meanwhile, our thoughts turn to the poor Dukes of Grazioli. What will they do? Will they be restored? In the current times, the building in via del Plebiscito risks being left vacant for a very, very long time.

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