Castlerigg Stone Circle: A Mysterious Megalithic Site in England

 Castlerigg Stone Circle is an enigmatic and ancient megalithic site located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved stone circles in the country, and its origin and purpose remain a mystery to this day. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and mysteries surrounding Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Introduction

Castlerigg Stone Circle is a megalithic site located in Cumbria, England. It is an ancient monument consisting of 38 stones arranged in an oval shape, and it is estimated to have been constructed around 3200 BC, making it one of the oldest and most impressive megalithic sites in England. The purpose of this article is to explore the history, significance, and mysteries surrounding Castlerigg Stone Circle.

The History of Castlerigg Stone Circle

The Construction of Castlerigg Stone Circle

The construction of Castlerigg Stone Circle is believed to have started around 3200 BC, during the Neolithic period. The stones used to build the circle were sourced locally, and their transportation and placement must have required a significant amount of skill and organization.

The Age of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle is estimated to be around 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest megalithic sites in England. The circle predates Stonehenge by about 1,000 years and is believed to have been used for a range of purposes, from ritualistic gatherings to astronomical observations.

The Evolution of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle underwent several changes and additions over the years, with some stones being removed and others being added. In the early 20th century, several stones were re-erected to restore the circle to its original state.

The Possible Builders of Castlerigg Stone Circle

The identity of the builders of Castlerigg Stone Circle is unknown, but they were likely the prehistoric people who inhabited the area at the time. It is believed that these people had a complex society with sophisticated knowledge of astronomy, geometry, and engineering.

The Significance of Castlerigg Stone Circle

The Alignment of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle is aligned with the surrounding mountains and landmarks, including Skiddaw and Blencathra, suggesting that it may have been used for astronomical observations or as a marker for the changing seasons.

The Connection of Castlerigg Stone Circle to the Sun and Moon

There is also evidence to suggest that the Castlerigg Stone Circle was used to mark the positions of the sun and moon. During the winter solstice, the rising sun aligns with the tallest stone in the circle, while during the summer solstice, the setting sun aligns with another stone.

The Ritualistic Significance of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Many researchers believe that Castlerigg Stone Circle was used for ritualistic purposes, including religious ceremonies and burials. The circle is thought to have been a sacred site for the prehistoric people who built it, and it may have been used as a place of worship or for communal gatherings.

The Role of Castlerigg Stone Circle in Prehistoric Society

Castlerigg Stone Circle is just one of many megalithic sites found across Britain and Ireland, and it is believed to have played an important role in the prehistoric society of the time. These sites are thought to have been a way for people to connect with the landscape and the natural world, and they may have served as a way to reinforce social ties and beliefs.

The Mysteries of Castlerigg Stone Circle

The Purpose of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Despite extensive research into Castlerigg Stone Circle, the purpose of the site remains a mystery. While it is believed to have been used for a range of purposes, from astronomical observations to religious ceremonies, its true meaning and significance are still unclear.

The Function of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Similarly, the function of Castlerigg Stone Circle is not fully understood. While it is believed to have been a significant site for the prehistoric people who built it, the specific role it played in their society remains unknown.

The Cultural Significance of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle has also become an important cultural symbol, representing the ancient history and heritage of the British Isles. It has inspired writers, artists, and musicians, and it continues to capture the imagination of people from all over the world.

The Legend of Castlerigg Stone Circle

According to local legend, the stones of Castlerigg Stone Circle were once a group of dancers who were turned to stone as punishment for dancing on the Sabbath. While this story is unlikely to be true, it highlights the enduring fascination and mystery surrounding the site.

The Current State of Castlerigg Stone Circle

The Protection of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle is protected by law and is a scheduled monument, which means that it is illegal to damage or interfere with the site in any way. The circle is also surrounded by a low fence to prevent visitors from climbing on the stones.

The Preservation of Castlerigg Stone Circle

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve Castlerigg Stone Circle for future generations. The site has undergone several restoration projects, including the re-erection of some of the stones and the removal of vegetation that could damage the site.

The Tourist Attraction of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Today, Castlerigg Stone Circle is a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its ancient beauty and mystery. It is also a site of spiritual significance for many people, who come to meditate or hold ceremonies in the circle.

The Future of Castlerigg Stone Circle

As a unique and important part of Britain's cultural heritage, Castlerigg Stone Circle will likely continue to be protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Its mysterious history and significance.

A591 road England

 The A591 is a prominent thoroughfare located in Cumbria, a region in northwestern England, that traverses almost the entirety of Lake District National Park. According to a survey conducted in 2009 by satellite navigation company Garmin, the segment of the road between Windermere and Keswick was voted as the most popular route in the entire United Kingdom. Furthermore, car rental firm Avis determined that the 29.8-mile stretch from Kendal to Keswick has the highest driving quality in the UK, based on their specially designed driving ratio.

The journey begins at the southernmost point of the road, which is situated 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northwest of junction 36 of the M6 motorway, at Brettargh Holt roundabout, where it meets the A590 road (54.2746°N 2.7605°W), close to the stunning Sizergh Castle. After bypassing the town of Kendal as a dual carriageway, which cost £1.9 million to construct and covers 3 miles (4.8 km), it transforms into a busy single-carriageway road upon entering the Lake District. Following the north-eastern bank of Windermere, the road bypasses the town of Windermere and traverses the heart of Ambleside, then follows the northern side of Rydal Water, passes through White Moss Common, follows the eastern edge of Grasmere and eventually past the village of Grasmere. Continuing over Dunmail Raise and along the eastern edge of Thirlmere, the road shortly leads to the town of Keswick, where it meets the A66 road at a grade-separated junction.

Subsequently, the A591 is temporarily replaced by the A66, which takes drivers westward for 2.2 km, to a roundabout where the A591 resumes and heads in a roughly northwesterly direction, boasting magnificent views over Bassenthwaite Lake. The journey comes to an end at the village of Bothel, where it meets the A595 road (54.7357°N 3.2733°W). The section of the road from Bothel to Keswick is particularly narrow and contains many acute bends, requiring extra caution when driving.

On December 5, 2015, the road was severely damaged during Storm Desmond, which resulted in a part of it being washed away at Dunmail Raise and a landslide adjacent to Thirlmere. The closed section between Grasmere and Legburthwaite was reopened on May 11, 2016. During the road closure, a new tarmac path for walkers, cyclists, and horseriders was constructed to the west of the road at Dunmail Raise.

Railay Beach Thailand

Welcome to Railay Beach, a tropical paradise located in the heart of Krabi province in Thailand. This secluded peninsula is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. With its laid-back vibe and natural beauty, Railay Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Railay Beach, from its stunning natural attractions to its vibrant nightlife.

Introduction

Railay Beach, also known as Rai Leh Beach, is a small peninsula that is only accessible by boat, making it a true hidden gem in Thailand. The beach is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that provide a breathtaking backdrop to the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea. The peninsula is located in the Krabi province of Thailand, and it's a popular destination for tourists who want to escape the crowded beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui. Railay Beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and adventure activities.

Getting to Railay Beach

As mentioned earlier, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, making it a secluded and exclusive destination. The closest airport to Railay Beach is Krabi International Airport, which is about 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Ao Nang, which is the closest mainland town to Railay Beach. Once you reach Ao Nang, you can take a long-tail boat or a speedboat to Railay Beach. The journey takes only 10-15 minutes and costs around 100-150 baht per person.

Accommodation

Railay Beach offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly guesthouse, you'll find something that suits your needs. The most popular areas to stay in Railay Beach are West Railay Beach and East Railay Beach. West Railay Beach is known for its high-end resorts, while East Railay Beach has more budget-friendly options. Some of the most popular resorts in Railay Beach include Rayavadee, Railay Bay Resort & Spa, and Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa.

Activities in Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a paradise for adventure seekers, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities in Railay Beach, thanks to its stunning limestone cliffs. The peninsula has over 700 climbing routes, suitable for all levels of climbers. If you're not into rock climbing, you can go kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Railay Beach is also home to some of the best beaches in Thailand, including Phra Nang Beach, Railay Beach, and Tonsai Beach.

Nightlife in Railay Beach

Railay Beach may be a secluded and exclusive destination, but it doesn't mean that it's boring. The peninsula has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained. The nightlife in Railay Beach is more laid-back and relaxed than in other tourist destinations in Thailand.

Kīlauea - An active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands

 Kīlauea is an active shield volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is one of the most active and well-known volcanoes in the world and has been continuously erupting since 1983.

Kīlauea is a central feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which attracts millions of visitors every year to see its stunning landscape, including the massive caldera, which is a crater formed by volcanic activity, and the towering plume of smoke and ash that rises from the summit.

The eruption of Kīlauea has had a significant impact on the surrounding landscape, creating new land formations and adding new layers of volcanic rock to the island. The lava flows from Kīlauea have also destroyed homes and communities, and the ash and gas emissions from the volcano have had a significant impact on air quality and visibility.

Despite the challenges posed by the eruption, Kīlauea remains an important part of Hawaiian culture and a major tourist attraction. Visitors to the park can take guided tours of the volcano, hike on the trails through the surrounding wilderness, or attend a ranger-led program to learn more about the geology and history of the region.

Overall, Kīlauea is a unique and fascinating destination that provides a window into the powerful forces of nature and the rich cultural history of Hawaii. Whether you're an avid hiker, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for an awe-inspiring experience, Kīlauea is a must-visit destination.

Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma

 Cumbre Vieja is a volcanic ridge on the Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. It is considered one of the most active volcanic systems in the world and has a history of explosive eruptions and lava flows.

The most recent significant eruption of Cumbre Vieja occurred in 1949, and since then the volcano has been relatively quiet. However, scientists are closely monitoring the volcano due to concerns about a potential future eruption, which could have significant impacts on the island and surrounding areas.

One of the main concerns about Cumbre Vieja is the possibility of a massive landslide, known as a flank collapse. The flank of the volcano is believed to be unstable, and if a collapse were to occur, it could result in a massive tsunami that could affect the coastlines of neighboring islands and even distant coastlines.

Despite these concerns, the island of La Palma is a popular tourist destination and visitors are able to hike and explore the area around the Cumbre Vieja volcano. There are several trails that lead to the summit, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the ocean.

In conclusion, Cumbre Vieja is an active and potentially dangerous volcano, but also an important natural wonder and tourist destination on the island of La Palma. Visitors are encouraged to follow safety guidelines and be aware of potential hazards when exploring the area around the volcano.

FOSSIL BUTTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Standing at the base of Fossil Butte, gazing up 1,000 feet at the rust- and ocher-stained cliffs, with the crackling desert wind rattling sage and tumbleweeds, you’d never guess that eons ago you’d have been looking up from the bottom of a subtropical ocean. Some 50 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, millions of fish wriggled across what’s now the sky. With the ebb and flow of millennia, they sifted into the mud and fossilized. Today, visitors join paleontologists during the summer to dig for the ancient remains of fish, insects, turtles, birds, and even bats. 

You can also hike (be watchful for rattlesnakes) on two short trails—the 1.5-mile Fossil Lake Trail and the 2.5-mile Quarry Trail. This is also a prime wildlife-viewing area, where you’re likely to see pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed prairie dogs, and ground squirrels, and you might be lucky enough to spot moose, elk, and beaver as well. A variety of birds are also seen here, including Canada geese, great blue herons, Clark’s nutcrackers, yellow-headed blackbirds, great horned owls, and red-tailed hawks.

Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park

The vista from Hurricane Ridge, on clear days, is a breathtaking one, with peaks and deep valleys crowding the panorama. The Olympic Mountain range isn’t tall, by most standards, topping off just under 8,000 feet, but the uneven terrain makes the center of the mountain clump hard to access. This area comes by its name honestly—winds in the exposed meadow near its visitors center top 75 miles per hour, sculpting the snow in the winter and blowing off ball caps in the summer. Numerous trails are accessible from here. 

The Hurricane Ridge area is located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road. From U.S. 101 in downtown Port Angeles, turn south (away from the water) onto Race Street, which becomes Hurricane Ridge Road. The mountain road is plowed with snow on winter weekends. 

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (360/565-3130, www.nps.gov/olym, open year-round, hours vary seasonally) houses exhibits (including a 20-minute orientation film) and a limited snack bar, and a gift shop on the lowest level. But the real draw is outdoors, where wildflowers bloom in the alpine meadows in the summer. In their signature wide-brimmed hats, park rangers—part police force, part naturalists, part tour guides—give guided walks and talks about the area. 

Views of the area get even better from the top of Hurricane Hill, a peak more than 5,700 feet high. From here you can see the broad Strait of Juan de Fuca and the full spread of the Olympic peaks. The entire route is paved, but only the first section is wheelchair accessible. 

Read More - Band of Holes – An Ancient Puzzle That Continues to Baffle Experts

Oak Creek Canyon – The Smaller Cousin of the Grand Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is often referred to as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon. A river gorge located just south of Flagstaff, Highway 89A weaves a charming route through Oak Creek Canyon on its way to Sedona and Flagstaff. Oak Creek Canyon area is situated in a Transition Zone between two great geologic provinces: the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range.

The canyon has magical scenic scenes, dense woods shadow the road, and the steep cliffs are colored in bands of red and yellow sandstone, pale limestone, and black basalt. Oak Creek Canyon is a popular summer vacation area with many day-hiking trails, such as the East Pocket Trail, a steep, wooded climb to the canyon rim.

One of the prettiest and easiest hikes in Oak Creek is along the three-mile (five-kilometer) West Fork Trail, which follows a stream past abandoned apple orchards and into a narrow red rock canyon. At nearby Slide Rock State Park, swimmers enjoy sliding over the rocks that form a natural water chute. This canyon is approximately 19 kilometers long ranging in width from 0.8 to 2.5 miles, along with 250 to 610 meters in depth.

Oak Creek, a tributary of the Verde River, flows along the bottom of the canyon and is one of the few perpetual streams in the high desert region of northern Arizona. Oak Creek is mainly responsible for carving the modern Oak Creek Canyon, through movement along the Oak Creek Fault, a 48 kilometers long north-south normal fault line, is thought to have played a role as well. Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon area offers some of the most unique and spectacular geologic features in northern Arizona.

Because of the relatively sparse vegetation, most of these features are easy to recognize and photograph. Some of these geologic features are common on the Colorado Plateau of northern Arizona, western Colorado, southern Utah, and northeastern New Mexico. Others occur in many other parts of the American Southwest.

Oak Creek Canyon slices through the Mogollon Escarpment to the House Mountain shield volcano rising from the floor of Verde Valley. teau and the Basin and Range (Figure B.) The Colorado Plateau, a 130,000-square-mile region of vast plains, high mesas, buttes, deep canyons, volcanic fields, and isolated mountain clusters, is built of thousands of feet of generally horizontal sandstone, shale, limestone strata, and basalt flows.

In north-central Arizona, the southern margin of the Colorado Plateau is the Mogollon Rim, that line of spectacular cliffs north of Sedona. The sedimentary and volcanic rock layers that form this part of the Colorado Plateau are beautifully exposed in the Mogollon Rim north of Sedona. In ascending order they are the Supai Group, the Coconino Sandstone, the Toroweap, and Kaibab Formations, and the basalts of the San Francisco volcanic field. Basalts of the Mormon Mountain volcanic field cap the Mogollon Rim to the west of Sedona.

South of Sedona, are dark-colored basalts of the House Mountain volcano and the white sedimentary layers of the Verde Formation. For most of its geologic history, this part of Arizona was a low-lying region where sediment was deposited and preserved to form the layers of red and buff rocks exposed in the SedonaOak Creek Canyon region.

The oldest of these sedimentary rock units that are exposed throughout the region is the Supai Group, deposited 310 to 270 million years ago (some sources say that the Supai Formation is 270-220 million years old). During this time the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon region was a nearly flat, subtropical desert coastal plain bordered by shallow seas, at the latitude of present-day Central America. Some sandstones. and conglomerates were deposited by wet-weather streams. Other sandstones were deltas, beaches, or desert dunes. Mudstones and limestones accumulated in lagoons and the sea.

The sea advanced and retreated across this coastal plain numerous times, leaving alternating layers of terrestrial and marine sedimentary rocks. Arid conditions limited life on land and fossils are mainly from species that lived in the sea. The upper part of the Supai Group was deposited 275 to 270 million years ago (Permian time) as extensive sand seas on an arid coastal plain. At times the dune sand was reworked by the tides and spread along beaches, as occurs in coastal portions of the Sahara and Namib Deserts today.

These massive wind-deposited sandstones, well-cemented by calcium carbonate and silica, are resistant to erosion and form most of the orange-red cliffs and buttes around Sedona, such as Bell Rock, Courthouse Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Cathedral Rock. The Coconino Sandstone (270 to 265 million years old, late Permian time) forms the tall, nearly vertical cream-colored cliffs above the Supai Group.

Deposited as massive sand dunes, similar to those found in the great sand seas of the Sahara and Saudi Arabia, this sandstone represents an arid, inland environment far removed from the sea. The Coconino Sandstone and the underlying upper Supai Group contain very few fossils due to harsh desert conditions. The Toroweap Formation (about 265 to 262 million years old, late Permian time) caps the Coconino Sandstone and represents a return to an arid, coastal environment.

This thick sandstone was once beach and shallow coastal sand. It contains beds of gypsum that accumulated as high temperatures evaporated seawater from saturated desert soils. Distinctive buff-colored cliffs above the Toroweap Formation mark the Kaibab Formation (about 262 to 255 million years ago, late Permian time). This rock unit consists of silty limestone and dolostone, and sandstone and siltstone cemented by calcium carbonate.

The Kaibab Formation was deposited in shallow seas and on an arid coastal plain. Dark-colored rim rock capping the plateau is basalt from the San Francisco Volcanic Field (Figure B, SF). Beginning about 6 million years ago, magma (molten rock) from deep inside the Earth migrated upward along old fractures and flowed onto the plateau surface as lava. Eruptions continued during the period 3 million to 1000 years ago.

The basalt at Oak Creek Vista is about 6 million years old. The basalt capping the cliffs to the east and southeast of Sedona are old lava flows from the older (3 million to 15 million years ago) Mormon Mountain Volcanic Field (Figure B, MM). The contact between these plateau-capping volcanic rocks and the underlying Kaibab Formation marks a time gap in the geologic record of nearly 240 million years, years not represented by the rock at this locality.

The uplift of the Mogollon Highlands in central Arizona about 60 million years ago tilted the entire sequence of Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata in the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon region to the north. At this time, rivers flowed from the higher Mogollon Highlands across the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon region toward the lowlands to the north. Erosion by these rivers removed the Mesozoic strata that once existed here and left deposits of sand and pebbles collectively called “rim gravels’ because they are found along the Mogollon Rim.

Between 35 and 15 million years ago, the crustal rocks of western North America were stretched, thinned, and broken in blocks along steep cracks, called faults. This crustal extension led to the collapse of the Mogollon Highlands. This collapse, combined with thousands of feet of uplift of the Colorado Plateau, triggered a drainage reversal in the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon region. Streams now flowed southward from the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the Oak Creek and Verde River system slowly developed.

Today, continued erosion is wearing back the cliffs of Pennsylvanian, Permian. and Neogene rocks north of Sedona. This northward retreating line of cliffs, the Mogollon Rim, is the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. Continued stretching of the crust in the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon region caused one of these blocks to subside thousands of feet relative to other blocks, forming the deep basin now occupied by the Verde River.

A high-standing block was eroded to form Mingus Mountain southeast of the Verde Valley. About 10 million years ago molten rock (called magma inside the earth and lava when it erupts onto the surface) migrated upward along faults and flowed onto the land surface. A series of these lava flows south of present-day Sedona built the House Mountain shield volcano. During this same time period, faulting and lava flow dammed the Verde River. More than 275 feet (900 m) of sediment accumulated as limestones, mudstones, sandstones, gypsum, and conglomerates in these dry-climate lakes and form the Verde Formation that is exposed along the modern Verde River valley.

The early Verde River, lower Oak Creek, and some of their tributaries flowed in looping meanders across broad floodplains, much like the Mississippi River do today. During the last 6 million years regional uplift and reactivation of faults caused these streams to down cut their channels into underlying sediments and, eventually, bedrock. This downcutting preserved the sinuous flow pattern of ancient streams in many canyons of the modern landscape.

Other canyons have straight courses because they were cut by streams eroding the pulverized zones of rock along faults. For example, several episodes of vertical movement along the Oak Creek Fault produced a zone of shattered and powdered rock. Oak Creek excavated this shatter zone as it extended its headwaters into the Mogollon Rim, producing Oak Creek Canyon.

Later movement along this fault triggered outpourings of lava that filled the canyon. The lava cooled to form basalts that were offset as movement along the fault continued. Today, weathering, rock falls and landslides, and erosion by the Verde River-Oak Creek drainages continue to enlarge Oak Creek Canyon and wear back the Mogollon Rim. Red rock mesas and buttes surrounding Sedona are monuments to the power of these processes and record the diverse landscapes that once existed in.

this part of North America.

Palazzo Fortuny–Venice

Venetians called this place “The House of the Magician.” It’s where Mariano Fortuny, who became world famous for his outrageously gorgeous fabrics, gowns, and lamps, set up his home and workshop in 1907. There was a woman behind his success: Henriette Negrin, who he met in Paris in 1897 when she was a French widow, a model, and a seamstress. She became his muse, collaborator, and wife—after they lived together for twenty-two years. 

You’ll see Fortuny’s paintings of Henriette here—some nude, others with her dressed elegantly with her hair swept up, along with photographs of their trips to Greece and Egypt, where Fortuny got lots of inspiration. In the museum where they once lived and worked together, you enter the world of this eccentric, twentieth-century Renaissance man. Fortuny was born in Granada in 1871, to both a father and grandfather (on his mother’s side) who were highly acclaimed painters in Spain. 

His father died when he was three, so his mother took him to live in Paris, and also traveled about, until they finally settled in Venice, because Fortuny was horribly allergic to horses, and this was the only place around without carriages. After his early artistic endeavors in painting and photography, and success in designing sets and lighting for theater, Fortuny, at thirty-six years old, began his work on printed fabrics here with Henriette. He’d already had an attic studio in the thirteenth-century palazzo, and then bought the building that had been cut up into apartments and gutted it, turning it into a free-flowing creative space. 

The walls of the first floor’s large rectangular room are covered with Fortuny’s patterned fabrics, creating a warm, exotic, colorful ambiance. His paintings and lamps surround displays of his gowns and capes that were worn by such illustrious women as Eleanora Duse, Sarah Bernhardt, and Isadora Duncan. Fortuny broke into the woman’s fashion world in 1907 with his Delphos gown, inspired by tunics from ancient Greek statuary. 

It was simple and finely pleated, in soft, shimmering colors. Women happily tore off their corsets to put on the sensational dress that elegantly draped their bodies. He packaged it rolled up in a hatbox, so it was easy and light for travel. The second floor of the museum gives you an idea of what life was like when 100 workers were there producing Fortuny fabrics, under Henriette’s supervision. In contrast to what’s below, it’s stripped bare with only huge worktables. 

Off to the side is Fortuny’s library and personal workshop, where you’ll get a hit of the practical side of this free-spirited artist. It’s packed with volumes of books about artists who came before him, lots of journals where he cataloged designs and colors, his paints and tools. Fortuny’s preferred entrance to this palazzo was climbing through the skylight, straight into his workshop. Fortuny’s fabric designs, of intricate swirls, animals, and geometric prints, on cotton, silk, or velvet, clearly show his influences from Spain and travels to Greece and farther east. 

But ultimately, they’re completely Venetian, reflecting the cultural melting pot of the city, with rich colors muted by the city’s fog, or glistening in gold or silver sunlight. He was called “the magician” because nobody could figure out exactly how he produced these fabrics, and his techniques are still kept secret. You’ll be so tempted to reach out and touch them in the museum, but you can’t. 

For a tactile experience, head to the Fortuny Showroom on Giudecca, or one of the Venetia Studium stores in Venice, where you can even buy a scarf, pillow, purse, or lamp to take home and keep a little bit of the Venetian magician in your life. Palazzo Fortuny Museum: Campo San Beneto (San Marco), 10-6, closed Tuesday.