Henry Miller crafted some of the most perceptive remarks about Greece, along with provocative descriptions of his life in Paris. Credits: unknown. Source: Taringa.
About Citimarks
What does London’s architecture reveal about the character of the locals? Where did Alexander Dumas find inspiration to write about the jungle of Neapolitan streets? What makes the Greek sunlight so unique? Where can one find the Paris of seducers, collectors, or coffee lovers?
From Lord Byron to Ernest Hemingway, and from Chateaubriand to Virginia Woolf, numerous writers have traversed the globe to explore diverse cultures. Citimarks curates travel notes that capture the enduring trademarks of a city: its landscapes, customs, and cultures that have been passed down through generations, becoming integral to the city’s distinct identity.
By recounting travel notes and unearthing city stories, we invite travelers to discover popular destinations with fresh perspectives, gaining a deeper understanding of a city’s history, culture, and people.
While Citinotes delve into a city’s past, our Interviews bring the visitor back to the 21st century. Musicians, writers, filmmakers, and other creative talents share their love affairs with their cities. They recount memories from places they have lived, draw city portraits, and take us on a journey through their most inspiring spots—neighborhoods, museums, markets, and restaurants—beyond the typical tourist circuits.
About the author
Citimarks is the imprint of my experiences as both a traveler and researcher. Fifteen years ago, I moved to Paris to pursue studies in international politics. Since then, my explorations have taken me across Europe to delve into its rich cultural tapestry. Venice, Rome and Naples, each steeped in legendary history and remarkable architecture, became my second homes.
In the early stages of my travels, I became intrigued by how geopolitics, immigration, and trade influenced artistic creation in each city. I sought to understand how these factors shaped urban development, molding local customs and lifestyles. My studies in art history revealed the connections between economy, religion, and culture. Alongside academic research, travel literature unveiled anecdotal city stories and insightful remarks that remain impressively relevant, offering profound glimpses into the true essence of a place and its people.
What began as a solitary journey has evolved to include the voices of talented residents who graciously share their own city stories and recommendations with Citimarks. I am profoundly grateful for their invaluable contributions to this project. Special thanks extend to our web creators at Nowhere Studio and our editing partner, writer Andriana Sakka, for their assistance in crafting this guide in the most compelling manner.
As we discover new places, travelers are afforded a unique opportunity for self-reflection. We hope that the city portraits presented in this guide serve as inspiration for every journey along the way. May the spirit of exploration continue to thrive.
Dimi Michailidi
All photos are captured by Citimarks unless otherwise credited. Proper acknowledgments are given to respective authors, with no intention of copyright infringement.