With a year-round population of just 379, Portofino has emerged as Italy's wealthiest municipality and is well known for being a magnet for the rich and famous.
Madonna arrived on Sunday, reportedly for a party hosted by the fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana, but the talk of the village has been the hunt by local police for air conditioners illegally installed by residents seeking respite from the stifling heat.
Portofino has been part of a regional national park since 1935, and until a few years ago the installation of AC units on its pastel-coloured buildings was entirely banned. As summers became hotter, rules were loosened, so long as the homeowner asked permission and ensured the units were discreetly placed and did not sully Portofino's natural beauty.
This story is from the August 13, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the August 13, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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