Virat and Anushka Italian wedding in Tuscany: Everything about the destination venue, see pics
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are all geared up for their Italian wedding and the destination venue in itself is a place to remember.
Three years ago, in an interview with Harper's Bazaar Bride, Anushka Sharma said that if she were to have a destination wedding, it would be in 'somewhere like a vineyard perhaps'. In 2017, as she and Indian skipper Virat Kohli are all set to tie the knot, Sharma has made sure vineyards are a big part of her wedding ceremony.
The couple, along with their respective families, took off to Italy in the wee hours of Friday. While the initial speculation was that Kohli and Sharma were getting married in Milan, seems like they are not. Their big day is taking place just a little over four hours south of Milan, in a historic property called Borgo Finocchieto in Tuscany, South Italy.
WHERE IS BORGO FINOCCHIETO?
Borgo Finocchieto in Buoncovento is about an hour from the city of Tuscany and is known for its celebrity-endorsed resort. The property is a restored 13th Century village that has five villas. The word 'borgo' is Italian for 'village'. 'Finochietto' in Italian means an orchard, or fields, of fennel. The owner of the Borgo bought the property in 2001, and is said to have spent eight years restoring the 13th Century village and giving it its present look.
At once, the resort can accommodate 44 people in 22 rooms. That might explain why most of Virat and Anushka's friends had to be left behind in India, waiting for a wedding reception in Mumbai on probably December 26. Borgo Finocchieto is at a distance of 34 kms from the Italian station of Siena and 2 kms from the Bibbiano Castle. Florence is an hour's drive from the place, and Rome is two-and-a-half hours away. Borgo Finocchieto sits right next to Italy's wine capital, Montalcino. Anushka's vineyard wedding done right, we say!
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
An entire village in Siena is now Borgo Finocchieto. Its historical importance lies in the fact that the erstwhile village was located on the Via Francigena, the road that the medieval pilgrims took to reach Rome from Canterbury some 800 years ago. The Via (road) connected the monastic stopovers of Monte Oliveto and Sant Antimo.
The village probably hosted numerous pilgrims, merchants and adventurers through the centuries. You might want to go back to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to refresh your memory of Siena and the journey that his pilgrims set out on.
WEDDINGS IN BORGO FINOCCHIETO
You can find the Borgo Finocchieto listed under 'Exclusive Weddings in Italy'. The place promises to give you the experience of a lifetime and something to remember the big day by. They are famous for their rolling lawns, wine-tasting rooms and a gazebo. The Borgo is often booked for wedding parties and has seen several celebrity visits in the past.
The Borgo Finocchieto comes with five independent and luxurious buildings, air-conditioned to make sure the heat of South Italy doesn't bother you. The villas are named Finocchieto, Colussi, Filippi, Santa Teresa and Fede.
CELEBRITIES AT BORGO FINOCCHIETO
The place is famous for its high-profile guests. Remember the Obamas on their Tuscan vacation just this May? They were at the Borgo Finocchieto too. Barack and Michelle Obama, after leaving the White House, have been on a dream tour of sorts. Their May sojourn began in Milan, where the former US president delivered a speech on climate change, and the couple then headed to Borgo Finocchieto, where Virat and Anushka are now getting married.
The Borgo comes with a testimonial by the late American politician, Edward (Ted) Kennedy, who gushed, "Vicki (Victoria Kennedy) and I can't thank you enough for having us at the Borgo. The wine, food and friends made for a special visit that we'll never forget. We envy your small piece of Tuscan heaven and we're grateful to you for sharing it with us.... With great appreciation and affection."
COSTS
The medieval villa sits right atop (is second actually, next to Hacienda Santa Ines in Costa Rica) Forbes' list of 20 most expensive holiday destinations in the world. One week at the Borgo Finocchieto is going to set you back by at least Rs 1 crore. The rates range from Rs 6,50,000 to 14,00,000 per night.
VIRAT AND ANUSHKA
The Borgo Finocchieto is completely booked till December 13, by when Virat and Anushka are expected to tie the knot. Sachin Tendulkar, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are among the very few people expected to be there.
For the next few days, a private security cordon around the heritage property keeps people out. A team of bhangra dancers have arrived and staying in nearby Bibbiano. Sangeet and other Punjabiwedding ceremoniesare on. A quaint little village in Tuscany is getting a taste of Punjab. It sure will be a wedding to remember!
(The writer tweets as @ananya116)
FULL COVERAGE: Virat and Anushka's Italian wedding
ALSO WATCH | Exclusive video from Borgo Finocchieto, Virat and Anushka's stunning wedding venue