The small medieval Italian town of Bracciano, situated near Rome beside a volcanic lake, was swept up in excitement as reports circulated that actor Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes would marry Saturday at the historic Odescalchi Castle. Although neither the couple nor local officials formally confirmed the event, the town of roughly 15,000 residents was preparing as though the wedding were certain.
Mayor Patrizia Riccioni said the town had enlisted 30 additional traffic officers and 60 volunteers to manage the crowds, while local restaurants and hotels reported full bookings. The municipality introduced a fee of 1,000 euros per media outlet wishing to photograph the event from two municipal buildings overlooking the castle.
Italian press reported the celebration could cost around 1.5 million dollars, with the castle rental alone valued at roughly 2 million euros. Guests reportedly dressed by Giorgio Armani, catering by a favored Rome restaurant, and a performance by tenor Andrea Bocelli were among the details circulating. Celebrity attendees rumored to include John Travolta and the Beckhams.
Local residents moved quickly to capitalize. A dentist offered his attic apartment to television crews for 1,000 euros per day, and one restaurant created a special truffle-and-mushroom risotto named after the couple. "We are ready to welcome thousands of fans," Mayor Riccioni said.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.