But what drew UNESCO’s attention in 2006 was the Palazzi dei Rolli, or Rolli Palaces – a system of aristocratic mansions so spectacular ... a new role in Europe as great bankers and financiers ...

At its peak, the Gold Coast, which extends from Great Neck to Northport, had roughly 1,200 mansions, almost half of which were set on 50 acres or more. Great families, such as the Vanderbilts ...