The Breakers Photo Gallery by William Vogt at pbase.com

The Breakers

Considered by many to be the most opulent mansion in Newport, The Breakers is the symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America.

In 1893, Cornelius Vanderbilt II commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the structure that had burned down the year before.

Hunt's creation resulted in this 70 room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin.

The Breakers is owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County and is a National Historic Landmark.