Friday, August 14, 2009

Villa Montano

Villa Montano, LivornoI don't know if this building is really called “Villa Montano”, but it was built for this family in the 20's of last century. This is a famous family in town because of three generations of great fencers, olympic medalists and champions in men's sabre: the last gold was won in Athens 2004 by Aldo Montano.Villa Montano, LivornoWe can see the elaborate window above the main entrance, on the left side of the first image, with a partial view of the stairwell.Villa Montano, LivornoThe other side of the building faces an enclosed garden with porticoed terraces and a roof garden. Yes, even olympic champions need to dry their laundry.
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24 comments:

  1. stromsjoAugust 14, 2009 at 7:25 AM

    Sometimes it's a pity to have a zillion cars parked everywhere in a city. The architecture could do a lot better without them for a while.

    Interesting building with a bit of modern history.

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  2. JamesAugust 14, 2009 at 7:46 AM

    That is really an amazing building. I don't think I've ever seen one quite like it. Maybe they will invite you over for dinner and you can get some pictures of the inside. :-)

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  3. MarcelAugust 14, 2009 at 8:12 AM

    Sounds like a great family to come from...

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  4. GunnAugust 14, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    "BRAVO", to you as a photographer, but also to the arcitect! Very nice!
    (Last summere I went to Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi etc.
    I saw so many amazing buildings.:-) )

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  5. jooAugust 14, 2009 at 11:22 AM

    It's a really beautiful building - I love especially the last photo with the laundry!
    By the way, isn't it amazing how different can be buildings from this time - from elaborated neohistorical styles to simple modernism.

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  6. brattcatAugust 14, 2009 at 12:34 PM

    Wonderful shots! Those brackets under the roof are intriguing. And the last shot, what an excellent composition.

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  7. FioAugust 14, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    And... the next interesting story with the wonderful photos!
    Thank you :)

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  8. B SQUAREDAugust 14, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    I thought it was a museum. What a beautiful residence.

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  9. HalcyonAugust 14, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    Do they still live there? That is a neat place! Maybe they'll invite you to dinner. ;)

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  10. SunnyAugust 14, 2009 at 3:21 PM

    Wonderful architecture.
    Sunny :)

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  11. LowellAugust 14, 2009 at 3:39 PM

    What a fascinating place! I find buildings built around a corner especially interesting. There must be money in the family as this home can't be cheap to run or maintain.

    Like the clothes hanging out there and the garden on that top balcony.

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  12. AnonymousAugust 14, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    I like those old corner building in Europe! They are so beautiful to explore from different angles! The garden is the best part though - the facade is very parade - the garden is very cozy and family friendly! I like the terrace at the top! And the pink always work for me!

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  13. AntjasAugust 14, 2009 at 4:28 PM

    I noticed that the windows are all shuttered up. Hopefully the owners are on vacation because it would be a shame if those big windows aren't letting in the sun. What a lovely home.

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  14. SarettaAugust 14, 2009 at 4:50 PM

    What a fantastically beautiful building! A suitable home for champions!

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  15. UnknownAugust 14, 2009 at 4:55 PM

    This is a beautiful house! Although I hate pink I really like it on old charming houses. We have a lot here too.

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  16. Cezar and LéiaAugust 14, 2009 at 8:08 PM

    Those charming buildings give a feeling of "la dolce vita"...
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  17. cieldequimperAugust 14, 2009 at 8:42 PM

    Ah yes! I'm a fencing lover so I do know them. Such an elegant sport. This is a very nice house with so many cool details.

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  18. crocrodylAugust 14, 2009 at 10:22 PM

    Very interesting building! Great deatils! I like also the shape of the roof in the first photo:)

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  19. HildaAugust 15, 2009 at 4:03 AM

    It's a magnificent house and I love the idea of an enclosed garden.

    Nothing beats the sun for drying laundry! ;)

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  20. AnonymousAugust 15, 2009 at 4:06 AM

    Dear, Vogon Poet! Because you asked how I smudge pictures - I made one dedicated on your blog - based on this very garden of this beautiful villa. Hope you enjoy the drawing - I usually smudge my own pictures - if you have problem with my post - as I based it on your photo - let me know and I will delete it.

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  21. tapirgalAugust 15, 2009 at 5:35 AM

    The laundry comment is funny, and this building is amazing. I wouldn't mind having it myself :) Nice post, Vogon. I always enjoy coming back.

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  22. AnonymousAugust 15, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Love the perspective of the first building. Grandiose!

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  23. UnknownAugust 15, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    Beautiful house and architecture and lovely shots of it!
    I've lived in Livorno for 3 months in 2002.
    Lovely old village :)

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  24. TinsieAugust 15, 2009 at 10:59 PM

    That's an interesting building!

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