Monday, September 14, 2009

Fortress with a Secret

Fortezza Nuova, LivornoFortresses have secrets and the “Fortezza Nuova” is no exception. Guarded by hundreds of cats, here are safely stored in a cellar the almost sacred “gozzi” for the “Palio Marinaro”.Fortezza Nuova, LivornoEvery quarter has its own boat for year-round training purposes, usually kept in the “cantine” facing the canals. But, for the “Palio” and the other major rowing competitions, the crews must use the original “gozzi” stored here.Fortezza Nuova, LivornoI have never seen before this curved tunnel leading to the water, with its stashed boats and neatly arranged oars, but I really think that somebody ought to fix this place up and open it to the public.

See also: Fortezza Nuova - Inside the Fortress - From the Fortress - Fortress from the Sky - The Fortress, at Last!
Search labels: Fortezza Nuova
at

20 comments:

  1. stromsjoSeptember 14, 2009 at 12:06 AM

    I guess you've just started that process - opening it up to the public...

    Well done, I'd say.

    ReplyDelete
  2. JamesSeptember 14, 2009 at 1:14 AM

    Wow! This is a fantastic series. The photos are wonderful and it's great to be able to explore this place through them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LowellSeptember 14, 2009 at 2:06 AM

    Did you know this place was here? How neat! I wonder if the gozzi are stored there because the air is beneficial or because it's convenient?

    What a great find. And I agree it would be nice to allow the public down there.

    I'll bet Stefano got you in!

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. TashSeptember 14, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    What a find! You are right - it would be a great place for a public tour!

    ReplyDelete
  5. nobuSeptember 14, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    Great!
    Fantastic photos and story.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BaruchSeptember 14, 2009 at 11:21 AM

    Nice find - great idea to have it open for the public

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cezar and LéiaSeptember 14, 2009 at 12:01 PM

    You are right,open this fabulous place for a public visit would be correct and great!
    I hope people there can deal with this possibility into reality!
    Great post!
    Léia

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stefan JanssonSeptember 14, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    Cats can do anything!

    ReplyDelete
  9. B SQUAREDSeptember 14, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    Cats always provide excellent security.

    ReplyDelete
  10. HalcyonSeptember 14, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    Neat! How were you able to access this sacred ground?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ming the MercilessSeptember 14, 2009 at 6:52 PM

    Could it a secret tunnel that was dug to create a launch point for boats in case the medieval city was attacked?

    ReplyDelete
  12. amatamari©September 14, 2009 at 6:52 PM

    The first photo is magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unseen RajasthanSeptember 14, 2009 at 6:58 PM

    Wow some lovely shots !! Thanks for sharing..Unseen Rajasthan

    ReplyDelete
  14. WolynskiSeptember 14, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    The stacked boat photos are fantastic and I love the dark church.

    ReplyDelete
  15. tapirgalSeptember 14, 2009 at 8:32 PM

    The sacred boats . . . you should write a history book from your perception :) I love the photos, especially the red boats and ancient curved structure from the inside. Very cool discovery and great pic!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rob SiemannSeptember 14, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    Great series! You're absolutely right, it should really be opened to the public.

    ReplyDelete
  17. TinsieSeptember 15, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    The first photo is pretty amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownSeptember 15, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    Fantastic perspective (1st shot)!

    ReplyDelete
  19. FioSeptember 15, 2009 at 10:57 PM

    Interesting reportage. Thank you for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mary Stebbins TaittSeptember 18, 2009 at 9:36 PM

    I really like the top image here.

    ReplyDelete