This is a view from the roof terrace of “Villa Letizia” toward the hills southeast of Livorno. The first tower is the old reservoir of the villa, the bell tower in the middle of the picture belongs to the church of Saint Simon, in “Ardenza Terra”. Near the top of the hills we can see Montenero and its Sanctuary. The strange address of the villa is “Via dei Pensieri”, or Street of Thoughts.
The villa was built in the first years of 18th Century amidst a huge park. It was completed in 1873 by a new owner, David Bondi, who restored the villa and built the reservoir tower.
In the last years of the 19th Century the “Ippodromo” (racetrack) was built in northern part of the park.Now the main building is an educational facility with an off-campus degree course of the University of Pisa. Computer related training courses are hold here quite often.
On the southern end of the park, where the main entrance once was, the original “belvedere”, is wrapped in scaffolding. From up there they could see the sea just across the avenue that is now “Viale Italia”.
23 comments:
I'm sure you will climb up there and shoot a panorama for us?
The reservoir is a lovely structure! The shape and decoration really appeal to me.
Seems like a good use of the old building. I wonder what they are planning to do where the old entrance was.
I really appreciated this post, VP, 'cause it provides another broader view of Livorno and its environs.
And that villa is just superb!
I'll second Jacob's comments. You are such a tour guide. I could follow easily the different landmarks you mentioned.
I really like the view with the reservoir tower.
Sydney - City and Suburbs
It's too bad that it's not a museum or private residence in my opinion! Just for computer classes? C'est dommage!
i am with steffe, climb up for a photo.
Interesting, pretty and what a great address !:-)
I really like the first photo wiith this towers - it's terrific!
Have a nice weekend:)
Italy is full of lovely old villas and amazing scenery. How lucky you are.
Cheers.
Melbourne Daily Photo
The towers (esp. the first one) are very Moorish in appearance ... great shot!
Gena @ Thinking Aloud
South Africa
What a beautiful series of shots !! nice!!
Simple and elegant building with a wonderful view. It's hard to imagine this lovely facade hiding rooms full of computers inside.
When the belvedere has been restored, I hope you'll take another photo.
That photo with the tower up front is beautiful. And I love the name Street of Thoughts. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful Saturday :)
The lovely villa must have many rooms! Great view on the first photo ;)
The Villa is beautiful. I love the name of the street. What a great name.
What a lovely street name and a beautiful villa. I've stopped counting the towers and turrets now, I'm lost!
What a wonderful name, the street of thoughts! LOL! I love it! Is there a particular reason for that name?
The tower looks old and interesting.
I like that -- The Street of Thoughts. We could never come up with something so poetic in the States. Very attractive villa. I definitely could see myself living in such a lovely place.
When I saw this post, I realized I hadn't seen much of Livorno's setting so that was interesting. I love the design of the tower. And the belvedere wrapped in scaffolding is interesting for the shapes. Maybe you'll show it to us when it's done.
Like a castle from a fairy tale! Hope they will display the belvedere soon.
I'd love to live on a Street of Thoughts (I think. Maybe not.)
Nice to see Livorno from up high, thanks for the lovely panorama (I'm crazy for panoramas, probably because in Bucharest we have almost no high points from where to take such pictures). Beautiful villa, and it looks to be in a great shape.
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