The statue of the senator Luigi Orlando observes one of the newest streets in Livorno, dedicated to Edda Fagni, another local senator. Walking this street, still a dead end, we enter the area of the former Orlando shipyard now known as “Porta a Mare” (Gate to the Sea).
The mint new local headquarters of the Benetti Yachts is the first building we meet in the new street.
As you can see, the Benetti shipyard entrance is heavily guarded...
...but it's easy to snap a picture of a superyacht in construction.
The “Stecca Artigianale” (Craftsmen's Stick), a long snake of office spaces, is the only other building present now. It reaches deep inside the old shipyard, where centuries ago there was the “Porta Murata” (Walled Gate), once protecting the south side of the port.See also: The Two Towers
Hmmm...I'm not sure I'd like my name on a dead-end street if I was an important state senator. But, then again, it's better than having no street named after me.
ReplyDeleteThe yacht facility looks quite nice. Mega-yachts fascinate me, probably because of the massive amounts of money it takes to, not only buy one, but keep it running!
So, is this yours they are building? ;-)
Oh, and it is so important to guard such a facility thus it was good to see a big gun.
The building is really interesting with the color squares. I don't think I've seen one like it. I like the top picture with the little black bird on the left side.
ReplyDeleteI love the statue of Mr. Orlando. It looks like he may have a friend watching over his shoulder.
ReplyDeleteLove the cannon! Is it made from wood? It must be very old :)
ReplyDelete@ Jacob - It is a temporary dead-end. After the works are completed the street will lead straight inside the Porto Mediceo.
ReplyDelete@ Kaori - I think it may be a real old cannon. There are some around.
The first shot is stunning, with the lighting and the unexpected composition of the sign and statue and the dark background. I had to laugh at your cannon comment. I hope they don't have to use it.
ReplyDeleteI like the statue of seator - he has very interesting expression on his face! I also like the buildimg in the second photo - looks neat and good its still guarded:)
ReplyDeleteEven the new buildings are colorful in Livorno. Love the photo of the hunchback senator called Edna.
ReplyDeleteHi VP! Re: your comment on Ocala DP that you'd not seen horses like these ... well, maybe you were looking at the wrong end? ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe blue, green and gray windows seem to be a requirement in this complex. Quite odd to see an old cannon amongst such new buildings, but it's a lovely historic piece. I remember Benetti and its gorgeous yachts from one of your older posts…
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend, VP!
Cool pictures! I'm glad you were undetected in your photo shoot. I'm not sure you'd survive a cannon strike. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weeekend!!
Superyachts do not seem to have suffered in this recession.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly is keeping an eye on things!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this walk, the only thing missing here is the smell of the sea breeze.
ReplyDeleteThe old is being covered by the new. the new building is very modern. Love the old time cannon. Yes, I hope they don't ever TRY TO USE IT. lol.
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Love the posture and expression of the statue in the top shot.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good statue and the gulls know it.
ReplyDeleteI liked a lot the building shot, also a great composition in that first shot, nice sculpture!
ReplyDeleteLéia :)
Interesting new things (and old cannon).
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see how a ship is built.
An interesting statue--Jacob's comment about the dead-end street is funny.
ReplyDeleteSenator looks so elegant & dignified.
ReplyDeleteNice mix of facts and photos.
ReplyDeleteNice series, a different aspect of Livorno than what we've seen so far. Funny that they keep a cannon.
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