Friday, March 5, 2010

Porta a Mare

Porta a Mare, Gate to the Sea, via Edda Fagni, monument to Luigi Orlando by Lio Gangeri, LivornoThe 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).Benetti Yachts local headquarters, Porta a Mare, Livorno The mint new local headquarters of the Benetti Yachts is the first building we meet in the new street.Cannon, Benetti shipyard entrance, Porta a Mare, LivornoAs you can see, the Benetti shipyard entrance is heavily guarded...Benetti shipyard, Porta a Mare, Livorno...but it's easy to snap a picture of a superyacht in construction.Stecca Artigianale, Craftsmen's Stick, buildings, Porta a Mare, LivornoThe “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

23 comments:

Lowell said...

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.

The 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.

James said...

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.

dianasfaria.com said...

I love the statue of Mr. Orlando. It looks like he may have a friend watching over his shoulder.

Kaori said...

Love the cannon! Is it made from wood? It must be very old :)

VP said...

@ Jacob - It is a temporary dead-end. After the works are completed the street will lead straight inside the Porto Mediceo.

@ Kaori - I think it may be a real old cannon. There are some around.

tapirgal said...

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.

joo said...

I 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:)

Wolynski said...

Even the new buildings are colorful in Livorno. Love the photo of the hunchback senator called Edna.

Lowell said...

Hi VP! Re: your comment on Ocala DP that you'd not seen horses like these ... well, maybe you were looking at the wrong end? ;-)

Hilda said...

The 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…

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, VP!

Halcyon said...

Cool pictures! I'm glad you were undetected in your photo shoot. I'm not sure you'd survive a cannon strike. :)

Happy weeekend!!

B SQUARED said...

Superyachts do not seem to have suffered in this recession.

Lois said...

He certainly is keeping an eye on things!

Unknown said...

Thank you for this walk, the only thing missing here is the smell of the sea breeze.

Small City Scenes said...

The 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.

mb

brattcat said...

Love the posture and expression of the statue in the top shot.

cieldequimper said...

That's a very good statue and the gulls know it.

Cezar and Léia said...

I liked a lot the building shot, also a great composition in that first shot, nice sculpture!
Léia :)

Dina said...

Interesting new things (and old cannon).
I'd love to see how a ship is built.

merrytait said...

An interesting statue--Jacob's comment about the dead-end street is funny.

Ilse said...

Senator looks so elegant & dignified.

Stefan Jansson said...

Nice mix of facts and photos.

Andreea said...

Nice series, a different aspect of Livorno than what we've seen so far. Funny that they keep a cannon.