This is one of the only two gargoyles in town. Both belong to the “Cappella di Maria Immacolata” (Mary Immaculate Chapel), which is inside a private school run by the Mantellate Sisters.
The Neo-Romantic chapel by the Livornese Luigi Zumkeller was inaugurated in 1912. It was built with the intervention of sister Luisa Martelli, from a wealthy Florentine family.
A rather unique building. I don't understand the fascination with gargoyles...must go back to the Middle Ages...are they to not only drain water but scare off the "evil" spirits?
ReplyDeleteThey can look scary, but I kinda like this gargoyle.
ReplyDeleteThis gargoyle actually looks quite normal compared to some of the other statues and carvings you've shown us! The building itself is beautiful, too ;D
ReplyDeleteWish my house had Gargoyals
ReplyDeleteOnly two gargoyles? And this is Italy? There should be a law requiring more.
ReplyDeleteLike B Squared, I'm surprised there aren't more gargoyles in Livorno. But the chapel is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI like the strong clean lines of these modern gargoyles.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful chapel they have to live on.
They look scaring, while the chapel as a whole is very inviting!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Cezar
I like scary gargoyles. I see you took the picture over the wall... :-)
ReplyDeleteLove this shot of the gargoyle against that blue sky.
ReplyDeletePerfect sky. Very cute gargoyle.
ReplyDeleteI like this gargoyles. Pretty cool VP.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it was built in 1912, the gargoyle itself already has a certain Deco look and that's very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe gargoyle looks almost inca or maya, a frozen jaguar
ReplyDeleteIt only takes two!!
ReplyDeleteAnother great subject!
ReplyDeleteAt first I was sure they were much older.
Yes, the squarish gargoyles look Deco. I like them, and the building.
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