Sunday, May 16, 2010

Meloria

Meloria islet, Livorno
[Photos by Maurizio]
In 1284 the battle of Meloria marked the end of the power of Pisa, so this is a place where the Livornesi happily gather to enjoy the sea and the memories.Meloria islet, LivornoThe islets aren't more than rocks in the sea, surrounded by a shoal.Meloria islet, LivornoA relatively more recent lighthouse stands on one of the islets, opposite the old tower. In background you can see Livorno, the coast and the hills.

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22 comments:

  1. Stefan JanssonMay 16, 2010 at 1:11 AM

    Thanks for the history lesson.

    Any idea how old the tower is?

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  2. VPMay 16, 2010 at 1:23 AM

    @ Steffe - The current tower was built in 1709, the lighthouse in 1867.

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  3. LowellMay 16, 2010 at 3:32 AM

    Y'all are still celebrating something that happened in 1284? Sheesh! Long memories.

    Are regular people allowed to go out to these islets?

    Please thank Trillian for her generous and kind comments!

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  4. Luis GomezMay 16, 2010 at 4:06 AM

    These are great VP. Thank you for the info.

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  5. HildaMay 16, 2010 at 4:42 AM

    Low-lying rocky islets — don't they get inundated when the tide is high? Looks like a fascinating place. And I don't doubt your statement about Livornesi being happy here. :)

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  6. brattcatMay 16, 2010 at 4:42 AM

    Very nice shots.

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  7. B SQUAREDMay 16, 2010 at 4:49 AM

    Does the lighthouse still function? Most of ours don't anymore.

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  8. T. BecqueMay 16, 2010 at 6:29 AM

    Beautiful!

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  9. DinaMay 16, 2010 at 7:56 AM

    I love the colors and history and atmosphere of these photos.

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  10. Small City ScenesMay 16, 2010 at 8:10 AM

    1284-wow-that was more than a couple of years ago. Hard to fathom. A celebration of memories sound great. MB

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  11. VPMay 16, 2010 at 9:17 AM

    @ Jacob - The thing about celebrating memories of misfortune was obviously a joke. People came here for the sea and the sun.

    @ Hilda - Nobody will be around or on the islets when the sea is rough...

    @ B Squared - The lighthouse works and was recently fitted with solar panels, visible in the second photo.

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  12. KimMay 16, 2010 at 10:00 AM

    I love the tower's proportions and its beautiful arches. And seeing the solar panels on the light house is really fun. . .kind of brings ancient memories and future dreams together.
    -Kim

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  13. cieldequimperMay 16, 2010 at 11:51 AM

    Ah. So it's been a feud since the XIIIth century has it? I see... ;-)

    The first photo, I thought you'd gone to enjoy Greek chaos for the weekend. Marvellous shots.

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  14. KaoriMay 16, 2010 at 12:03 PM

    I'd enjoy the place without any grudges, it has such a fabulous view! ;-)

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  15. jooMay 16, 2010 at 12:34 PM

    My favourite is the last one, I like colours and light. Nice to see blue sky on such cold and rainy day like today!

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  16. KateMay 16, 2010 at 12:49 PM

    Your seascape photos and the history lessons always please me! Thanks for taking the time to do both.

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  17. TussyMay 16, 2010 at 2:55 PM

    Beautiful stand in the sea!

    My Bangkok Through My Eyes

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  18. UnknownMay 16, 2010 at 3:43 PM

    I was very intrigued by the middle shot but now I realize it's just a question of perspective... Very clever angle! :-)

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  19. GunnMay 16, 2010 at 8:03 PM

    Interesting and also nice shots.

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  20. Cezar and LéiaMay 16, 2010 at 10:11 PM

    I guess people gather there primarily because of the beauty of the place, so I would... :)
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  21. IlseMay 17, 2010 at 1:12 AM

    Such a beautiful place. I cannot imagine what it is like to live where the sky is so blue & where every corner has a story to tell.

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  22. WolynskiMay 18, 2010 at 11:06 AM

    Gorgeous, especially the bottom shot. You're at your best in water.

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