It is not clear if this truncated stele is part of what was once called “Fonte Guglia” (Spire Fountain), whose collocation was however elsewhere, at the corner of “Via delle Spianate” (now “Corso Mazzini”) with “Borgo dei Cappuccini”. The obelisk has already lost its top some time ago due to stability problems.
In a view of Livorno from L'Italie à vol d'Oiseau (A bird's eye view of Italy) by Alfred Guesdon (circa 1850) you can easily spot the pristine obelisk at the right end of the green area. It was probably built in the 1830s with parts from other steles, formerly used to delimitate the area around the old city walls where building was not allowed.
A postcard showing “Piazza Mazzini” in 1911, now full of young trees, with the obelisk visible on the right.(Postcard digitized from the collection of Antonio Cantelli)
See also: The Two TowersSearch labels: postcard
11 comments:
Great post VP. Thank you.
Very interesting, VP. I always enjoy your historical posts about Livorno.
Interesting piece of history.
That is wonderful that it is still standing.
Too bad it lost the top part. But now you have the old pictures in which it still lives on.
Interesting, the purpose of these obelisks.
Interesting posting, and the old card must cost quite a lot today. The italian stamps have always been nice.
As a child I collected stamps.
This fountain is very beautiful and it has lots of history.The vintage postcard is wonderful.
Léia
Yes, there was a time when they were very fashionable, obviously not so anymore...
How very interesting. Great post, VP.
Interesting. I love the old views.
How sad that the obelisk has lost its top.
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