There's so much cool stuff to see and photograph on Torcello. The stone chair above is called The Throne of Attilla because of a legend that it belonged to Attilla the Hun, whose rampage through the mainland drove the early citizens of Torcello into the lagoon. More than likely, it was a magistrate's chair but the name has stuck. It's supposed to be good luck to sit in it and I even overheard one tourist tell her friend that if you sit in it, you'll be married within a year. I didn't test it out. :)
A beautiful fragment on the side of Santa Fosca~
Outside the museum, there's a long wall with all kinds of reliefs, stone fragments, saints and such. And this wild guy, whoever he is~
I'm intriqued by this thing, whatever it is. I've looked in a bunch of books and asked several Venice experts but no luck so far. There's writing on the lower part and a relief of some kind of animal on top, peeking through the moss.
A Madonna and Child~
An angel above a doge hat~
Even the marble stairs to the cathedral are beautiful~
The wall of stones outside the museum~
Comments (12)
What a fascinating collection of stonework, sculpture, shrines.....
That mask is really scary, there's something alive about the eyes. It makes me think of Druids. And not in a good way!
The stone marker is very interesting, it almost looks like a sign post or a road marker. Are those dogs carved at the very top? They look too thin for cattle, but too thick for deer.
Posted by sandrac | November 26, 2009 10:32 AM
Posted on November 26, 2009 10:32
Hi Annie, Happy Thanksgiving! I didn't notice half of what you did in Torcello. Just to let you know I've enjoyed this series tremendously. Hoping I'll get back in a year or two.
Posted by cubbies | November 26, 2009 4:53 PM
Posted on November 26, 2009 16:53
Hi Annie,
I'm sorry I couldn't find more info on that stone. Too bad we can't read what's on it... I guess Venice has to keep a part of mystery.
Posted by AnnaLivia | November 26, 2009 10:11 PM
Posted on November 26, 2009 22:11
I've heard of the Throne of Attila, I wonder what happens if you are already married when you sit in it!
I love the Santa Fosca fragment, so beautiful and a gorgeous colour too. The wild guy creeps me out a little bit - that gaping black hole of a mouth has a nightmarish quality!
Guess I've been hanging around the Queen of funerals too much, that mystery marker looks like a headstone to me!
Posted by Anne | November 27, 2009 8:15 AM
Posted on November 27, 2009 08:15
So many beautiful and interesting images here. I would agree with Anne about the stone being a gravestone... it sure looks like one to me. I love the chair! Carol
Posted by Flower Hill Farm | November 28, 2009 10:31 AM
Posted on November 28, 2009 10:31
Great collection and photos, Annie. In regards to the mystery marker, I think it could be a headstone if it was located in church property.
The wild guy is a bit scary and it reminds me a bit of the Bocca della Verita in Rome, although he looks like a joker or buffoon.
Posted by Maria I. | November 29, 2009 2:16 AM
Posted on November 29, 2009 02:16
Interesting how Attilla the Hun and marriage are connected.
Love all of your photos. The Santa Fosca fragment is so beautiful. That wild guy certainly is creepy.
Cool post!
Posted by girasoli | November 29, 2009 3:57 PM
Posted on November 29, 2009 15:57
As usual, your pictures are great!
I too am really enjoying your Torcello series.
Posted by nancyhol | November 29, 2009 10:41 PM
Posted on November 29, 2009 22:41
Thanks everyone for your comments. The wild guy looked funny not scary to me, but I can see the Druid "not in a good way" comparison!
The mystery stone does look like a gravestone but it was along the road/path more like a marker (but it could have been moved there). Next time, I'll try to get closer photos of the writing and also the unknown animal.
Cubbies, so good to hear from you. I hope you are doing well (glad to hear that Venice is in your near future!).
Posted by Annie | December 1, 2009 3:59 PM
Posted on December 1, 2009 15:59
I must go back to visit Torcello!
Posted by LB | December 3, 2009 12:17 AM
Posted on December 3, 2009 00:17
Hi Annie, I enjoyed looking at your collection of photos. I remember that wall but did not look closely at the stones so it was really great to read this post and see them again through your eyes.
Interesting story behind that chair. I also like the one with the Madonna and child and the angel.
Thanks so much Annie for all of your wonderful and interesting Torcello posts.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | December 7, 2009 6:21 PM
Posted on December 7, 2009 18:21
Wow. they all look interesting. It makes even lovelier with the photos! I'm too glad you posted this up. Can't wait to visit this place one day. :-)
Posted by croatia | January 21, 2010 11:27 PM
Posted on January 21, 2010 23:27