Seems like there's been a rash of vandalism in Venice this year – Senor Rioba’s head, a fire that might have been arson at the church of Santa Maria dei Derelitti (Ospedaletto), and even a couple of shrines (but with happy endings though).
One of the many Venice blogs that I enjoy reading, the Alloggi Barbaria blog is unique because the author actually lives in Venice and keeps all of us far-flung Venice lovers posted about news from the city. After I read about these vandalized shrines, I checked my photos and I had visited both of them.
This Castello shrine guards the bridge, Ponte Tetta. It’s a beautiful shrine but was very weather beaten when I saw it. The vandalism led to a complete restoration and now it looks fantastic. I can’t wait to see it in person.
The image inside this shrine is rather unusual; it’s a terracotta relief showing The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. The relief was carved by Capuchin father Massimiliano Vaiente in1980.
This sweet little shrine is inside Sotoportego Del Fontego, close to campo Santa Margherita. The icon inside this one is a statue of Our Lady wearing a crown. The first post I read showed the empty shrine with crime scene tape on it, a horrible sight! Then later came the good news that the icon was found and is now safe in the sacristy of the nearby church of the Carmini. I hope that this shrine will be restored too.
The droopy red rose makes me smile. I love these little signs of devotion.
Comments (5)
It's really horrifying to think anyone would get amusement from vandalizing shrines....that's beyond pathetic. And the crime scene photo tells the sad story, so starkly.
But it's good to hear that at least there are happy endings -- at least for the Ponte Tetta shrine. I hope the shrine inside the Sotoportego Del Fontego has a happy ending, too!
Posted by sandrac | August 4, 2010 9:47 PM
Posted on August 4, 2010 21:47
Hi Annie, I'm sorry to hear that there has been a rash of Vandalism. And the crime scene tape over the empty shrine looks pretty bad. I'm so happy they were able to find that beautiful statue. The first shrine looks really great after the restoration. Amazing what a face lift will do. Cool that they were able to paint over the graffiti on the side of the shrine too.
Thanks so much for this interesting read. I like happy endings.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | August 5, 2010 7:49 AM
Posted on August 5, 2010 07:49
Guess the good news in all of this is that the icon was found. Sad that some people don't understand the value of history and devotion. But your juxtaposition brings this home.
Posted by menehune | August 6, 2010 8:49 AM
Posted on August 6, 2010 08:49
I love that you keep tabs on the little shrines that you have visited. I am going to be much more aware of them when I am in Venice next May.
Posted by nancyhol | August 6, 2010 11:16 PM
Posted on August 6, 2010 23:16
Thank you for continuing to contribute to our knowledge of Venice. And, grazie mille for the link to the Alloggi Barbaria blog. I can foresee many a happy hour browsing through that.
Posted by Yvonne | August 7, 2010 2:45 AM
Posted on August 7, 2010 02:45