This week's PhotoHunt theme is "Closed."
I took the first photo last year from the boat on the way to Torcello, an island in the Venetian lagoon with a couple of amazing ancient churches. When I saw the scaffolding around the bell tower, I knew that it was still closed and when I got there, the sign confirmed it.
Closed for Extraordinary Maintenance. Sounds dire, doesn't it?
The only time I've found this tower open was in 2003. The views of the lagoon from the top are fantastic but that was before I had a digital camera. I'd love to climb this tower again someday.
It was also closed when I went in 2008 (being repaired after a lightning strike), and I learned from this article that it re-opened briefly in 2009 before being closed again because of a "real and serious risk of collapse." This 12th century tower is so fragile that they've stopped ringing the bells.
And here's a late winter camellia bud...closed at the time but not for long.
You can find more Photo Hunters and join the hunt here.
Thanks for visiting and have a good weekend. Happy April!
Comments (20)
Hi Annie, extraordinary does sound dire. I hope that they are able to save and repair the tower, because you are so right, the views of the lagoon is fantastic. I have friends going to Venice in June and when they asked me which island to visit I said Torcello! I love the beautiful closed (but not for long) flower bud. Beautiful close up shot.
btw, you were right about AI. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | April 1, 2011 9:24 AM
Posted on April 1, 2011 09:24
Bizarro! I wonder what they mean by "extraordinary" maintenance. That is kinda scary! Love the bud pic, Spring is in the air :)
Posted by Sue St Clair | April 1, 2011 9:47 AM
Posted on April 1, 2011 09:47
hope the bell tower will be opened soon. your photos are gorgeous.
Posted by LifeRamblings | April 1, 2011 9:51 AM
Posted on April 1, 2011 09:51
May be next time you go visit it will be open and you'll be able to share what's inside.
Happy April.
Posted by Ewok | April 1, 2011 12:35 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 12:35
The problems with the tower seem a little alarming! That bud is really pretty :-)
Posted by CherryPie | April 1, 2011 1:38 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 13:38
I think I need extraordinary maintenance. Retired today- woo-hoo!
Posted by Andrew | April 1, 2011 2:28 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 14:28
Wow, Andrew, that's awesome! Congratulations to you. I'm looking forward to that day but it's going to be a while.
This isn't an April Fool's joke, is it? Do you all do that in the UK?
Happy Retirement!
Posted by Annie | April 1, 2011 2:47 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 14:47
The camellia bud is gorgeous. Hope the bell tower opens soon. :)
Have a fabulous weekend!
Closed
Posted by Liz | April 1, 2011 2:53 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 14:53
Oh the bud is gorgeous!!
Happy Weekend.
Posted by Pat | April 1, 2011 3:05 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 15:05
Extraordinary maintenance. LOL. Those Italians! Everything is always in restauro.
Have a good weekend.
Posted by jmb | April 1, 2011 4:54 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 16:54
Extraordinary maintenance does sound dire. Great choice and I also like the closed bud. Happy Weekend!
Posted by Carver | April 1, 2011 5:52 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 17:52
Interesting post -- and that flower bud photo is lovely! :)
Also your second photo answered a query I had about Venice: i.e., re whether it's friendly to those who rely on signs in English (as opposed to Italian) for information! ;b
Posted by YTSL | April 1, 2011 9:58 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 21:58
Oh the flower is pretty. Happy PH! Mine is up.
Posted by Gengen | April 1, 2011 10:10 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 22:10
So disapointing to not be able to see something that is closed... love the flower. Perfect finds for the theme!
Posted by ann | April 1, 2011 11:20 PM
Posted on April 1, 2011 23:20
"extraordinary maintenance" sounds hopeless.:p i hope they would restore the tower. i love the closed bud.
Closed
Posted by Luna Miranda | April 2, 2011 5:18 AM
Posted on April 2, 2011 05:18
I sure do hope the extraordinary maintenance will keep the bell tower safe for those who want to go there :)
Posted by Julie | April 2, 2011 6:53 AM
Posted on April 2, 2011 06:53
Annie, I would love to see the view from the tower if it ever opens to the public again. Your photo of the Camellia bud is so pretty, ah yes, spring is here at last. Happy week end!
Posted by Sandra | April 2, 2011 7:29 AM
Posted on April 2, 2011 07:29
You can only do April fools tricks until noon on the 1st. I really have retired- a strange feeling. A project I have is to build a model Venetian palace like a doll's house. If you have any ideas where I can find info on the interior please let me know. I've discovered that the kitchens were at the very top!
Posted by Andrew | April 2, 2011 10:00 AM
Posted on April 2, 2011 10:00
too bad you weren't able to visit it again but it's really good that they are taking extraordinary measures to repair the ancient tower. happy weekend!
Posted by Marites | April 2, 2011 8:33 PM
Posted on April 2, 2011 20:33
Andrew, that sounds like a fun project. If I run across anything that might help, I'll let you know. Had never heard that about the kitchen!
Posted by Annie | April 4, 2011 9:04 AM
Posted on April 4, 2011 09:04