Another shrine on a bridge that seems to be located specifically for gondoliers and boatmen...right at their eye level and just above the water!
The beautiful carving of Mary, Queen of Heaven, is dated 1615. The bridge is Ponte Cavallo (horse), named in honor of the famous equestrian statue in the adjacent campo of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo (aka San Zanipolo). There might be gondolas carved at the bottom of this shrine too but it's kind of hard to tell. I think I see them though in the third photo down.
I love the stars above her shoulder. Many shrines have flowers, but this one has a live volunteer weed growing out of the stones! A remarkably green and healthy looking plant too. It's great to see plants growing in improbable places like this...makes me believe that nature will prevail no matter what.
Comments (9)
Hi Annie, this is a wonderful looking shrine. I can see the gondolas in the photo. Very nice that it is positioned at eye level for the gondoliers and boatmen. I so agree with you, nature does find a way ... and how nice of her to make her way next to this beautiful shrine.
Thank you so much for sharing. Have an awesome 4th of July Holiday extra long weekend. :)
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | June 30, 2011 10:31 PM
Posted on June 30, 2011 22:31
Thanks Kathy, you have a great holiday too. I'm really looking forward to a long weekend!
Posted by Annie | July 1, 2011 11:38 AM
Posted on July 1, 2011 11:38
Yes you can see the gondolas with their little 'felze' shelters they used to have. Have a lovely w/e Annie.
Posted by Andrew | July 2, 2011 3:23 AM
Posted on July 2, 2011 03:23
That is a really interesting place for a shrine.
Posted by CherryPie | July 2, 2011 6:10 AM
Posted on July 2, 2011 06:10
Thanks Andrew - I hope you have a nice weekend too.
Cherie, Thanks for stopping by. I'm in the midst of a blog series about shrines with connections to gondoliers and boatmen. There are quite a few of them in Venice.
Posted by Annie | July 2, 2011 7:40 AM
Posted on July 2, 2011 07:40
That is a beautiful shrine and interesting that it's at a good level for gondoliers. I hope you have a happy independence day weekend.
Posted by Carver | July 2, 2011 9:00 AM
Posted on July 2, 2011 09:00
Hi Annie, I like the way you follow a theme, and this one is especially nice. I have crossed that bridge so many times and never noticed this shrine...how many others?
Posted by Christian | July 3, 2011 5:26 AM
Posted on July 3, 2011 05:26
Carver, you have a great weekend too!
Thank you Christian, I appreciate it. There are a few more coming!
Posted by Annie | July 3, 2011 7:07 AM
Posted on July 3, 2011 07:07
What a cool find! Great photos :)
Posted by girasoli | July 7, 2011 4:29 PM
Posted on July 7, 2011 16:29