Yvonne of Hello World is blogging live from Venice for the next several months. Before she went, she posted some photos of her collection of "pissote" and now that she's there, she's posting "pissota of the day" photos. In case you don't know, a pissota is a triangular block designed to discourage public urination; you can find them in corners all over Venice. It's a hilarious thing to collect, and I'm amazed at how many she has found so far (and the variety!).
So in all the thousands of photos I've taken in Venice, I've only got one photo of a pissota. This one is nestled next to a church, and has a cross and the symbol of Calvary carved on it. Yvonne, I'll be happy to tell you where to find this one if you don't already have it. :)
Comments (8)
That's a beauty! Yes, please tell me where it is, I'm so darn bad at keeping track of where things are. I've got so many pissotte up my sleeve, I'll never run out!
Posted by Yvonne | November 29, 2011 2:20 PM
Posted on November 29, 2011 14:20
They haven't really been on my radar but I'm sure I'll notice them all over the place next time I'm in Venice, thanks to you!
Walk to the right side of Santa Maria della Fava to find this one. Cheers, Annie
Posted by Annie | November 29, 2011 3:03 PM
Posted on November 29, 2011 15:03
How interesting is that? I've never before heard of the pissotte...but it does make a lot of sense! Now, I'll be keeping an eye out for these.
Posted by sandrac | November 29, 2011 3:52 PM
Posted on November 29, 2011 15:52
Sandra, let us know if you find them in Rome! I can't believe you're only a couple of days away from moving there. Safe travels to you!
Posted by Annie | November 29, 2011 4:45 PM
Posted on November 29, 2011 16:45
The cross makes an added incentive not to use the corner for 'an inappropriate purpose'.
Posted by Andrew | December 1, 2011 6:41 AM
Posted on December 1, 2011 06:41
Andrew, I would hope so!
Posted by Annie | December 1, 2011 10:30 AM
Posted on December 1, 2011 10:30
I was rather shocked that a cross would be placed right there--almost like a target--but Andrew's remark about it as a deterrent makes more sense. Except for the irreverent and impious, I suppose, of which Venice seems to have had it's share.
Posted by Steven | December 14, 2011 3:44 PM
Posted on December 14, 2011 15:44
Steven, I didn't know what it was when I took the photo, I just noticed the cross. This particular one looks like a place where you could sit down to rest. :)
Posted by Annie | December 15, 2011 12:34 PM
Posted on December 15, 2011 12:34