Picture of the Day - 2
Thanks everyone for the encouraging response to the idea of introducing the new feature of ‘Picture of the Day’, and so here is picture number 2. As I did in the first one, the location will gradually emerge as I provide clues along the way. The answer will be at the end of the post, so if you want to guess the location, it’s best to do the detective work first before reading the whole post.
Those of you who follow my posts will already know that I write about locations dotted around the UK and Europe, so that will be the limit to any of the pictures you find here. The first one was in the UK, and so I think it’s only fair to give our European friends a better chance of knowing where this one is.
There’s no doubt that this is a famous location, but not necessarily for the view that you’re looking at. Most people will come here to view the Duomo’s campanile, but there are also a couple more buildings that are of historic importance in the Piazza del Duomo that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The buildings were constructed in the 12th century from marble extracted from a nearby quarry which has become famous for its quality throughout the world.
Even if you haven’t guessed the exact location yet, you should have at least worked out what country we’re in, and if I tell you that the city sounds a bit like a well-known dish from this country, then you’re practically there.
The picture shows the river that runs through the city to the Mediterranean Sea, but if you want a real slice of the action, then you need to head to the Piazza del Duomo where people are often photographed holding up the Campanile.
Location – Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Date photograph taken – April 2006
POSTED – AUGUST 2024
Originally posted 2024-08-16 15:48:38.
We made a fleeting visit there from one of my favourite cities, Florence, Malc, so not a difficult guess. I doubt I’ll be back because it appears to be one that’s suffering from over tourism. Whatever are we to do about that?
It is a problem Jo and one which I mentioned in my Sintra post which is presumably why you mention it here. One of the answers I believe is to go to places that are not so obvious and therefore more welcoming. Some of my best trips have been to places that people wouldn’t have dreamt of going to.
Although it was summer and too hot, I was glad we visited Valencia when we did because I think it will soon have the same issues, Malc, but it has the benefit of being a very big place and able to absorb lots of people easily. I remember Pisa being pretty busy too, when you turned that corner onto the Leaning Tower, and that was a February day.
The other thing to consider of course is to actually stay at places that attract a lot of tourists. We stayed in both Pisa and Valencia and took advantage of going elsewhere during the busiest parts of the day and visited the city’s main attractions before too many tourists arrived and after they had gone home. Valencia, although a large city, hasn’t got the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Rome’s Coliseum though.
Very true, though I do think the Calatrava site is right up there.
So do I.
Nice post. When I got to the bit about the marble and all I thought..well, not in this country….
You’re right in thinking that Shey as we don’t have much in the way of ‘true’ marble in the UK although North-West Scotland does have small amounts of the real stuff. Anyway, I’m glad you had a look and and I’ll endeavour to give you a fighting chance with some pics nearer to home in due course.
Braw!!!!
My first thought on seeing the picture was Pisa or Florence. I didn’t need to read much more to confirm it. Fun post.
Well done. I’m not sure that you’d been here, but I had a feeling that you know it somehow.
I have been to Pisa several times, and up the tower in the days when health and safety rules weren’t a thing. I walked around the outside of each level, which you can’t do now. Aside from the main attractions, the river and surrounding areas are beautiful.
I agree. There’s more to Pisa and the surrounding area than just the Leaning Tower that’s for sure.
Before reading it, my first thoughts on the picture alone are Pisa or Florence, I will now read on.
Another one that I recognised straight away as we stayed in a hotel on that stretch of the river – I think possibly the large ochre building with shutters bang in the centre of your shot!
You should have got that one then Sarah, but I’ll have to dig deeper now 😊
Loved the pic Malc, and the series is bang on phenomenal! I think I know the location…
Glad you’re enjoying it. Have you been there?
No, only been ro two cities, Milano and Genova. Maybe this winter as I like to travel off season. Cheaper and less crowded.
Me too.
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I guessed it straight away Malc even though I’ve never been there – we always holidayed either too far north or too far south. I like the photo, it makes a change to see a view which is different to the one everyone seems to photograph 😊
You done well Eunice. I don’t want to make them too difficult to start with in case it puts people off.
Well at least I was right when I thought it was somewhere in Europe and not here in Blighty from the start. I also got the country right from your clues, and just about guessed the location with the medieval connection. It must bring back some lovely memories for you, sorting through all your photos, and it’s always good to see a snapshot of your travels near and far. 🙂
I’m never going to get around to writing about all of them, so this is an alternative way of giving some of the locations a bit of exposure – and not showing any mishaps along the way either 😊
LOL – perhaps not, maybe save those mishaps for the book instead 😉
Don’t worry, they’ll still be appearing in my normal posts 🙂
I love both this series of posts and this wonderful photo of a fantastic city
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying this idea Luisa but I knew that you would like the location
It is truly my pleasure Malc!
Thank you for always being so kind ❣️
It’s easy to be kind to someone like you Luisa.
I have to congratulate you again, Malc, on your brilliant idea of creating this post! It is interesting as not many people are as well-traveled as you are. Also, your choice of places to visit never fails to excite my curiosity, and seeing the excellent photo, I had to know more. The clues given, build gradually the tension to guess right, and I got at least the country straight away. The rest was easy, and now I know more than when I got up this morning! Thank you!
Joanna
Thanks for your support Joanna. There are a lot of people who are far more well-travelled than me and take better photographs too, but I think it’s good to have a bit of light-hearted fun along the way 😊
It doesn’t matter, Malc, about any others, you are here, and you are ours to enjoy your writing and excellent photography!
Joanna
Ah Joanna! I have no words to express how much that means to me 🙏🙏
You are worth it, Malc!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Malc, I mean it!
Joanna x
Lovely picture and a fun series of posts, Malc.
Thanks Pat and I’m glad you’re already enjoying it. For my part it relieves the frustration of not being able to post too often.