The old farmhouse

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It seems to have been forgotten, when the city drew nearer and the traffic demanded more space. This old farmhouse, left next to a huge roundabout, a petrol station and a scruffy industrial area.

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Via Campania. I think the area is called Coteto, but if anyone knows differently, please tell.

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The house is still very beautiful, despite (or maybe because of?) its heavy decay.

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The building is a mix of recently fitted aluminium windows and derilict stable doors.

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“Go slowly for safety reasons and to avoid raising dust. Thank you!”
Aimed at passing cars, I presume.

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Some parts of the building are clearly abandoned.

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While others have been recently attended to.

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The back of the house. I wonder how many generations have lived here, how many children have played and worked in this courtyard.

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I love when old walls reveal different and earlier door openings. A feast for ones imagination!

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I hope someone will care for this house for many years to come. And give it just enough tlc, not to ruin all of its dilapidated charm!

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Chiesa degli Olandesi

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There is a church in Livorno which is literally falling to pieces. The Chiesa degli Olandesi by the Fosso Reale canal, opposite the Mercato Centrale.

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It is such a sad sight, the sidewalk has been cut off due to the danger of stones crumbling down. The top pinnacles have been removed for safety reasons, leaving three chopped stubs.

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The neo-gothic church was finished in 1864, housing the Dutch and German congregation up until the second world war.  Its organ was said to be the finest in Tuscany, but it was stolen during the war.  The diminishing congregation was dissolved in the 1960’s. After some alternative uses, the church was abandoned.

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A water leak sped up the decay and the beautiful space with such fine acoustics, where Segovia once played at a concert,  is now a giant pigeonry. There is a will among many to save the Dutch church, but it seems quite a challenge.

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